Sentry and The Void in ‘Thunderbolts’ & His MCU Future, Explained

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Even though Thunderbolts (2025) didn’t perform well at the box office, it’s notable as one of the more interesting Marvel movies since Avengers: Endgame (2019). The film introduces a truly captivating villain, Void, played by Lewis Pullman. Void is a powerful and unusual threat, and his abilities suggest he’ll likely return in future installments. While there are many possibilities for his return, some scenarios are more probable than others.

The character played by Pullman is inspired by a Marvel hero (or villain) who first appeared in comics in 2000, twenty-five years before joining the story in Thunderbolts. Though not a well-known character in Marvel’s history, being part of the MCU has significantly increased his popularity. He’s called Robert “Bob” Reynolds by his friends, and Pullman’s portrayal fits perfectly into the superhero universe. However, some fans don’t fully recognize just how complex and cleverly written the character is.

The Three Sides of Lewis Pullman’s MCU Character Explained (Including Void)


Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

As a critic, I have to say Void is a really compelling villain, and not in the typical Marvel way. He’s not just ‘bad,’ he is the darkness inside Bob, a physical manifestation of his deepest depression. It’s genuinely unsettling. The way the filmmakers portray him, he doesn’t just make people sad – he weaponizes that sadness, trapping victims in personalized nightmare dimensions built from their own negative feelings. Honestly, when Bob transforms into Void, he looks like a classic comic book villain, but it’s the psychological weight behind it that makes him truly terrifying. He’s more than just a threat; he’s a haunting reflection of inner turmoil.

Bob has a complicated past. Before becoming Void, he was a former meth addict who was found in a holding facility, his memory partially erased. He starts out as a mystery – seemingly just a normal person – but it’s eventually revealed he’s the only one who survived a program called Project Sentry. This project gave him superpowers, but also worsened his existing mental health issues, making those powers unpredictable. After being revived, he rejoined Valentina Allegra de Fontaine and was given the name “Sentry.” Even without becoming Void, the abilities he gained from Project Sentry made him incredibly powerful.

Sentry was created with the goal of being a powerful superhero, comparable to Superman in terms of abilities. However, Bob, the man who became Sentry, struggled with mental health issues that made it difficult for him to act as expected by the organization that gave him his powers. Instead of obeying orders, the immense power amplified his existing ego and negative thoughts, ultimately leading to the creation of his darker side, Void. Even when appearing as Sentry, Bob still grapples with internal struggles, making him more approachable than the menacing Void.

Sentry/Void’s Powers in the MCU


Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

It’s likely simpler for Sentry to deal with powers that Bob can’t use. Sentry can fly, move extremely fast, and withstand incredible damage thanks to his immense durability and rapid healing – making him nearly invincible. He also has telekinesis and psychic abilities, letting him move things with his mind and read the thoughts of others.

When Bob transforms into Void, he becomes terrifying. His shadow acts like a targeting guide, showing how far the spreading darkness will reach, and it seems there’s no limit to its range. Had the Thunderbolts not convinced him to calm down in the 2025 film, Void could have become a danger that threatened the entire galaxy, and beyond. Simply put, Bob is a powerful and essential ally when he’s in control as Sentry, but when he loses control and becomes Void, almost nothing can contain him.

What the MCU’s Future Holds for Sentry, Void, and Bob


Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Bob makes it through the events of Thunderbolts, but by the end of the movie, he’s lost his powers as both the Sentry and the Void, leaving him simply as Bob. A scene after the credits shows that over a year later, Bob is still with the Thunderbolts – now calling themselves the New Avengers – and witnesses the arrival of the Fantastic Four’s ship from another universe. This sets up a strong possibility that Bob will play a role in the massive Avengers: Doomsday event planned for 2027.

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Bill Pullman is confirmed to be part of the large cast for the upcoming Doomsday film. While it wouldn’t be a satisfying role for him to simply reprise his character Bob during a large battle, it’s expected he’ll regain his powers as the Sentry and participate in the fighting. This does raise the possibility of the Void reappearing, which is exciting. However, with Robert Downey Jr. playing the main villain, Dr. Doom, it’s likely Pullman’s character won’t be a major threat.

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2025-12-26 22:21