I definitely believe Sentry's origin story is better in Thunderbolts* than the comics

Marvel's Thunderbolts* came out on May 2, 2025, and has received a positive response from critics, holding an 88% Rotten Tomatoes rating. Helmed by Jake Schreier, the film focuses on the namesake group of anti-heroes who have to put their differences aside for a mission.

Here's the official synopsis:

"After finding themselves ensnared in a death trap, seven disillusioned castoffs must embark on a dangerous mission that will force them to confront the darkest corners of their pasts."

The film features several characters from the team and their origin stories. But I believe out of all of them, Sentry/Void's original story in the film is better than the comic books.

Thunderbolts* gets Sentry's origin story right

Thunderbolts* has Lewis Pullman playing the role of Robert "Bob" Reynolds, aka Sentry or Void. The character works as the main antagonist who has the power to turn people into shadows. In the comic books, the character made its debut in 2001 with The Sentry, which showcases Bob coming up with the Golden Sentry Serum. He eventually drinks it and gains the power in his body that is equal to a thousand exploding suns.

His alter ego, Void, emerges and overtakes his personality. Because of how destructive he was, Reed Richards and Doctor Strange have to erase him from history. Later editions reveal that he was denied access to Project Sentry, which was a drug program to create a serum. Out of anger, he broke into the building and drank the serum.

But I feel that Thunderbolts* has a more interesting origin story for the character, as we are told that his father was abusive towards him in childhood. He then resorted to drug use to cope with his traumas, which turned him into an addict. Bob then goes to Asia and volunteers to be a part of an experiment at OXE, which gives him powers.

Whenever Sentry tries to overpower Valentine, they activate a kill switch inside him that brings in the Void. I believe this version is better because it's more personal and grim than its comic counterpart. The situation is more plausible than him simply barging into a lab and drinking a serum.

The makers are also able to make the viewers empathize with the villain because of his sad past. He has been a victim of abuse and addiction, which in a way forced him to become Sentry. This is more of a personal touch than the comic book version.

Lewis Pullman spoke to THR about the character and said,

"He is a very complex character and there’s a lot. He’s like Russian nesting dolls unfolding throughout the whole movie. So prep-wise, I worked really hard. I kind of went about it with an athlete’s mentality. I’m not an athlete, by the way, nor am I a huge football or basketball watcher, but I’m an appreciator of the thing itself and how much hard work goes into it."

Did you like Thunderbolts* version of Sentry's origin story?