Who's Bob in 'Thunderbolts'? Marvel's Sentry Revealed

Marvel's upcoming Thunderbolts film remains largely mysterious, but the recent 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 repercussions.

Who is The Sentry, and why is he simultaneously the Marvel Universe's greatest hero and its worst nightmare? Let's explore this mentally unstable hero's history and his potential role in Thunderbolts.

Who is Lewis Pullman's Thunderbolts Character, The Sentry?

The Sentry is arguably the Marvel Universe's most powerful, and most dangerous, superhero. Once an ordinary man named Bob Reynolds, he consumed a serum granting him "the power of a million exploding suns." This power, however, comes at a terrible cost: a dark alter ego known as The Void. For every good deed The Sentry performs, The Void commits an equally evil act. Bob Reynolds' struggle against his inner darkness is a constant, losing battle. Yet, when a powerful hero is needed, none are better suited than The Sentry.

The Sentry's Powers and Abilities

The Sentry's abilities originate from an experimental serum, a potential Super Soldier Serum replacement developed post-World War II. This serum supposedly accelerates his molecules forward in time. In practice, this grants The Sentry immense strength, rivaling Hulk and Thor, along with flight, super-speed, enhanced senses, and near invulnerability. He can absorb and project energy, enabling feats like energy blasts, teleportation, and subduing a rampaging Hulk. Essentially, he's Marvel's answer to Superman.

As The Void, Bob is arguably even more powerful and dangerous. The Void is a shapeshifting, demonic entity capable of weather manipulation and mind control. He has withstood the combined might of the Avengers, X-Men, and Fantastic Four, with even solar confinement proving only a temporary solution.

The Sentry Cheat Sheet

First Appearance: The Sentry #1 (2000)

Creators: Paul Jenkins, Rick Veitch, & Jae Lee

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

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

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

The Sentry's Secret Origin

Created by Paul Jenkins, Rick Veitch, and Jae Lee, The Sentry debuted in the 2000 The Sentry miniseries. The series introduces him as a forgotten hero from the Marvel Universe's past, even to Bob Reynolds himself. Bob regains his memories and becomes The Sentry, only to find his nemesis, The Void, has also returned. His past interactions with Hulk and the Fantastic Four are established, retroactively integrating him into Marvel continuity.

The Sentry and The Void are revealed to be two sides of the same coin. The world forgot The Sentry to protect itself from The Void. Bob is forced to repeat this act to contain his dark side, once again erasing the world's memory of The Sentry, leaving the extent of his own amnesia ambiguous.

The Sentry as an Avenger

While the original The Sentry miniseries was self-contained, the character later became a recurring figure 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 his sanity and control The Void.

During Civil War (2006), he sided with Iron Man's pro-registration faction, understanding the dangers of unchecked power. He also played a crucial role in combating the Hulk during World War Hulk (2007).

However, his downfall begins in Dark Reign (2009), where Norman Osborn manipulates him into joining the "Dark Avengers." Osborn's gamble to control The Sentry fails, leading to The Void's release during Siege (2010). The Sentry's life is ultimately sacrificed, though he has since been resurrected and killed again. The 2023 The Sentry series explores a new host for The Sentry's power.

How The Sentry Fits Into the Thunderbolts Movie

The Sentry's appearances outside comics have been limited to mobile games. However, Lewis Pullman's casting marks his MCU debut. He won't star in a solo film or series (yet), but will appear in Thunderbolts (2025) alongside Bucky Barnes, Yelena Belova, and Red Guardian.

His exact role remains unclear, but his comic book history suggests a portrayal emphasizing both his heroic and villainous aspects. Will he become the Thunderbolts' ultimate nemesis? His immense power would certainly pose a significant challenge to the team.

Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine might play a role similar to Norman Osborn's in Dark Avengers, exploiting The Sentry's power before losing control. If Thunderbolts is Marvel's version of Suicide Squad, The Sentry could be the Enchantress equivalent.

The film may also explore The Sentry's forgotten past and his connections to other heroes, and how closely he mirrors DC's Superman. More details will emerge closer to the May 2025 release date.

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

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