Marvel's The Sentry Explained: Who Is Lewis Pullman's \"Bob\" In Thunderbolts?

Marvel's upcoming Thunderbolts film remains enigmatic, but the latest Big Game trailer offers a glimpse into the MCU team-up. While plot details remain scarce, the trailer provides a clearer look at Lewis Pullman as Bob, aka The Sentry. This Superman-esque hero's MCU debut promises significant upheaval.

Who is The Sentry, and why is he both the Marvel Universe's greatest champion and its most terrifying threat? Let's explore this mentally unstable hero's history and his potential role in Thunderbolts.

The Sentry: A Powerful Enigma

The Sentry is arguably the Marvel Universe's most potent, yet perilous, superhero. Once an ordinary man named Bob Reynolds, he consumed a serum granting him "the power of a million exploding suns." This immense power comes at a devastating cost: a dark alter ego, The Void. For every heroic act, The Void commits an equally evil deed. Bob Reynolds' struggle against his inner darkness is a constant, losing battle. Yet, when a powerful hero is needed, none surpass The Sentry.

The Sentry's Abilities

The Sentry's powers originate from an experimental serum, a potential Super Soldier Serum alternative developed after World War II. This serum reportedly accelerates his molecular structure forward in time. Consequently, The Sentry possesses nearly limitless abilities: superhuman strength rivaling Hulk and Thor, flight, super-speed, enhanced senses, and near invulnerability. He can also absorb and project energy, enabling feats like energy blasts, teleportation, and subduing the Hulk. Essentially, he's Marvel's answer to Superman.

The Void, however, is arguably even more formidable. This shapeshifting, demonic entity controls weather, manipulates minds, and has withstood the combined forces of the Avengers, X-Men, and Fantastic Four. Even banishment to the sun proves only a temporary setback.

The Sentry Quick Reference

First Appearance: The Sentry #1 (2000)

Creators: Paul Jenkins, Rick Veitch, & Jae Lee

Aliases: The Void, Golden Man, The Golden Guardian of Good

Team Affiliations: None (formerly New Avengers, Mighty Avengers, Dark Avengers)

Essential Reading: The Sentry Vol. 1, Age of the Sentry, Dark Avengers, Siege

The Sentry's Mysterious Origin

Created by Paul Jenkins, Rick Veitch, and Jae Lee, The Sentry debuted in the 2000 miniseries. Initially presented as a forgotten hero, even Bob Reynolds—a middle-aged, overweight man—had no memory of his past heroism. Upon regaining his memories, he confronts The Void's return. His history with figures like Hulk and the Fantastic Four is retroactively integrated into Marvel continuity.

The Sentry and The Void are revealed as two sides of the same coin. The world's collective memory of The Sentry was erased to protect it from The Void. Bob repeats this act to contain his dark side, leaving the question of his own memory ambiguous.

The Sentry as an Avenger

While the original miniseries was self-contained, The Sentry later appeared in the Marvel Universe. He joined the New Avengers in 2004, alongside Spider-Man, Wolverine, and Luke Cage. Despite his power, he struggles to maintain sanity and control The Void.

During the Civil War, he sided with Iron Man's pro-registration faction, understanding the dangers of unchecked power. He played a crucial role in countering the Hulk in World War Hulk.

His downfall began in Dark Reign (2009), where Norman Osborn manipulated him into joining the Dark Avengers. Osborn's gamble to control him failed, unleashing The Void in Siege (2010). The Sentry's death followed, though he has since been resurrected and killed again. The 2023 The Sentry series explores a new host for his power.

The Sentry's Role in Thunderbolts

Beyond comics and some mobile games, The Sentry has had limited exposure. Lewis Pullman's casting marks his MCU debut. He won't star in a solo film (yet), but will appear in Thunderbolts alongside Bucky Barnes, Yelena Belova, and Red Guardian.

His precise role remains unclear, but his comic book history suggests a blend of hero and villain. Will he initially be a Thunderbolt, only to become their nemesis? The team's relatively limited powers suggest a monumental challenge in facing him.

The Thunderbolts: A History of Chaos

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Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine might exploit Bob Reynolds' power, only to lose control. If Thunderbolts mirrors Suicide Squad, The Sentry could be the Enchantress equivalent.

The film may explore his forgotten past and connections within the MCU. His portrayal as a twisted Superman analogue remains to be seen. More details will emerge closer to the May 2025 release.

Note: This article was originally published on November 17, 2023 and updated on September 23, 2024 with the latest information about Thunderbolts*.