Marvel Studios has unveiled a new superhero suit influenced by Henry Cavill‘s black Superman costume seen in Zack Snyder‘s Justice League. The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) already features several characters resembling Superman, including Ikaris in 2021’s Eternals, played by Richard Madden, and Sentry, portrayed by Lewis Pullman in the recent Thunderbolts* film. These characters share similar traits with the Man of Steel, such as superhuman abilities and caped costumes styled with an iconic ‘S’ emblem.
This introduction of Marvel’s ‘Superman-like’ figures comes as the DC franchise faces challenges managing its iconic hero after Henry Cavill’s tenure. Cavill’s portrayal of the Kryptonian spanned the Snyderverse films from 2013 to 2017, with a brief return in 2022’s Black Adam, marking what ultimately became his final appearance before the DC Universe (DCU) reboot led by James Gunn, which introduced David Corenswet in the role set for 2025 and beyond.
Design Inspirations and Alternate Versions of Sentry’s Dark Form
Fans received a closer look at alternate concepts for Lewis Pullman’s Sentry through the official art book for Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts*. This included variations of The Void—the character’s darker alter ego—which closely resemble Henry Cavill’s black Superman suit. The darker costume had been notably absent from Joss Whedon’s Justice League cut but was prominently featured in Zack Snyder’s version as Superman’s armor to combat Steppenwolf and absorb solar energy following his resurrection.
Sentry is often dubbed Marvel’s answer to Superman because of his vast powers and costume symbolism. Concept artist Andy Park revealed the creative process behind The Void, explaining how the character was reimagined for the MCU. The comic book version depicts The Void transforming into a tentacled beast, but the filmmakers chose to emphasize practical effects instead of more elaborate visual monsters.
“We did a lot of exploration on The Void. In the comics, he turns into this kind of tentacle beast thing, but there was a desire on the director’s part to create this film as practically as possible.”
Andy Park, Concept Artist
The design of The Void that eventually appeared in Thunderbolts* was portrayed through shadows rather than a fully monstrous form, reflecting the film’s grounded approach to its story and character psychology.
Park highlighted a particular design by visual development concept illustrator John Straub, who illustrated Sentry engulfed in a shadow effect.
“Visual Development Concept Illustrator John Straub brilliantly illustrated the Sentry being engulfed with this shadow effect as the Void, which is more grounded but still really eerie.”
Andy Park, Concept Artist
Further art concepts ventured into supernatural aesthetics with vivid colors and chilling effects, adapting ideas based on how heavily the production wished to lean into special effects versus practical filming techniques.
“We explored versions that had a nod to the comic version. We tried different photography effects that could represent a negative effect on the character. We also explored how the costume could decay, from smoke effects to crumbling dust and particle effects.”
Andy Park, Concept Artist
Concept artist Aleksi Briclot shared his vision for the terrifying and powerful aura of The Void, comparing it to a glowing radiography image where the character’s inner frame is visible beneath a fiery red light.
“I was working on a glowing and irradiated silhouette surrounded by dark, evanescent growths – referring to the look of the Void in the comics. It’s all about making him look extremely powerful and frightening at the same time. Quite like in a radiography image, I’ve left his inner structure and skeleton visible while fighting a warm red light devouring his envelope.”
Aleksi Briclot, Concept Artist
This menacing design, with its demonic imagery and crimson lighting, closely mirrors the comic version of The Void but was judged as potentially incompatible with Thunderbolts*’s realistic visual tone.
How The Void Reflects Mental Health Themes in Thunderbolts*
Thunderbolts* distinguishes itself as a grounded MCU story focused on themes of mental health rather than cosmic spectacle. Though the superhuman abilities of Sentry and his darker persona The Void are extraordinary, the film opts for a more subdued depiction to preserve a sense of realism. The shadowy representation of The Void also symbolically underscores the psychological aspects of Bob Reynolds’ character.
The handling of The Void contrasts with the more exaggerated comic book version, supporting the film’s intense and uneasy atmosphere, aligning with its emotional narrative rather than pure superhero action.
Potential Future for Sentry and The Void in the MCU
Speculation surrounds the future role of Lewis Pullman’s Sentry in the MCU, particularly with the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, where observer theories suggest Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom could seek to harness or unleash The Void’s power. This sequel, directed by the Russo Brothers, is expected to employ more advanced CGI and visual effects compared to Jake Schreier’s practical-oriented approach in Thunderbolts*, potentially allowing for more comic-accurate and visually spectacular renditions of characters like The Void.
Such a shift could reintegrate the more intense and monstrous elements fans have seen in early concept art, expanding Sentry’s presence and depth within the narrative landscape of the MCU’s future.
