Thunderboltswill feature the Marvel Comics character of Sentry, originally set to be played by Steven Yeun before he was recast in the role. Thefirst trailer forThunderboltswas released in September 2024, teasing the film’s May 2025 release. As one of many on thelist of upcoming Marvel movies,Thunderbolts*is highly anticipated, primarily due to the film featuring the first MCU team-up story sinceAvengers: Endgame.
A further exciting element of the movie is thecast ofThunderbolts*,which is stacked with fan-favorite MCU characters and actors. Perhaps the most intriguing new addition to the film, however, is themysterious Bob fromThunderbolts*, highlighted in the first trailer. Bob is actually Robert Reynolds, a Marvel superhero named Sentry. Initially,The Walking Deadstar Steven Yeun was attached to start as Bob/Sentry, before being recast and ending his involvement in Marvel’sThunderbolts*movie.
Why Steven Yeun Was Recast In Thunderbolts*
Yeun’s Departure From The MCU Was Unavoidable
Naturally, the burning question after Yuen leftThunderboltswas why this happened. As Yeun revealed toVarietyin January 2024, the actor had to leaveThunderboltsdue to scheduling conflicts. The Marvel project was initially set to begin filming in 2023 before the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes of that year pushed production back. With Yeun in high demand,Thunderbolts*clashed with other projects, resulting in his departure.
Director(s) or Showrunner
InvincibleSeason 3
Robert Kirkman
Mark Grayson/Invincible
Of the three prominent upcoming projects Yeun will appear in, it is unclear which clashed withThunderbolts*.Love Me’s nature as a small indie film means information on its shooting dates has not been provided, while Bong Joon-ho’s highly anticipatedMickey 17was filmed in the latter months of 2022. Voice actor Ross Marquand stated toGalaxyConin June 2024 thatInvincibleseason 3 was"almost wrapped,“meaning Yeun will likely have been recording voice lines duringThunderbolts*filming. However, it is more likely that Yeun’s unannounced projects closed withThunderbolts*,leading to his recasting.
Lewis Pullman Was Cast To Replace Steven Yeun In Thunderbolts*
The New Actor For Thunderbolts* Was Found
Shortly after Yeun departed the project, his replacement was found in Lewis Pullman. Pullman has since commented on his role stating to Entertainment Weekly"All I’ll say is that everyone has their own nicknames and Bob is not his only name.“Pullman also spoke to Josh Horowitz of theHappy, Sad, Confusedpodcastin which he avoided questions that Bob was the Marvel Comics hero Sentry.
Regarding Pullman’s recent roles, the actor has had some high-profile appearances of late. For example, he has appeared in movies likeBad Times at the El Royale, The Strangers: Prey at Night,andTop Gun: Maverick,to name a few. Pullman’s other notable appearances have come in the world of TV, with several other movie credits on the horizon for the actor besidesThunderbolts*.
Lessons in Chemistry
Calvin Evans
Pullman’s MCU debut will come whenThunderboltshits theaters in May 2025. Although Yeun’s departure from the project was a disappointment, finding someone of Pullman’s talents to replace him undoubtedly injects the film, and specifically the character of Bob, with a renewed sense of excitement. Hopefully,Thunderboltswill not be the last time Pullman appears as Bob/Sentry, and Yeun can find another role in the sprawling MCU going forward.
Thunderbolts*
Cast
Thunderbolts follows seven disillusioned individuals who find themselves trapped in a perilous situation. Tasked with a daunting mission, they must face the most shadowy aspects of their histories to survive and achieve their goals.
