The Avengers were the first major team to be introduced in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and much of that team-up film worked due to the sheer power of the Hulk at its center, leading to the need for similar characters in its offshoot teams. While no teams have yet risen to the rank of the Avengers, there now appear to actually be 10 teams in the MCU that could appear in future projects. Seeing the makeup of these teams, and how closely they resemble the structure of the original Avengers, is illuminating about their future direction.

Hulk has been a hard character to get right in film. Even the MCU has struggled with the character, resorting to having Bruce Banner as Smart Hulk in his recent appearances. The volatility, violence, and power of Hulk are what remain at the heart of his appeal, however, and doing away with these has been mostly underwhelming. As audiences await the return of a Savage Hulk in future projects, however, it seems that one of the new Avengers replacement teams may be introducing their own version of him.

Marvel’s Thunderbolts* Has Already Set Up A Way To Make Sentry Its Version Of The Avengers’ Hulk

Sentry Looks Likely To Play A Similar Role In The New Team-Up Film

The new trailer for Thunderbolts* has set up the Sentry, an incredibly powerful force that it appears may fulfill the same role for the team as the Hulk. Robert “Bob” Reynolds, or Sentry, is one of the most powerful characters in Marvel Comics, but that power comes at a cost, due to Reynolds’ issues with addiction and mental health. This causes the Sentry to intermittently succumb to The Void, a dangerous enтιтy that has also attached itself to Reynolds.

The duality of the Hulk, and the fact that he can act as both a hero and villain depending on his emotional state, is a tense and fragile balance. This element seems to be recaptured by Sentry. The character’s mental state appears to be on a needlepoint, and the film’s footage suggests that Sentry will likely serve as the heroes’ companion, while his other form of The Void could be the main antagonist to the team. This is such an interesting contrast, and I can’t wait to see how it is executed in the upcoming film.

Why Sentry Is A Great Choice For An MCU Team’s Wildcard

The Character Brings A Unique, Superpowered Dynamic To The Marvel Team

Many of the Thunderbolts team do not have the most incredible powers. John Walker has a version of the Super Soldier Serum, as does Bucky Barnes, and Ghost is able to phase in and out, but other, non-powered team members like Yelena are still able to stand alongside them with ease. Adding in Sentry is a great contrast to the smaller, more grounded powers of the new team. Sentry clearly has the force and ability to destroy every member of this team with ease, but will be held back by his own ethics and relationships.

So much of the Thunderbolts team is already shaky and unstable. The team do not appear to come together without conflict, and many of the early events of the film may see them fighting one another. I believe introducing a powerful force with the power of a million exploding suns during a time when the Avengers seem to be missing could be a great contrast to this. If nothing else, it will give the team a reason to rally together and combine their powers in an attempt to save the world from something as destructive as The Void.

I’m So Excited To See How The MCU Handles Its Thunderbolts Team

Thunderbolts* Could Be A Truly Special And Unique Experience

Thunderbolts* is a big deal, and I’m excited to see how this new MCU team stacks up. While some audiences weren’t as enthusiastic about Black Widow, from which several members of this team originated, I think it was one of the better MCU movies in recent years. From there, and building on some of those excellent characters with other familiar faces, I’m excited to see how the franchise approaches this team. I also need to know what the asterisk in Thunderbolts* is all about.

With the addition of Sentry, I am so excited to see how the dynamics of this new team play out. There is so much charisma packed in with these great performers, and the Thunderbolts* trailers have suggested a fun, exciting, and action-packed team-up event with some of the best new Marvel characters. As the franchise adds more teams to its roster, and expands the shape of the Marvel Universe, this is one of the most exciting directions that they can take their stories.

Coming at a time when Marvel films have been hit or miss, I still have high hopes for Thunderbolts*. I already like most of the characters, and the introduction of Sentry is such an exciting prospect. Seeing everyone ʙuтт heads and collide in incredible action is a great prospect, and I can’t wait to see how it comes together when Thunderbolts* is released in May. Hopefully, it is able to capture some of the same infectious energy from the first The Avengers.

Upcoming MCU Movies

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  Thunderbolts*

  Release Date

  
  May 2, 2025
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

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  The Fantastic Four: First Steps

  Release Date

  
  July 25, 2025
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

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  Avengers: Doomsday (2026)

  
  
  
  
  

  
  

  
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  Spider-Man Homecoming 4

  Release Date

  
  July 24, 2026
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

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  Avengers: Secret Wars

  Release Date

  
  May 7, 2027
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

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