Thunderbolts star Lewis Pullman, who portrays “Bob,” a.k.a. the Sentry in the MCU, revealed that he initially wanted to change his character’s name. Fans familiar with the comics know that the character is actually Robert “Bob” Reynolds, but Pullman wasn’t so keen on playing another “Bob” so soon after his role in Top Gun: Maverick.

Why Did Lewis Pullman Want a New Name?

Pullman, who is known for his role as “Bob” in Top Gun: Maverick, wasn’t thrilled about taking on another character with the same name. He felt it was a bit repetitive to play two different “Bobs” so close together. However, despite his reservations, the name “Bob” was non-negotiable. Why? The answer lies in the comics.

The Comic Book Canon

When Pullman met with Thunderbolts director Jake Schreier, he suggested changing his character’s name to avoid repeating himself. “Can we change the name? I just played a Bob,” Pullman recalled asking. But Schreier’s response was clear: “It’s in the comics, you can’t change that.”

While Pullman initially felt unsure about the name, he has since warmed up to the idea. “At first, I was like, ‘Oh gosh, OK, I’m gonna be playing another Bob,’ and now I’ve grown to love it,” Pullman shared.

A Little Comic Relief

Pullman’s suggestion for an alternative name, however, wasn’t too far from his character’s original identity. “I was just gonna say, ‘Can we call him Robert?'” Pullman joked, but ultimately, the name “Bob” stuck, staying true to the comic book roots.

Pullman even humorously added, “I loved playing Bob, and this is actually just one big campaign for me to play live-action Bob the Builder. That’s why we’re all here.”

What’s Next for Sentry in the MCU?

Fans will get to see Pullman’s take on the Sentry when he returns in Avengers: Doomsday as part of MCU Phase 6. This highly anticipated phase will kick off with The Fantastic Four: First Steps in July 2025. For more updates on upcoming Marvel films and characters, make sure to check out our full guide to Marvel’s upcoming slate in 2025 and beyond!