Thunderbolts: Introducing “Bob,” the Mysterious Character Tied to The Sentry

Marvel fans are buzzing with intrigue after the latest Thunderbolts trailer introduced a mysterious character named “Bob,” portrayed by Lewis Pullman. Though Marvel has yet to confirm his identity, fans speculate he may be Robert Reynolds — a.k.a. the Sentry and his darker alter ego, the Void. Originally slated to be played by Steven Yeun, the role went to Pullman after Yeun’s unexpected departure.

In the comics, Robert Reynolds is seemingly an ordinary man until he remembers his former life as the Sentry, wielding “the power of a million exploding suns.” This superhero persona, however, carries a dark twist: his alter ego, the Void, is his own subconscious villain. The Void, as dangerous as the Sentry is heroic, represents a constant threat, with Reynolds himself unaware that he is both personas. To protect the world, Reed Richards and Doctor Strange erased memories of the Sentry and Void, only for Robert’s memories to resurface — and with them, the destructive Void.

Bob’s Role in Thunderbolts: A Powerful Asset or a Dangerous Enemy?

While Marvel has kept Bob’s identity under wraps, hints in the trailer have fans theorizing about his role. The scenes appear to show him in a secured facility, possibly the Raft, and bearing signs of past violence. If he is indeed the Sentry, his storyline may echo his comic origin, involving a memory wipe and a rediscovery of his dual identity. He could also play into the New Avengers storyline, where the Sentry voluntarily imprisons himself after regaining memories of his powers.

With Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) assembling a team of morally flexible individuals, some theorize she intends to use the Sentry’s immense power, whether as a super-soldier or as a last-resort weapon. The Sentry’s strength would undeniably give the Thunderbolts a serious advantage, yet his volatile connection to the Void poses a potential threat. Alternatively, the Void himself might emerge as the movie’s antagonist, setting up a storyline in which the Thunderbolts must either control or confront him.

Future Implications for the Sentry in the MCU

While Thunderbolts may only introduce Bob’s character, a solo Sentry project could be in the works, as rumors suggest. If so, his role here might lay the groundwork for a deeper storyline in future MCU films, where his dual personas — the hero and the villain — further explore the darker aspects of Marvel’s universe.

For now, fans will have to wait until May to uncover the truth behind “Bob.” But with this powerful, dual-natured character possibly entering the MCU, Thunderbolts promises to bring a fresh dynamic to Marvel’s anti-hero landscape, teetering on the edge of power and peril.