Summary
The introduction of Robert Reynolds, aka the Sentry, into the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the upcomingThunderbolts*movie is one of the most intriguing additions to the franchise since its inception. Lewis Pullman has been cast in the role, prompting a mixed (but largely positive) reaction from MCU fans. However, based on Pullman’s past roles, there are plenty of reasons to believe he’ll be brilliant as Reynolds, the Sentry, and the character’s dark alter-ego, the Void.
The Sentry is a highly complex character. An unassuming and seemingly ordinary man, Robert Reynolds becomes the Sentry via a powerful serum that is hundreds of thousands of times more potent than the one given to Captain America. Not only did it shift his molecules slightly ahead of the timeline, it also granted him a myriad of powers, including physical attributes comparable to those of Superman, flight, and several more esoteric abilities like matter and energy manipulation, teleportation, weather control, virtual immortality, and various psionic powers. Unfortunately, a side effect is that Reynolds projects a dark, even more powerful entity called the Void. The malevolent being is a colossal, black, Avengers-level threat that can casually break every bone in the Hulk’s body. How the Thunderbolts will combat it is anyone’s guess. Regardless, these past roles of Lewis Pullman prove he’ll do every aspect of the character justice inThunderbolts*and potentially beyond that in theMarvel Cinematic Universe.
Luke InThe Strangers: Prey At Night
Pullman’s performance as Luke in 2018’s slasher horror movieThe Strangers: Prey at Nightshowcased several things that could be key to performing well in his roles asthe Sentry and the Voidin theMCU. Luke drove the narrative in the film, which Sentry will likely do inThunderbolts*, but some aspects of the character were similar to those of Robert Reynolds.
For instance, the role was physical, like all superhero roles, and, therefore, good preparation in that sense. Luke also develops as a character from a lighthearted individual to one who becomes intensely serious in a dangerous, high-tension situation. Such emotional range will be essential in portraying the troubled Reynolds and the duality of his roles as the Sentry and his malevolent alter-ego. Moreover, the movie’s strong horror element will undoubtedly have prepared Pullman for the darker side of his MCU character’s story.
LT Robert “Bob” Floyd InTop Gun: Maverick
As Bob in 2022’s action drama sequelTop Gun: Maverick, Pullman played the role of a humble and unassuming man, akin to Robert Reynolds before becomingthe incredibly powerful Sentry. It’s the kind of role the equally unassuming Pullman plays perfectly. However, there was more to his character than that.
Pullman again had to display versatility, switching between providing comedic relief and showing bravery in the more dramatically intense moments of the film. The role also had some physicality, especially amidst the high stakes of the movie’s iconic flying scenes. Perhaps most importantly, however, Pullman’s role inTop Gun: Maverickhighlighted his ability to shine amidst an ensemble cast. If he can make his mark alongside Tom Cruise, Miles Teller, Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm, Glen Powell, Ed Harris, and Val Kilmer, he should have no problem doing so inThunderbolts*.
Rhett Abbott InOuter Range
Pullman played Rhett Abbott, the son of Josh Brolin’s ranch owner, Royal Abbott, in 14 episodes of the Amazon Prime Video sci-fi neo-Western seriesOuter Range. It’s a role that provided a great insight into Pullman’s undoubted ability to perform his upcoming MCU role, both physically and emotionally, to a terrific standard.
Physically, the Rhett Abbott role required ranch work and fist fights, showcasing Pullman’s ability to perform the action movie-style violence often needed in superhero productions. However, more importantly, regarding his role as the antihero Sentry andthe menacing villain the Void, there was an element of psychological complexity to the character of Rhett Abbott. He had to deal with demons and family secrets that made his mind a mess, giving him the type of internal conflicts Robert Reynolds is forced to deal with, given his two superpowered personalities.
In 2018’s neo-noir hyperlink thrillerBad Times at the El Royale, Lewis Pullman plays the eponymous establishment’s manager, Miles Miller. While it’s easy to assume a hotel manager would have nothing in common with a superpowered Marvel character, that’s surprisingly incorrect. Miller is a heroin addict with a mysterious and morally ambiguous background. That troubled lifestyle of someone with complex ethical motivations somewhat mirrors Robert Reynolds' struggle with his own morality and power.
Bad Times at El Royaleis also another excellent example of Pullman impressively standing out despite being part of a large cast of established actors. He shines in the film, even with the likes of Jeff Bridges, Cynthia Erivo, Dakota Johnson, Jon Hamm, and Chris Hemsworth competing with him for the spotlight. That undoubtedly bodes well for his chances of doing the same inthe upcomingThunderbolts*movie.
Proof of Pullman’s suitability to play the Sentry and the Void doesn’t stop there, but that’s undoubtedly enough evidence to silence any doubters. There’s not long to wait to find out if faith in Pullman’s ability is justified, asThunderbolts*hits theaters on Jun 23, 2025.
