The upcoming film Thunderbolts* is poised to introduce what could be the most formidable character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) to date. While it’s easy to think no one could rival the power of an Infinity Gauntlet-wielding Thanos, the Multiverse Saga has already unveiled several contenders for this title. With characters like Loki stabilizing the multiverse, Death actively engaging in mortal lives, and Eternity granting the ultimate resurrection wish, the MCU is teeming with extraordinary power. Fortunately, many of these powerful beings appear to be either benevolent or neutral, opting not to engage in malevolent interference with humanity.
However, the dynamic may shift with Thunderbolts*. Traditionally, the MCU reserves its most fearsome adversaries for the Avengers, but the team of antiheroes and reformed villains known as the Thunderbolts may find themselves overwhelmed by the magnitude of their impending challenges. This situation raises concerns about the potential survival of the Thunderbolts in their initial film outing. Yet, the fate of their primary antagonist could have significant repercussions across the MCU.
Thunderbolts* Introduces Sentry, Marvel’s Superman
Sentry: One of Marvel’s Mightiest Characters
Portrayed by Lewis Pullman, Bob Reynolds is an adaptation of Marvel Comics’ character Sentry. After he unintentionally ingests the potent Golden Sentry Serum, he gains the power equivalent to that of a million exploding suns. This transformative event bestows upon Sentry an array of abilities that approach near-omnipotence, including:
- Superhuman Strength
- Superhuman Speed
- Enhanced Intelligence
- Energy Projection
- Flight
- Psionics
- Molecular Manipulation
Sentry has accomplished incredible feats, such as breaking every bone in the Hulk’s body, resurrecting his spouse, and defeating Ares, the God of War. However, his tumultuous psyche, exacerbated by the manipulation of the mutant Mastermind, spawned the Void—a dark manifestation of Reynolds’ destructive tendencies. The Void is known to be one of Marvel’s most devastating foes, posing extreme challenges to the Avengers, including ripping through the fabric of reality.
Despite these challenges, the Avengers have proven capable of vanquishing the Void on several occasions.
As for the Thunderbolts*, the trailers suggest they might face off against the Void, who appears to be inflicting terror upon New York City by converting its residents into shadows with a mere wave of his hand. While it’s uncertain whether this power is lethal, the effortless manner in which the Void handles his victims signifies his immense capabilities. Additionally, Sentry is spotted using telekinesis to hurl Red Guardian through a window, alongside a flash of his striking platinum hair.
With the Void posing a severe threat to the Thunderbolts, their fight tactics—characterized by simple “punch and shoot”methods, as noted by Yelena Belova—may fall short against such a formidable enemy. Nonetheless, the Avengers have managed to conquer the Void before.
In Marvel Comics, Heroes Defeated Sentry by Ending His Life
Bob Seeks Death After Subduing the Void
In Siege #4, the Avengers confront the Void in a battle that pushes them to their limits. Initially unable to subdue the godlike entity, they are granted a boost from Loki using the Norn Stones—mystical artifacts reminiscent of the Infinity Stones. Even after the Void seemingly eliminates Loki, this empowerment enables even the weakest Avengers to hold their ground against the formidable foe.
The intense confrontation culminates when Iron Man crashes one of SHIELD’s Helicarriers into the Void, creating a brief opening for Bob to reclaim control of his powers. In this pivotal moment, he pleads with the Avengers to end his life to prevent the Void from resurfacing. Although initially reluctant, the Avengers quickly react, with Thor delivering a deadly bolt of lightning at Bob’s request.
Thunderbolts* Could Mirror Sentry’s Demise in the MCU
Thunderbolts* Might Kill Bob After Subduing the Void
The Thunderbolts clearly lack the same level of power as the Avengers. None of them can summon lightning like Thor, but they have a unique opportunity with access to Valentina Allegra de Fontaine and her military-grade weaponry, which could enable them to replicate Iron Man’s desperate tactics from Siege #4.
|
Thunderbolts Member |
Main Powers |
|---|---|
|
Yelena Belova/Black Widow |
Super Assassin |
|
Bucky Barnes/White Wolf/Winter Soldier |
Super Soldier |
|
Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian |
Super Soldier |
|
John Walker/US Agent |
Super Soldier |
|
Antonia Dreykov/Taskmaster |
Super-Assassin and perfect mimicry |
|
Ava Starr/Ghost |
Quantum Phasing |
A key element of Sentry’s narrative is the perpetual battle for control over Bob’s superpowered state. Temporarily incapacitating the Void could create an opening for Bob to take control and potentially allow the Thunderbolts an opportunity to bring about his demise. While it required an empowered Thor to defeat Sentry in the comics, it seems plausible that the Thunderbolts’ super soldiers could also deliver the decisive blow.
Notably, Valentina Allegra de Fontaine has been established as the purchaser of the Avengers Tower in Thunderbolts*.
Addressing Sentry’s immense power within the MCU is pivotal. Introducing such a powerful figure threatens to disrupt the balance of the universe, especially as his abilities might put him in direct confrontation with future Avengers threats, particularly alongside characters like Thor and Doctor Strange. While the prospect of foregoing Sentry’s compelling character arc might seem disheartening, Marvel has assured fans that this won’t be his last appearance.
Lewis Pullman is Set to Return in Avengers: Doomsday, Potentially as a Variant of Sentry
The Multiverse Allows for Sentry Variants
The recent surprise live stream unveiling cast members for Avengers: Doomsday confirmed that numerous cast members from Thunderbolts* will be reprising their roles. Notably absent was Olga Kurylenko, which has ignited speculation regarding Taskmaster’s fate. More importantly, the inclusion of Lewis Pullman suggests that Sentry, along with the majority of the Thunderbolts, will survive their initial cinematic appearance to enter the next Avengers installment.
Given these developments, it may be prudent for the MCU to tackle the power dynamics introduced by Sentry, or face the risk of the Void overshadowing Doctor Doom as a principal threat in Avengers: Doomsday.
It is hard to believe that Marvel Studios would inadvertently reveal the destinies of critical characters through casting announcements. It is possible that Lewis Pullman and the others might portray alternate versions of their characters, as Avengers: Doomsday is likely to feature a convergence of characters from various realities, including the X-Men and the Fantastic Four. While this may reinforce arguments about the multiverse diminishing the stakes in the MCU, it could also amplify the significance of the events in Thunderbolts*, especially if the team—and the Sentry of Earth-616—meet their end.
Alternatively, Pullman’s return could signify his evolution as Bob, a fully-pursuing member of the Thunderbolts. If Thunderbolts* concludes with Bob containing or confronting the Void or Sentry, this would serve to justify his continued presence in the MCU. Regardless, addressing the power imbalance that Sentry brings is crucial to ensure that the threat level remains balanced in the continuity, preventing the Void from dethroning Doctor Doom as the ultimate adversary in Avengers: Doomsday.