The Marvel Cinematic Universe is buzzing with excitement as THUNDERBOLTS prepares to hit theaters on May 2, 2025, and at the heart of the hype is Lewis Pullman, the actor stepping into the powerful role of The Sentry. But what’s turning heads even more? Lewis is the son of Hollywood legend Bill Pullman, famed for his unforgettable performances in Independence Day and Casper. As the MCU introduces this complex superhero with a dark twist, fans are eager to see if Lewis can carve out his own legacy—or even outshine his iconic father. Let’s dive into the story of this rising talent and the family legacy fueling his ascent.
A Legacy in the Spotlight
Lewis James Pullman, born in Los Angeles in 1993, is the youngest son of Bill Pullman and modern dancer Tamara Hurwitz. Growing up, Lewis wasn’t steeped in Hollywood glitz—his father, now 71, kept the family grounded, limiting TV to a movie or two per weekend and favoring classic films over modern blockbusters. Bill’s career skyrocketed in the 1990s with roles like President Thomas J. Whitmore in Independence Day (1996), delivering the legendary “We will not go quietly into the night” speech, and the gentle Dr. Harvey in Casper (1995). These performances cemented him as a versatile actor with charm and gravitas, a reputation he’s since bolstered with projects like The Sinner and Independence Day: Resurgence. For Lewis, following in those footsteps was never a given—he once told The Hollywood Reporter he considered a fallback career on a road crew if acting didn’t pan out.
Yet, the pull of performance was irresistible. Lewis kicked off his career with The Ballad of Lefty Brown (2017), co-starring his dad, and quickly built a resume with standout roles in Top Gun: Maverick (2022) as the endearing Lt. Robert “Bob” Floyd, Bad Times at the El Royale (2018), and Lessons in Chemistry (2023), earning an Emmy nomination. Now, his casting as The Sentry in THUNDERBOLTS—and his confirmed return in Avengers: Doomsday (2026)—marks a bold leap into the MCU, where he’s poised to bring a fresh dynamic to Marvel’s roster.
The Sentry: A Superhero with a Dark Edge
In THUNDERBOLTS, Lewis plays Bob Reynolds, a seemingly unassuming man who transforms into The Sentry, a superhero rivaling Superman with “the power of a million exploding suns.” But the role comes with a twist: Bob’s psyche harbors The Void, a malevolent alter-ego capable of mass destruction. Trailers tease Bob’s awkward introduction to the Thunderbolts team—anti-heroes like Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) and Red Guardian (David Harbour)—only for his powers to erupt, hinting at a climactic battle. Lewis has described the role as a “three people fighting underwater,” juggling Bob’s vulnerability, The Sentry’s heroism, and The Void’s menace. His performance has already won praise, with creator Paul Jenkins telling CBR that Lewis “nailed” the character’s nuanced struggle, calling it a modern Jekyll and Hyde.
Fans are split on the casting choice. Some celebrate Lewis’s ability to shine in ensemble casts, as seen in Top Gun: Maverick, while others question if THUNDERBOLTS—a film about mid-tier villains—is the right stage for a cosmic-level character like Sentry. Early reviews, boasting an 88% critics’ score and 95% audience approval on Rotten Tomatoes, suggest Lewis is silencing doubters with a portrayal that balances humor, tragedy, and raw power.
A Father’s Influence and a Son’s Path
Lewis credits Bill for shaping his approach. In a PEOPLE interview, he revealed asking his dad for advice early on, with Bill urging a “story first” focus. Bill’s reaction to the THUNDERBOLTS script? “There’s a lot to do here”—a nudge that freed Lewis to find his own voice. Unlike some nepotism tales, Lewis’s journey feels earned, bolstered by a supportive family. His sister Maesa is a singer-songwriter, and brother Jack a puppet-maker, reflecting a creative household where acting was one of many options.
Bill’s legacy looms large, but Lewis embraces the challenge. “It would be a bummer if he was a bad actor or an a–hole,” he quipped to THR, highlighting his luck in admiring his father’s work. On set, crew members often rave about Bill, adding pressure but also pride. Lewis has admitted feeling the weight of those “Pullman shoes,” yet his distinct style—evident in his Emmy-nominated turn in Lessons in Chemistry—sets him apart.
The MCU’s New Frontier
THUNDERBOLTS marks a pivotal moment for Lewis, thrusting him into the MCU’s Multiverse Saga. With Avengers: Doomsday on the horizon, speculation swirls about Sentry’s role—will he succumb to The Void, or redeem himself against a threat like Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom? Lewis has played coy, telling GamesRadar+ he’s “so excited” but unsure of the future, a stance that keeps fans guessing. His debut has already sparked comparisons to Bill’s iconic Independence Day moment, with some wondering if Lewis’s Sentry could define a new era of cinematic heroism.
The film’s success—teased by strong preview numbers—could elevate Lewis to household name status, much like his father’s rise. Yet, the question remains: can he outshine Bill’s legacy, or will he forge a parallel path? As THUNDERBOLTS hits screens, one thing is clear—Lewis Pullman is no longer just Bill Pullman’s son. He’s a star in his own right, ready to take flight in the MCU’s ever-expanding universe.
