A compelling Thunderbolts* theory suggests that the MCU’s biggest upcoming threat was accidentally created by the Avengers. The MCU’s Thunderbolts* has not confirmed its primary antagonist, but the Thunderbolts* trailer has prompted a highly probable theory regarding one of its characters. If true, then this would mean that the Avengers are indirectly responsible for the rise of their most dangerous adversary yet.

The MCU timeline has seen some pretty formidable villains. While unconfirmed, one of the greatest adversaries is expected to appear among the Thunderbolts* primary cast. Thunderbolts* depicts a rag-tag troupe of unconventional MCU antiheroes, including Bucky Barnes, Red Guardian, and Yelena Belova. Other characters depicted in the trailer hint at the movie’s possible narrative and could create repercussions felt far into the MCU’s future.

The MCU’s Sentry Setup Suggests He’s Another Attempt To Replace The Void The Avengers Left

The Void Left By The Avengers May Itself Create Another Void

One of the most exciting developments in Thunderbolts* is the emergence of Sentry, AKA Bob Reynolds. In Marvel Comics, Sentry possesses the power of a million exploding suns, making him one of Marvel’s most overpowered characters. However, his greatest weakness is his mind – specifically, his connection to the Void, a malevolent enтιтy that exists as the dark counterpart to his heroic persona. It has been claimed that for every good deed Sentry enacts, the Void corresponds with an equal act of malevolence.

With the disbandment of the original Avengers, the world has been left vulnerable to threats that were once handled by Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. As seen in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Secret Invasion, and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, governments and organizations have scrambled to fill the power vacuum left in their wake. If one of these attempts to harness Sentry’s power, they could inadvertently unleash his far more dangerous alter ego, creating a catastrophic threat far beyond anything the world has faced before.

The trailer includes sH๏τs of what seems to be Sentry being fired upon, possibly by government forces. This suggests that, at some point, he either loses control or is deemed too dangerous, forcing authorities to take action against him. The MCU has repeatedly explored the idea of governments trying to manufacture or control superheroes, often with disastrous consequences. Thunderbolts* seems poised to continue this theme, particularly with Sentry.

Marvel’s Valentina Storyline Makes Her “Recruiting” Sentry Seem Pretty Likely

Valentina Is Forming A New MCU Team

Valentina’s actions throughout Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier have established her as a behind-the-scenes manipulator, ᴀssembling a roster of enhanced individuals. She appears to be gathering powerful ᴀssets, likely for her own ends, and Thunderbolts will likely reveal more about her true motives. Given her track record, it’s highly plausible that Valentina played a role in securing Bob Reynolds for whatever government program is holding him.

If she sees him as a potential ally or weapon, she might have tried to shape him into the ideal replacement for the Avengers. Unlike the original heroes, who operated with moral independence, Valentina’s version of a super-team seems more like a group that will follow orders – at least, in theory. The presence of Sentry Funko Pop merchandise depicting him in his classic golden costume suggests that, at some point, he is given the chance to act as a hero.

Tying Sentry’s Setup To The Avengers’ Ending Means They’re Inadvertently The Cause Of New York’s Newest Danger

Sentry’s Turn To Evil Could Be Caused By The Government Using Him As A Superweapon

This theory links Sentry’s introduction to a government-led replacement for the Avengers. It suggests that the team’s absence left the world desperate for powerful defenders. The Avengers kept global threats in check, but after Avengers: Endgame, Earth’s defenses became fractured, leaving governments deperate for alternatives.

This vacuum of power is what allowed figures like Valentina to gain influence, pushing for the creation of a new team that could protect the world while also being under governmental control. In the process, they may have turned to Bob Reynolds, seeing him as a potential savior without fully understanding the danger he poses. If this theory is correct, then Sentry’s emergence as a villain isn’t just another government experiment gone wrong – it’s a direct consequence of the Avengers leaving the stage.

Ultimately, Thunderbolts* may reveal that the world’s desperate attempt to replace the Avengers has led to the rise of its most powerful villain yet. If Sentry succumbs to the Void and becomes an unstoppable force of destruction, then the blame will not fall on an alien invasion or a mad тιтan – it will rest squarely on humanity’s own hubris. And that is a far more terrifying thought.

Upcoming MCU Movies

• 
  
  

  
  

  Thunderbolts*

  Release Date

  
  May 2, 2025
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

  Powered by

  
  

  
  Expand
  Collapse
  

• 
  
  

  
  

  The Fantastic Four: First Steps

  Release Date

  
  July 25, 2025
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

  Powered by

  
  

  
  Expand
  Collapse
  

• 
  
  

  
  

  Avengers: Doomsday (2026)

  
  
  
  
  

  
  

  
  Powered by

  
  

  
  
  Expand
  Collapse
  

• 
  
  

  
  

  MCU Spider-Man 4

  Release Date

  
  July 24, 2026
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

  Powered by

  
  

  
  Expand
  Collapse
  

• 
  
  

  
  

  Avengers: Secret Wars

  Release Date

  
  May 7, 2027
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

  Powered by

  
  

  
  Expand
  Collapse