Unmasking The Void: The Dark Threat Behind Thunderbolts!

by

Summary

  • Thunderbolts* is set to debut in 2025 as MCU’s answer to Suicide Squad.
  • Lewis Pullman’s character, Bob, may transform into villainous Void.
  • Void’s dark powers pose a major threat to Thunderbolts team.

2025 marks a significant milestone for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as Jake Schreier’s anticipated film, Thunderbolts, is set to debut. Known as the MCU’s counterpart to Warner Bros.’ Suicide Squad series, Thunderbolts gathers a formidable group of supposedly disposable villains (both male and female) to confront an impending danger. The intriguing aspect is who these antagonists will be battling when they are summoned into action.

Though Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ character Valentina Allegra de Fontaine appears to be the main antagonist, the latest trailer hints at another character emerging as well. There has been much speculation about Lewis Pullman’s role, ‘Bob,’ and while it was previously known he would portray the heroic Sentry, viewers were unsure if his villainous persona, the Void, would come into play.

Who is The Void in Marvel Comics?

In the early 2000’s, Robert “Bob” Reynolds, a formerly ordinary and middle-aged man, was first introduced in The Sentry #1 comic. Over time, he unearthed memories from his past. Although simplifying it slightly, Reynolds can be seen as Marvel Comics’ equivalent to Superman, with the power of a million exploding suns at his disposal after ingesting a unique version of the Super Soldier serum. Connecting this to the Thunderbolts series, his origin could plausibly unfold within the government facility frequently depicted in the trailers. It is important to note that Sentry represents the good side of Bob, but he also grapples with significant inner struggles, with his darker persona known as the Void.

*Note: Thunderbolts is a Marvel Comics team consisting primarily of supervillains who have been reformed and are working for the government.

In an attempt to protect myself and the world from a looming danger, I chose to vanish from the recollections of almost everyone on Earth. This included my past exploits with Mister Fantastic, Angel from the X-Men, and the Incredible Hulk. However, since Spider-Man: No Way Home has already employed Doctor Strange’s memory-erasing spell, I suspect that the scenario in Thunderbolts* will unfold uniquely compared to those events.

In my perspective as a movie critic, The Void isn’t just a tangible being, but rather a formidable force that shapeshifts at its whim, often assuming a humanoid form when tormenting Sentry. This enigmatic entity seems to make recurring appearances whenever Sentry unleashes his powers in the upcoming film, Thunderbolts, hinting at its potential regular presence throughout the movie.

Now, the plot could take an intriguing turn, with Sentry dominating the narrative for most of it, only to succumb to his darker side and transform into The Void in the second half. Admittedly, we’ve only caught a brief glimpse of The Void’s powers in the Thunderbolts’ Super Bowl trailer, but the ominous cloud looming over New York suggests that this could be a visual representation of The Void’s ability to materialize from Bob’s deepest fears and repressed memories.

So far, it seems like Bob will portray his heroic Sentry persona throughout much of the movie, but as we know, appearances can be deceiving. Stay tuned for more insights on this exciting new addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe!

Troublingly for the Thunderbolts, Val, and New York citizens, the Void, who surpasses the Sentry in power, poses a significant threat. Given that Bob’s darker self can control others, pierce them with his infinite tendrils to inflict traumatic experiences, and once used molecular kinesis to envelop the Avengers in darkness, it seems challenging for a more earthbound team like the Thunderbolts to counter him effectively. Moreover, theories suggest that Reynolds, a former drug addict who stole and consumed the Golden Sentry Serum, may have unleashed the Void from his darker side, with the Sentry being a response to cope with his guilt over his transformation.

The Void Looks Like Thunderbolts*’ ‘Real’ Villain

The way the Thunderbolts unite is still unknown, but it appears their first interaction with Bob will take place in an unusual location that may serve as a trap set by someone like Valentina to eliminate these renegade agents. Furthermore, it seems the movie doesn’t shy away from hinting that Olga Kurylenko’s character, the Taskmaster, will meet her end in this facility. The trailer also suggests initial tension within the team, particularly with Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes, implying they’ll need to band together against a common enemy such as Sentry/the Void.

In the subsequent sequences, it seems that the Thunderbolts, excluding Taskmaster, engage Valentina within the old Avengers Tower, thus establishing her as its new proprietor. With Bob’s Void powers swirling around the once-home of Earth’s strongest heroes, all the puzzle pieces fall into place, indicating a climactic battle against the Void. The inclusion of Sentry, who was highly anticipated and hyped up, was expected to be significant, with whispers about _The Walking Dead_’s Steven Yeun initially being tapped for the role before his departure due to scheduling conflicts.

The upcoming movie “Thunderbolts” serves as a precursor to the alternate reality depicted in “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” both sharing potential ties to “Avengers: Doomsday.” This film marks the end of Phase 5 and has been referred to as an unconventional Avengers movie. Although Sentry isn’t traditionally linked to “Secret Wars,” the inclusion of Thunderbolts characters within the expanding “Doomsday” cast raises the possibility of his appearance in the next two Avengers films. However, there are concerns that one of Marvel Comics’ mighty heroes could meet an untimely end before the “Thunderbolts” credits conclude.

It’s plausible that the famous scene from Marvel Comics, featuring the Sentry’s watchtower perched on Stark Tower, might materialize in live-action. This could account for why things seem to be happening at Val’s latest address. However, a challenge arises since none of the Thunderbolts appear to possess powers capable of defeating the Void. Instead, they may need to rely on their wit to outsmart him and bring him down.

It’s more probable that an emotional storyline unfolds where this particular group unites against their own oppressors, acting as Marvel’s modern interpretation of The Breakfast Club. Fans can expect Sentry to embody his title as the Shining Knight of Righteousness, but the Thunderbolts and the broader Avengers should brace themselves for the ominous impact that the Void may have on the team.

Read More

2025-02-14 00:57