Steven Yeun, popularized by his role in The Walking Dead, is set to make a significant leap from the land of the undying to a cinematic universe where people can’t seem to die permanently in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His role? Marvel’s version of Superman.
Yeun’s entry into the MCU as the Sentry, a character with a complex and intriguing background in Marvel comics, was a secret before it was initially unveiled by Robert Kirkman during an interview with comic book artist David Finch. This is Yeun’s formal introduction to playing a live-action superhero after voicing Mark Grayson, the lead of Amazon Prime Video’s animated show, Invincible, which is currently enjoying its second season.
Sentry, or Robert Reynolds, is a character that first appeared in Marvel comics in the year 2000 and quickly became a notable figure in the universe, interacting with groups such as the Fantastic Four, Spider-Man, and the Hulk. His story is a gripping narrative of a middle-aged, overweight individual who gradually recollects his past memories as the Sentry, a superhero possessing the power of “a million suns.” His journey is marked by a confrontation with his archenemy, the Void, leading to a realization that both characters are two halves of the same person. This dual identity adds a layer of depth and conflict to the character, making Sentry’s portrayal a potentially groundbreaking addition to the MCU.
Yeun’s involvement in the MCU was confirmed to be part of the upcoming film, Thunderbolts, slated for release on July 25, 2025. Under the direction of Jake Schreier, Thunderbolts promises to deliver a unique experience different from past MCU entries. The film’s ensemble cast includes notable names like Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell, Florence Pugh, Olga Kurylenko, Hannah John-Kamen, David Harbour, and Harrison Ford, among others. The inclusion of Yeun as Sentry adds another layer of anticipation for the film, promising a dynamic and possibly complex narrative.
Kirkman’s revelation about Yeun’s role also sheds light on the actor’s process of integrating into the MCU, including the costume fittings that humorously echoed the colors of his Invincible character. Yeun’s portrayal of Sentry is expected to draw from the classic colors of the comic book character, which are yellow and blue. This coincidence amusingly aligns with his previous superhero role, adding a touch of irony to his career in the superhero genre.
The character of Sentry, with his immense powers and internal struggles, represents a significant addition to the MCU. His introduction could potentially reshape the dynamics within the universe, especially considering the complexities of his character in the comics. Sentry’s ability to impact the universe with his powers, coupled with the internal battle between his heroic and dark sides, poses intriguing narrative possibilities for the MCU.
Furthermore, the addition of Sentry to the Thunderbolts movie raises questions about the role he will play within the team and the wider MCU. With a cast of characters that have varying degrees of powers and moral compasses, Sentry’s introduction could serve as a catalyst for significant developments within the film and beyond. His character’s narrative arc, balancing heroism with the underlying threat of the Void, presents an opportunity for storytelling that explores themes of duality, power, and redemption.
Whether or not he’ll join the MCU for the long-term, however, remains unclear. The MCU has a bad habit of botching a lot of iconic villains from the comic books, like Gorr the Butcher in Thor: Love and Thunder, for example.
The MCU is currently enjoying a transformative period, marked by Loki Season 2’s finale presumably giving it a way out of Jonathan Majors’ legal troubles. With rumors of potential castings for Doctor Doom and Mr. Fantastic floating about, it’ll be interesting to see what we’ll hear about the MCU next.
In the meantime, comic book fans can flock to the movie theaters to watch The Marvels and maybe help add to its tally. But, if you’re not up for it, What If…? Season 2 is coming in time for Christmas, with Marvel’s Echo following suit on January 10, 2024.
