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 ramifications.

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

The Sentry: A Powerful, Perilous Presence

The Sentry is arguably the Marvel Universe's most potent, yet most dangerous, 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 steep price: a dark alter-ego known as The Void. The Sentry's heroic acts are invariably countered by The Void's malevolent deeds, making Bob Reynolds' struggle for sanity a constant, losing battle. Yet, when a powerful hero is needed, none surpass The Sentry.

The Sentry's Abilities and Powers

The Sentry's powers originate from an experimental serum, a post-WWII attempt to replicate the Super Soldier Serum. This serum purportedly accelerates his molecules forward in time, granting him near-limitless abilities. His strength rivals the Hulk and Thor; he possesses flight, super-speed, enhanced senses, and near invulnerability. He can 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 powerful and dangerous. This shapeshifting, demonic entity controls weather, manipulates minds, and has withstood the combined might of the Avengers, X-Men, and Fantastic Four. Even banishment to the sun proves only a temporary solution.

The Sentry Quick Facts

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 Secret Origin

Created by Paul Jenkins, Rick Veitch, and Jae Lee, The Sentry debuted in the 2000 miniseries. Initially, even Bob Reynolds, a middle-aged man, had no memory of his heroic past as "The Golden Guardian of Good." Upon regaining his memories, he confronts The Void's return. His history with the Hulk and Fantastic Four is retroactively woven 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 became a recurring Marvel character. He joined the New Avengers in 2004, alongside Spider-Man, Wolverine, and Luke Cage. Despite his power, he struggles with sanity and The Void's containment.

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

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

The Sentry's Role in Thunderbolts

The Sentry's MCU debut, portrayed by Lewis Pullman, marks his significant expansion beyond comics and mobile games. He joins Thunderbolts alongside Bucky Barnes, Yelena Belova, and Red Guardian.

His exact role remains unclear, but his comic book history suggests a portrayal as both powerful hero and terrifying villain. He might initially be a Thunderbolts member, only to become their nemesis. His immense power would certainly pose a significant challenge to the team.

Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine might manipulate The Sentry, mirroring Norman Osborn's actions in the comics. The Sentry could be the film's equivalent of Suicide Squad's Enchantress. The film may explore his retroactive presence in the MCU and his Superman-esque nature. Further details await Thunderbolts's May 2025 release.

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