Lewis Pullman as Sentry in Marvel's Thunderbolts

Marvel's highly anticipated Thunderbolts* film remains largely under wraps, but the recent Big Game trailer offered fresh glimpses of the project. While the plot details for this MCU ensemble remain scarce, we get clearer visuals of Lewis Pullman as Robert "Bob" Reynolds, better known as The Sentry. This Superman-inspired hero marks his long-awaited MCU introduction - and the world should prepare for catastrophic consequences.

Who exactly is The Sentry, and why does he simultaneously represent Marvel's greatest protector and most terrifying existential threat? Here's the complex history of this psychologically fractured champion and his potential role in Thunderbolts*. We explore:

The Identity of Lewis Pullman's Thunderbolts Character The SentryThe Sentry's Extraordinary PowersThe Shocking Origins of The SentryThe Sentry's Avengers LegacyThe Sentry's Role in Thunderbolts

Every Upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe Project

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Lewis Pullman's Thunderbolts* Character: Who Is The Sentry?

The Sentry may be the most formidable hero in Marvel comics - and unquestionably its most hazardous.

Formerly an ordinary man named Bob Reynolds, an experimental serum granted him "the power of a million exploding suns." This unimaginable power carries a terrible price: The Sentry harbors a destructive alter ego called The Void. Every heroic act by The Sentry is counterbalanced by The Void's devastation. Bob wages a constant war against his inner darkness - a battle he gradually loses. Yet when catastrophic threats emerge, no hero proves mightier.

The Sentry's Powers and Abilities

The Sentry's abilities originate from a postwar super-soldier serum alternative. This formula accelerates his molecules milliseconds into the future, granting near-limitless capabilities.

His physical strength rivals Hulk and Thor. He possesses flight, superhuman speed, enhanced senses, and virtual invulnerability. Energy manipulation allows energy projection, teleportation, and even calming the Hulk's rage. Functionally, The Sentry serves as Marvel's equivalent to Superman.

The Void manifestation amplifies these powers to terrifying extremes. This shapeshifting entity controls weather, manipulates minds, and has withstood attacks from multiple superhero teams simultaneously. Even solar exile proved temporarily effective against this unstoppable force.

The Sentry's Secret Origin

Debuting in 2000's The Sentry miniseries, the character was originally presented as a forgotten Marvel hero. Middle-aged Bob Reynolds initially doesn't recall being the "Golden Guardian of Good." Upon regaining his memories, he discovers his nemesis The Void has also returned.

The series retroactively established The Sentry's connections to Marvel icons while revealing his fundamental duality. The world's memory was erased to contain The Void's destruction - a measure Bob ultimately repeats. The conclusion remains ambiguous about whether Bob himself retains awareness of his dual identities.

The Sentry As an Avenger

Following his limited debut, The Sentry joined the New Avengers in 2004. Introduced as a self-imposed prisoner at The Raft, he helped quell a mass breakout and reluctantly joined Earth's Mightiest Heroes. Despite his value, his perpetual struggle against The Void remained central.

During Civil War, he supported superhero registration, understanding the dangers of unregulated power. His contributions proved vital during World War Hulk. However, Norman Osborn later exploited his instability by recruiting him for the villainous Dark Avengers.

Osborn's control proved disastrous - The Void ultimately unleashed carnage during Siege, forcing the Avengers to kill The Sentry to stop the destruction.

Subsequent stories explored resurrection, power transference, and questions about his fundamental nature. Following his death in King in Black (2020), 2023's Sentry series examines what occurs when his power seeks new hosts.

The Sentry in Thunderbolts*

Despite limited media appearances beyond comics, Lewis Pullman will portray The Sentry in Thunderbolts*. Originally cast, Steven Yeun departed due to scheduling conflicts caused by Marvel's 2024 slate changes.

The Thunderbolts lineup includes Sebastian Stan's Bucky Barnes and Florence Pugh's Yelena Belova. While his exact role remains unknown, the film will likely emphasize his dual hero-villain nature.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus' Contessa Valentina could parallel Norman Osborn's Dark Avengers role, attempting to weaponize his unstable power. As the least powered MCU team, confronting The Sentry would present an extraordinary challenge.

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Key questions remain: Will the MCU establish him as a forgotten veteran hero? How prominently will his Superman parallels feature? Answers will emerge as Thunderbolts* approaches its May 2025 release.

For more MCU developments, explore our Deadpool & Wolverine ending analysis and complete Marvel upcoming projects guide.

Originally published November 17, 2023; updated September 23, 2024 with latest Thunderbolts* details.