Director Jake Schreier addressed how Lewis Pullman assumed the role of Bob Reynolds, also known as Sentry, in Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts after Steven Yeun left the project. Originally cast as Sentry, Yeun exited the film in January 2024 due to scheduling conflicts linked to delayed production. Pullman was then selected to fill the role, which posed a unique challenge given the character’s complexity and the limited preparation time.
The Collaborative Process Behind Pullman’s Portrayal
In an exclusive interview with ComingSoon, Schreier shared insights on working closely with Pullman to shape his interpretation of Sentry. Despite the shortened prep period, Pullman embraced the role with enthusiasm, adding his own ideas and depth to the character. Schreier emphasized the importance of allowing the actor to make the role his own rather than fitting a predefined mold.
I mean, Lewis, I’m so grateful to him and the job he did,
Schreier said. It really was a very fun collaboration because, yeah, he was coming in with not a ton of time to prep. And, like, it’s such a difficult task, right? To play all of these different sides of one character and make it feel integrated. I think it has to become the actor’s part, you know what I mean? It’s never about, ‘Well, this is what we designed and you just have to fit into it.’ It has to be Lewis’ version and his interpretation of what that character is. He brought so much of himself and his own ideas to that part. —Jake Schreier, Director
Schreier explained that their process involved weekend mapping sessions focused on dissecting the character‘s multiple facets: Bob Reynolds, Sentry, and the darker Void side. These sessions highlighted the character’s nuanced balance between hubris and despair, helping Pullman decide which emotional aspect to bring out in specific scenes.
He and I would just kind of go through — every weekend, we’d have these fun little mapping sessions where we’d go through the week’s work. We really tried to define these ideas of Bob, the Sentry side of it, and the Void side of it. Again, it’s not like good and evil, as much sort of there’s this kind of hubris and despair component to it. We’d figure out which of those he is tapping into in each of these moments, almost line by line. Just so there was a roadmap to where that would get it.
The Impact of Trust and Team Chemistry on the Role
Schreier also highlighted the trust and openness Pullman demonstrated in tackling such a layered character and how that contributed to strong on-screen chemistry with co-stars, including Florence, and the rest of the cast and crew. The director expressed excitement about Pullman’s contribution and growth within the project.
I think it took a lot of trust on his part and a lot of openness. I was just so grateful for how much he brought to that part and to see that chemistry develop with him and Florence, and the rest of the team. I’m really, really excited and happy for him.
—Jake Schreier, Director
Marvel’s Thunderbolts is currently available for digital rental and ownership, with physical releases set for July 29, 2025, in 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD formats. Pullman’s nuanced portrayal of the Sentry adds a new dimension to the evolving Marvel Cinematic Universe, and his ability to embody the character despite a late start speaks to his skill and dedication. As the film reaches broader audiences, Pullman’s interpretation could influence future appearances of the complex character within the franchise.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Steven Yeun quit Marvel?
A. The actor from “Beef” and “Nope” mentioned that he stepped down partly due to the breaks during the Hollywood strikes. He explained, “Time passing and things shifting kind of pulled me out of it.” Despite leaving, he wished the director, Jake Schreier, good luck with the film.
Q. Is Steven Yeun fluent?
A. Unlike many Asian immigrants his age, Yeun always used Korean when speaking to his parents, who spoke to him in their native language. While many in his generation replied in English, Yeun’s fluency in Korean set him apart. Lee aimed to completely realize the contrast of a well-known American figure speaking Korean naturally.
Q. Why did Steven Yeun leave Marvel?
A. Some people guessed that Yeun left because Marvel’s work quality was dropping, but the actual reason is not so sensational. Yeun had to leave because his schedule conflicted with the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strikes, which pushed Thunderbolts* filming to the next year.
Q. Why did Steven Yeun leave?
A. Steven Yeun apologized for leaving Marvel’s “Thunderbolts,” saying it was due to the strike and scheduling problems. He still wants to act in a Marvel movie.
