Outer Range Star Reportedly Marvel’s Top Choice to Play Sentry after Steven Yeun Exit
A new superhero may be joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s team of villains and antiheroes. According to recent reports, Lewis Pullman is now Marvel Studios’ top pick to play Sentry in the upcoming film Thunderbolts. Marvel has made an offer to Pullman, though his casting has not been officially confirmed. Pullman may be a relative newcomer, but he already has an impressive resume. He’s shown range in films like Bad Times at the El Royale and Top Gun: Maverick. His experience in complex indie films and big blockbusters should help him tackle a multifaceted character like Sentry. Pullman has the talent to make the role his own.
Who Is Sentry in Marvel Comics?
Lewis Pullman would replace Steven Yeun, who was originally tapped for the role but departed the project in January. In the Marvel comics, Sentry is an incredibly powerful superhero with abilities comparable to Superman. His real identity is Robert Reynolds, a man who took an experimental super serum that gave him super strength, flight, and other powers.
However, Reynolds also has a dark side known as The Void which often takes control of him, making Sentry cross over into villain territory at times. His immense power coupled with his fragile psyche makes him a complex and dangerous character.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Thunderbolts focuses on a team of Marvel villains and antiheroes brought together by Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine. Its lineup includes Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova, Sebastian Stan’s Winter Soldier, and David Harbour’s Red Guardian.
If Pullman joins as Sentry, the unstable hero would likely act as the primary threat and foil that the team must contend with. Sentry’s ability to switch from good to evil would present an intriguing wildcard in the film.
Is Lewis Pullman A Good Fit For The Role?
Pullman’s range makes him well-suited for a complex comic book character like Sentry. He demonstrated his ability to play an unhinged and unpredictable character in the horror film The Strangers: Prey at Night.
As Major Major in Catch-22, Pullman showed he could capture the inner turmoil of a conflicted hero. And in Top Gun: Maverick, he held his own against movie stars like Tom Cruise. Early in his career, Pullman even starred in a TV pilot as a teen whose imaginary friends were celebrities. This mix of experiences should serve him well if he steps into Sentry’s shoes.
Also Read: Steven Yeun Failed To Cry During a Pivotal Scene in Netflix’s ‘Beef’ as It Didn’t Feel Authentic
What’s Next For Thunderbolts?
Thunderbolts has faced delays due to industry strikes, with its release pushed to July 2025. It has yet to start filming, so there is time for Pullman to potentially sign on and prepare for the role.
The movie would mark the rising actor’s biggest film role yet. And it would be a high-profile introduction to the MCU following his breakout years in 2022 and 2023.
Pullman can currently be seen starring opposite Brie Larson in the Apple TV series Lessons in Chemistry. He also has a role in the upcoming Salem’s Lot movie adaptation.
Also Read: Every New Character Introduced in Top Gun: Maverick
If Pullman officially comes aboard, it will be exciting to see him mold the complex Sentry character into his own. The actor has proven he can bring depth even to smaller roles in ensemble films. As the MCU’s newest hero/villain, Pullman would have ample room to put his stamp on Robert Reynolds in Thunderbolts.
