“There’s A Lot Of Trauma To Be Mined”: Why The Void Is The Perfect Thunderbolts* Villain Explained By MCU Director

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Jake Schreier elaborates on what sets Sentry and the Void apart as formidable MCU antagonists in Thunderbolts. In Schreier’s Thunderbolts, one of the mightiest villains in the Marvel Cinematic Universe makes its debut. Lewis Pullman portrays Robert Reynolds, also known as Sentry – a super-powered individual capable of overpowering Thor, Hulk, and Captain Marvel. Additionally, Sentry possesses energy-based abilities, but what truly sets him apart is his role as the host for an enigmatic force known as “the Void,” which embodies pure darkness.

In an exclusive chat with ScreenRant, director Jake Schreier shares insights on Lewis Pullman’s intriguing characters, Sentry and his Void persona, in Thunderbolts. Schreier points out that unlike other Marvel villains, these characters pose a more intellectual challenge to the title heroes. Schreier adds that while Sentry is incredibly powerful, he can’t be defeated by fists alone. Instead, Thunderbolts requires a more impactful finale than simply lecturing the antagonist. The director emphasizes the shared past trauma between the Thunderbolts and their link to Sentry. Furthermore, Schreier reveals that he consulted with Sentry creator Paul Jenkins about the character’s significant mental health aspect, as depicted in the film. You can read Jake Schreier’s complete comments below.

Question: In the latest Marvel film, Thunderbolts, and previously with Brave New World, the emotional peak surpasses the action or physical climax. Is this a deliberate move by Marvel to focus more on complex, character-centric storytelling?

As a movie enthusiast, let me share my perspective: The genesis of our story was rooted in the tale we felt compelled to unfold. With characters like Sentry and the Void, some might wonder, “How can they possibly defeat such a formidable foe?” Our approach was always going to be an introspective one. We aimed to go beyond mere dialogue, striving instead to create a visual, action-packed narrative that embodies the depth of that internal struggle. I sincerely hope it strikes a chord with audiences.

A positive aspect of this world is that there’s an abundance of experiences that can lead to deep character development. Characters like Bob, The Sentry, and The Void have gone through a great deal, which adds depth to their stories. Creator Paul Jenkins confirmed that the characters are meant to serve as metaphors for mental health issues.

To truly portray this character authentically, we need actions and developments that resonate within their world. This then leads us to consider how we can interweave the plotlines of other characters in a way that aligns with our antagonist.

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2025-04-27 22:19