Marvel Studios' upcoming Thunderbolts offered fans a new trailer during the Super Bowl giving a clearer look at the movie's villain. While the asterisk in Thunderbolts title remains a mystery the trailer provided significant clues about the antagonistic force this team will face. The newly released footage showcased a shadowy figure resembling a caped man floating and using hand gestures to eliminate people similar to Superman and Thanos respectively. Previous trailers and comic book knowledge strongly suggest the villain's identity.
For those wanting to avoid potential spoilers consider this a warning. Earlier trailers introduced Lewis Pullman's character Bob hinting at his connection to Robert Reynolds a.k.a. Sentry in the MCU . In Marvel Comics Robert Reynolds is known as the Sentry a superhero with immense power. Created by Paul Jenkins and Jae Lee Sentry possesses Superman-like abilities including strength speed flight invulnerability and energy manipulation. However Sentry's presence is often linked to a destructive entity called the Void. The Void is intertwined with Sentry possibly as a dark reflection of his powers or a manifestation of his psyche.
The nature of the Void is complex. Is it a separate entity or an aspect of Reynolds' personality? Is it born from his fears or imposed upon him by an enemy? Thunderbolts could explore various interpretations of this dynamic. The core concept remains Sentry a powerful Superman-like figure is connected to the equally powerful and malevolent Void. The Super Bowl trailer offered glimpses of Lewis Pullman's Sentry unleashing chaos in the MCU. The trailer shows Sentry grabbing Bucky Barnes' vibranium arm and ripping it off while proclaiming "You thought you were gonna be some great saviors? You can't even save yourselves." This scene underscores Sentry's terrifying power.
What The Thunderbolts Villain Reveal Means For The MCU
Sentry Introduces A Formidable New Threat In Phase 5
The Thunderbolts trailer emphasizes the gravity of the situation. Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus states "The Avengers are not coming" highlighting the need for a different kind of team to address this threat. Val assembles a team of anti-heroes and misfits including Yelena Belova Bucky Barnes US Agent Red Guardian Ghost and Taskmaster to confront this danger. This unconventional team must unite to face a villain who appears to be beyond even the Avengers' capabilities. Louis-Dreyfus mentioned that Thunderbolts will reveal Val's complete plan adding to the suspense and mystery surrounding the film.
The appearance of Sentry as the villain signifies a shift in the MCU's Phase 5. Unlike some previous threats Sentry presents a more ambiguous and potentially internally conflicted antagonist. His connection to the Void adds a psychological dimension to the conflict. Thunderbolts seems poised to explore the darker more morally gray areas of the MCU. The movie tagline "Everyone deserves a second shot" suggests themes of redemption and second chances for this team of anti-heroes as they grapple with a threat that could overwhelm even the mightiest heroes.
Our Take On The Thunderbolts Super Bowl Trailer

Thunderbolts Trailer Hints At A Darker More Complex MCU Story
The Thunderbolts Super Bowl trailer effectively generates anticipation for the movie. The trailer's action-packed sequences and the reveal of Sentry as a formidable villain promise a thrilling cinematic experience. Geraldine Viswanathan a Thunderbolts star described the movie as a "completely fresh take" on the MCU. Director Jake Schreier's involvement and Son Lux composing the score further suggest a unique and potentially groundbreaking entry in the MCU.
The trailer leaves several questions unanswered enhancing viewer interest. The mystery surrounding the asterisk in the title Sentry's origins in the MCU and the team's dynamic all contribute to the movie's intrigue. Thunderbolts appears to be more than just another superhero film. It seems to be delving into themes of flawed characters facing overwhelming odds in a world where traditional heroes are absent. Thunderbolts release on May 2 is highly anticipated as it promises to deliver a darker suspenseful and action-filled chapter in the MCU.
Source: polygon.com ew.com ign.com hollywoodreporter.com