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Lewis Pullman: From "Super Un-hero-like" to MCU Star
Lewis Pullman, fresh off the Los Angeles premiere of Thunderbolts, describes himself as "super un-hero-like." It's understandable. The 32-year-old actor, recognizable from Top Gun: Maverick and Salem's Lot, has just spent 72 hours jetting between London and Los Angeles, juggling countless interviews to promote Marvel's latest cinematic venture. But despite the whirlwind, his smile betrays a palpable excitement: "It's all pretty awesome."
And his enthusiasm is justified. Thunderbolts is being hailed as a triumphant return to form for the MCU, a beacon of hope in what some critics have called a darker period for the franchise. Pullman, playing Robert "Bob" Reynolds—aka The Sentry, and on his bad days, The Void—is considered the emotional core of the film. His performance, according to some, is powerful enough to win over even the most cynical critics. A remarkable feat for an actor making his superhero debut!
Pullman's Style and the MCU Experience
At the premiere, Pullman sported a custom Brioni suit, styled by Warren Alfie Baker. The monochrome look, he explains, subtly mirrors the color palettes of the film's superheroes, a stylish nod to his character without being overly literal.
- On his personal style: Pullman confesses to owning a vast T-shirt collection (150!), though he admits to wearing only a fraction of them. He's a jeans-and-boots kind of guy, with a penchant for cowboy boots, though he's recently branched out into sneakers and Clarks Wallabees.
- On entering the MCU: He acknowledges the intimidating nature of joining such a well-established universe, emphasizing his desire to do justice to the beloved comic book character while also bringing his own unique interpretation to the role. This involved finding a balance between honoring the source material and infusing the character with his personal touch.
- On Bob's complexity: Pullman describes Bob as a kaleidoscope, revealing different facets of his psyche depending on the situation. He faced the challenge of portraying this internal complexity without giving too much away too soon. The film's layered narrative encourages multiple viewings to fully appreciate the character's nuances.
Thunderbolts: Themes and Audience Experience
Pullman hopes audiences are surprised by Thunderbolts. While he highlights the film's exploration of mental health, he also emphasizes the entertainment value. He stresses the film's masterful blend of classic popcorn-movie thrills with thought-provoking themes, leaving viewers wanting to continue spending time with these flawed and relatable characters long after the credits roll. The film isn't afraid to tackle messy topics head-on; it's a depiction of misfit characters grappling with relationships, collaboration, and self-discovery in between battles.
The director, Jake Schreier, is praised for his sensitive yet entertaining approach, striking a balance between the serious themes and the engaging narrative. Pullman emphasizes that the cast's collaborative and fun environment contributed to the film's success. He learned much from his seasoned co-stars, particularly Florence Pugh, on the art of seamlessly transitioning between comedic and intense moments. Learning that he didn't have to suffer to create something good was also a big takeaway.
The Mystery of the Asterisk and the Sentry's Origin
Thunderbolts*, with its intriguing title asterisk, finally reveals its meaning: the team's name is a nod to Yelena Belova's childhood soccer team, a detail Val Allegra de Fontaine later uses as a marketing ploy to rebrand the group as the "New Avengers," sparking a hilarious copyright dispute with Sam Wilson.
Pullman's character, Bob, is subjected to experimentation by Val, resulting in the creation of both The Sentry and The Void, his alter-egos representing his good and dark sides, respectively. The Void's power is explored, showcasing a compelling villain driven by Bob's past trauma.
Conclusion
Lewis Pullman’s performance in Thunderbolts* marks a significant step in his career. His portrayal of Bob Reynolds brings a refreshing blend of humor, pathos, and action to the MCU. The film’s success hinges not only on its exciting action sequences but also on its honest and empathetic portrayal of complex characters, making it a must-see for both MCU veterans and newcomers alike. The post-credit scenes hint at Bob’s continued involvement in the MCU's future, promising a continued exploration of his compelling dual personality and the challenges ahead for the New Avengers.
