Marvel's upcoming Thunderbolts film remains largely mysterious, but a 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 conflict.
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 potential role in Thunderbolts.
The Sentry: A Powerful, Perilous Hero
The Sentry is arguably the Marvel Universe's most potent, yet dangerous, superhero. Once an ordinary man, Bob Reynolds, he gained "the power of a million exploding suns" from an experimental serum. This power, however, comes with a dark price: The Void, a malevolent alter ego. The Sentry's heroic acts are constantly countered by The Void's evil deeds, creating a constant internal struggle for Bob's sanity. Despite this, The Sentry remains a formidable force when the need arises.
The Sentry's Extraordinary Abilities
The Sentry's powers originate from a post-WWII serum, designed as a potential Super Soldier Serum alternative. This serum reportedly accelerates his molecules forward in time, granting him immense strength rivaling Hulk and Thor. He possesses flight, superhuman speed, enhanced senses, and near invulnerability. Energy absorption and projection allow him to unleash energy blasts, teleport, and even subdue the Hulk. Essentially, he's Marvel's version of Superman.
The Void, however, is arguably even more powerful and menacing. This shapeshifting entity controls weather, invades minds, and has withstood attacks from the combined forces of the Avengers, X-Men, and Fantastic Four. Even banishment to the sun proves only a temporary solution.
A Forgotten Origin and Avenger's Journey
Created by Paul Jenkins, Rick Veitch, and Jae Lee, The Sentry debuted in 2000. Initially, even Bob Reynolds didn't remember his past as "The Golden Guardian of Good." Upon regaining his memories, he confronts The Void's return. His history with 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 suppressed to protect it from The Void. Bob ultimately repeats this act to contain his dark side, leaving the question of his own memory ambiguous.
The Sentry later joined the New Avengers, proving a powerful asset despite his internal struggles. He sided with Iron Man during the Civil War and played a crucial role in combating the Hulk during World War Hulk. His downfall began with Norman Osborn's Dark Reign, where he was manipulated into joining the Dark Avengers. The Void's unleashing during Siege led to The Sentry's apparent demise. Subsequent resurrections and deaths, and the exploration of his powers' true nature, continue to shape his complex narrative. The 2023 The Sentry series explores the implications of The Sentry's power seeking a new host.
The Sentry's Role in Thunderbolts
Beyond limited appearances in Marvel games, The Sentry's MCU debut in Thunderbolts marks a significant milestone. Lewis Pullman's casting follows Steven Yeun's departure due to scheduling conflicts and the film's release date shift.
The Sentry's precise role in Thunderbolts remains unclear. However, his comic book history suggests a blend of heroic and villainous aspects. He might initially join the team, only to become their nemesis when he loses control. His immense power would pose a formidable challenge to the Thunderbolts.
Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine might manipulate The Sentry, mirroring Norman Osborn's actions in the Dark Avengers storyline. The Sentry's potential as a powerful asset, coupled with his instability, could make him the film's equivalent of Suicide Squad's Enchantress.
The MCU's handling of The Sentry's forgotten past and his Superman-esque nature remains to be seen. The film's release in May 2025 will reveal more.
Note: This article was originally published on November 17, 2023 and updated on September 23, 2024 with the latest information about Thunderbolts.
