Sentry in Thunderbolts – Who is he and what are his Plans?
The latest Thunderbolts trailer, released during the Super Bowl, has finally confirmed one of the film’s biggest mysteries—Sentry, played by Lewis Pullman, is set to be the major antagonist.
The footage shows a powerful, shadowy figure effortlessly tearing through the team, even breaking Bucky Barnes' vibranium arm and hurling Red Guardian out of a window. As Valentina Allegra de Fontaine ominously warns, "The Avengers are not coming," it becomes clear that the Thunderbolts are facing an enemy far beyond their capabilities. But who exactly is Sentry, and what role will he play in the film?
Who Is Sentry?
Created by Paul Jenkins and Jae Lee, Sentry—real name Robert "Bob" Reynolds—first appeared in Sentry #1 (2000). Originally introduced as a forgotten superhero of Marvel’s Silver Age, Bob gained his abilities after consuming an experimental serum, which granted him the “power of a million exploding suns.” However, the serum also created his dark counterpart, the Void—a destructive force of chaos intrinsically linked to Bob’s psyche.
In the comics, Sentry's dual nature makes him both a hero and a threat. While he has fought alongside the Avengers, X-Men, and Fantastic Four, the Void’s influence has led to catastrophic events, including the deaths of millions. His immense power and psychological instability make him one of Marvel’s most dangerous figures.
Sentry’s role in Thunderbolts
The Thunderbolts trailer hints that the film will explore Bob's transformation into the Sentry—and the devastating consequences of unleashing the Void. The footage shows New York City engulfed in darkness, civilians disintegrating into shadows, and the Thunderbolts struggling to contain the chaos. These visuals align with the Void’s abilities in the comics, where it manifests as a sinister force capable of consuming entire cities.
One key shot in the trailer shows Yelena Belova holding a mysterious vial—possibly a reference to the Sentry Serum, which in the comics was a failed attempt to recreate the Super Soldier Serum. If this serum plays a major role in the film, it could mean that Bob was part of a secret government experiment, similar to other Thunderbolts members like the U.S. Agent and Red Guardian.
Who Is Sentry Working For?
While it’s unclear who controls Sentry in the MCU, past comic storylines provide some clues. In Dark Avengers, Norman Osborn manipulated Bob into becoming his ultimate weapon, unleashing the Void upon Asgard. Given Valentina Allegra de Fontaine’s role in assembling the Thunderbolts, it’s possible she—or a secret government faction—intended to use Bob as their answer to the Avengers, only for him to spiral out of control.
Alternatively, Sentry could be a wild card, driven by his internal conflict with the Void rather than working for any one group. His struggle between heroism and destruction may be at the core of Thunderbolts, forcing the team to decide whether to fight him or find a way to contain his darker half.
Can the Thunderbolts stop him?
Sentry’s overwhelming power makes him nearly invincible—traditional combat won’t be enough to defeat him. In the comics, the only way heroes could stop the Void was by erasing Bob’s memory, effectively making the world forget he ever existed. If Thunderbolts follows a similar path, the team may be forced to make an impossible choice: kill Bob, imprison him, or wipe his mind completely.
With Thunderbolts hitting theaters on Friday, May 2, 2025, Sentry’s MCU debut promises to be one of Marvel’s most intense and unpredictable storylines yet. As the team faces their greatest challenge, one question remains—can they stop the Void before it consumes everything?
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