The Marvel Cinematic Universe is one step closer to casting one of the most complicated characters from the comics. Recent rumors have contended that the Sentry may be the threat that the Thunderbolts are called together to face in their team-up film, which is set to close out Phase 5 in 2024. While these Thunderbolts rumors have so far gone unconfirmed by Kevin Feige and the executives at Marvel Studios, Sentry, like any other recognizable Marvel hero, will inevitably the franchise in the not-too-distant future, raising the question of which actor may step into the surprisingly complex role of Robert Reynolds.
Rumors of Sentry's presence have made Thunderbolts one of Marvel's most exciting movies, especially given the character's rich history in Marvel Comics. The Sentry, otherwise known as Robert Reynolds, is an immensely powerful being designed as Marvel's modern answer to Superman. Despite his incredible strength and abilities, Bob still suffers from chronic mental illness, causing him to shift into his Void personality, which uses his vast array of power to wreak destruction. In the Marvel Universe, the Sentry has been an active superhero for decades, but most of the world had their memories wiped of his exploits by the Illuminati, explaining his supposed late entry to the superhero scene.
Alexander Skarsgård
Robert Eggers's latest film The Northman may have bombed financially, but it also showed audiences a side of Alexander Skarsgård that they had never seen before. As the legendary figure Amleth, Skarsgård perfectly weaved together pure brutality with a surprisingly tangible inner turmoil, depicting the lust for vengeance in as realistic a light as possible. It is Amleth's dichotomy between boiling anger and pure love that show how terrific Skarsgård would be in the role of Bob Reynolds. The Sentry, after all, is a complicated man who must love humanity enough to try and save them yet is powerful enough to destroy them if the occasion should ever arise.
Although even Steven King couldn't save The Stand, a 2020 miniseries based on his book of the same name, the failed adaptation also gave audiences Alexander Skarsgård's chilling portrayal of Randall Flagg, the primary villain of the story. Skarsgård perfectly balances Flagg's self-indulgent, boisterous leadership style and callous propensity for evil in such a way that proves he can play a terrifying villain if given the chance. This would lend itself perfectly to the role of Sentry, as whichever actor tapped for the role must also be able to portray Bob's villainous counterpart, the Void. As both hero and villain, Skarsgård would deliver a terrifying yet empathetic performance.
Ryan Gosling
Ryan Gosling is perfect for several Marvel characters not yet in the MCU, making his entrance into the franchise seem inevitable. Although Gosling's name has been tossed around for characters like Quasar, Nomad, and even Ghost Rider, which the actor himself selected as his dream role, the Sentry may be the best fit for him. Audiences are used to seeing Gosling playing heroic roles, rarely portraying a villainous character, even in his several action-heavy roles. The Sentry would be a terrific chance for Marvel to play into Gosling's typecast with a twist, offering him a character who, while heroic, may also be the worst villain the MCU has ever faced.
Furthermore, Thunderbolts already has a terrific cast of characters forming the titular team, making it difficult for the film's villain to measure up to the fan-favorite team of antiheroes. Ryan Gosling already comes with the required star power to keep audiences engaged in his character's arc, especially since the character is a far cry from anyone the actor has played in the past. Gosling can share the screen with the likes of Florence Pugh's Yelena Belova and Sebastian Stan's Bucky Barnes without fear of being overshadowed, making him the perfect antagonist to face an ensemble cast. Moreover, Gosling's star power could also lead to a recurring role in the MCU.
Keanu Reeves
Keanu Reeves is a certified action movie star, appearing in several films that changed the genre forever, including The Matrix and John Wick franchises. Because of his icon status in the action world, Reeves has had his name thrown out for a litany of superhero roles, both for Marvel and DC. Having already played John Constantine and Batman for DC, Reeves is long overdue for his first Marvel appearance. Despite having met with Kevin Feige to discuss numerous roles, Reeves has yet to find the perfect character to introduce him to the sprawling world of the MCU. Sentry may just be the character to change that ongoing trend.
Like Spider-Man, Sentry's history has been erased from the minds of all humanity, suggesting that the actor tapped to play the superhero doesn't necessarily have to be younger. Keanu Reeves could perfectly bring to life an older, weathered version of the Sentry who has been active in the superhero world for decades, even if the rest of the planet doesn't his exploits. The tired hero is the type of role in which Reeves always shines, with films like John Wick proving just how electric the actor can be as such a character who, despite his heroics, can't seem to give up the fight and move on with his life.
Keanu Reeves could play various Marvel villains in the MCU, with his name appearing in many "dream castings" for characters like Dracula and Mephisto. Reeves has indeed proven his merit in villainous roles, including spine-chilling performances in films like The Watcher and The Gift. However, casting the action icon in a purely villainous role would be a waste of his talent and star power in what would likely be a one-off performance. Instead, Marvel would be wise to cast Reeves as the Sentry, a character who switches between good and evil on a dime. The Sentry's complexity would allow Reeves to truly shine as both the hero and the villain.
Henry Cavill
Henry Cavill is primed for an MCU role after his recent departure from DC after portraying Superman since 2013's Man of Steel. Henry Cavill's ionate fanbase has been quite vocal about wanting to see the actor take on a new superhero role, with Marvel characters like Captain Britain, Quasar, and even Mister Fantastic being suggested for the beloved British actor. Amidst the many comics characters that Cavill could play in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the Sentry stands near the top of the list, with the actor's previous work as the DCEU's Superman already signifying just how perfect he would be in the role.
After leaving The Witcher and being recast as Superman, Cavill is looking for his next big role, and Sentry may be perfect for the actor's next step. Cavill has proven his merit at portraying a man of immense power through his work in the DCEU but wouldn't necessarily be retreading his steps by accepting the role. Sentry, while similar to Superman, is actually a commentary on the danger of such unmitigated power and what that strength does to a human mind. In becoming Sentry, Cavill would be exploring a different side of superherodom rarely attributed to Superman himself while also providing a bit of meta-commentary on his ousting at DC.
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau
Known for his work on Game of Thrones, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau's role of Jaime Lannister actually mirrors certain MCU hero arcs, signifying how perfect the actor would be stepping into the sprawling franchise. As Jaime Lannister, Coster-Waldau portrayed a character who was capable of both incredible evil and incredible good, perfectly treading the line between hero and villain. And, although Jaime's Season 8 arc was heavily criticized along with many other elements of Game of Thrones' final season, Coster-Waldau's casting as the MCU's Sentry would give him a chance to once again explore a complicated yet lovable character whose alignment shifts from moment to moment.
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau's casting as Sentry could also open the door to another infamous comics storyline involving the character, who became a part of Norman Osborn's Dark Avengers, who replaced the Avengers following the Secret Invasion storyline. During this period of time, Osborn manipulates the Sentry into becoming his personal pawn, only awakening something far worse in the process. Coster-Waldau can easily play into the villainous Void characteristics that are prominent in this arc, adding to the growing list of reasons that the Game of Thrones actor would be a perfect choice for the Marvel Cinematic Universe's depiction of the Sentry.
