Lewis Pullman’s Past Roles Make Him Perfect for Thunderbolts’ Sentry and Void

by

Summary

  • The Sentry is a complex character with powers comparable to Superman while also unleashing a dark alter-ego, the Void.
  • Lewis Pullman’s past roles showcase his ability to handle the physicality and emotional range needed to portray the Sentry and the Void in the MCU.
  • Pullman’s versatility and ability to shine in ensemble casts, as seen in his past performances, make him a strong choice for the Thunderbolts* movie.

In the upcoming Marvel film titled Thunderbolts, the character Robert Reynolds, also known as The Sentry, is set to make his debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This addition has sparked much curiosity within the franchise since its beginning, and Lewis Pullman has been chosen to play the role. Although some fans have expressed mixed feelings, many are optimistic about Pullman’s performance. Given Pullman’s previous acting roles, there is a strong likelihood that he will deliver an outstanding portrayal of Reynolds as well as his dark counterpart, The Void.

The Sentry is a very intricate character. On the surface, Robert Reynolds appears to be an ordinary man, but he transforms into the Sentry using a super-powerful serum, which is far stronger than the one given to Captain America. This serum not only slightly alters his molecules in time, it also gives him a multitude of abilities, such as strength comparable to Superman, flight, and powers like manipulating matter and energy, teleportation, controlling weather, having virtual immortality, and various psychic powers. However, the downside is that Reynolds conjures up a dark entity called the Void. This evil force is a massive, black threat at Avengers level, capable of effortlessly breaking every bone in the Hulk’s body. It remains to be seen how the Thunderbolts will fight it. Lewis Pullman’s previous roles suggest he can accurately portray all aspects of this character in Thunderbolts, and possibly beyond in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Luke In The Strangers: Prey At Night

In 2018’s horror movie “The Strangers: Prey at Night,” Pullman’s portrayal of Luke exhibited qualities that could prove beneficial for his future roles as both the Sentry and the Void in the MCU. Luke played a pivotal role in driving the story forward, a trait that Sentry is expected to emulate in “Thunderbolts.” However, certain aspects of Luke’s character shared similarities with Robert Reynolds.

For one, the job required physical prowess, as is common in superhero roles, so proper training was crucial. To add, Luke’s character transformation from a jovial person to a grave figure amidst perilous and tense circumstances showcases his wide-ranging emotional abilities. This versatility will be vital for portraying the tormented Reynolds and the contrast between his roles as the Sentry and his evil counterpart. Additionally, the movie’s horror aspect likely readied Pullman for the grim aspects of his MCU character’s narrative.

LT Robert “Bob” Floyd In Top Gun: Maverick

In the 2022 sequel of the action drama film “Top Gun: Maverick,” Pullman assumed the part of a modest and understated individual, reminiscent of Robert Reynolds prior to transforming into the immensely powerful Sentry. It’s a role that Pullman, who shares a similar unassuming demeanor, excels at. Yet, his character in the movie had layers beyond this initial impression.

In the movie “Top Gun: Maverick”, Pullman once more demonstrated his adaptability by delivering both comedic moments and moments of courage during the film’s dramatic peaks. The part also required some physicality, particularly during the thrilling flying sequences that were pivotal to the movie. Most notably, however, Pullman’s performance in “Top Gun: Maverick” underscored his talent for standing out among a stellar cast. If he can hold his own alongside Tom Cruise, Miles Teller, Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm, Glen Powell, Ed Harris, and Val Kilmer, he should have no trouble doing so in “Thunderbolts”.

Rhett Abbott In Outer Range

In 14 episodes of the Amazon Prime Video sci-fi western series titled “Outer Range,” Pullman portrayed Rhett Abbott, the son of ranch owner Royal Abbott (played by Josh Brolin). This role showcased Pullman’s impressive acting skills, both physically and emotionally, suggesting he will excel in his upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe part.

Physically, the character of Rhett Abbott, portrayed by Pullman, involved ranch work and fist fights, demonstrating his aptitude for action-packed violence suitable for many superhero films. Yet, what truly set Rhett apart was the psychological depth of the character. He grappled with demons and family secrets that created a chaotic mental landscape, much like the internal struggles faced by Robert Reynolds due to his dual superpowered personas as the antihero Sentry and the menacing villain, the Void.

Miles Miller In Bad Times At The El Royale

In the 2018 film “Bad Times at the El Royale,” Lewis Pullman portrays Miles Miller, the manager of the title hotel. At first glance, one might think a hotel manager has nothing in common with a powerful Marvel character, but that’s not entirely true. Miller is a drug addict and carries a questionable, morally complex past. This somewhat parallels Robert Reynolds’ internal struggle with his own moral compass and power.

In the movie “Bad Times at El Royale,” Dafydd Ewan Pullman manages to make a significant impact, even amidst a talented ensemble cast that includes Jeff Bridges, Cynthia Erivo, Dakota Johnson, Jon Hamm, and Chris Hemsworth. His performance in the film is striking, proving his ability to hold his own against such distinguished actors. This impressive showing could potentially set him up for success in the upcoming “Thunderbolts” movie as well.

The fact that Pullman is a good fit for playing both The Sentry and The Void doesn’t end there; it’s more than enough to convince even the most skeptical. We won’t have to wait long to discover if our confidence in Pullman’s talent is well-placed, as Thunderbolts* will be released in theaters on May 2, 2025.

(*Note: It is assumed that Thunderbolts refers to a movie title)

Read More

2025-02-17 22:01