The Future of Sentry in the MCU: Who Could Replace Steven Yeun?
A look into the possible replacements for Steven Yeun as Sentry in Marvel Studios' Thunderbolts project.
Steven Yeun's Exit from Thunderbolts
Steven Yeun will no longer be playing the Sentry in Marvel Studios' upcoming Thunderbolts project, but there are several brilliant actors who could take his place in the MCU. Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige announced the development of Thunderbolts in July 2022, with the crossover films marking the returns of David Harbour, Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, Hannah John-Kamen, Olga Kurylenko, Wyatt Russell and Julia Louis-Dreyfus as a new team of superhuman antiheroes and reformed villains. The MCU's Thunderbolts is set to release on July 25, 2025, but the project has recently undergone some cast changes, as Steven Yeun has dropped out from his highly-anticipated MCU role.
Alexander Skarsgård in Tarzan
The Walking Dead and Invincible star Steven Yeun joined the cast of Thunderbolts in February 2023 in an undisclosed role, though there was widespread speculation that Yeun would be playing Robert Reynolds, a.k.a. the Sentry. These rumors were all but confirmed when Yeun's collaborator and friend Robert Kirkman revealed Yeun had attended a costume fitting for Sentry. However, on January 2, 2024, The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Steven Yeun has dropped out of Thunderbolts, citing scheduling conflicts following the project's delays amid 2023's WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Sentry is still expected to appear in Thunderbolts, and there are several strong candidates to replace Yeun in the role.
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Potential Replacements for Sentry
The departure of Steven Yeun from the role of Sentry in the MCU's Thunderbolts has led to speculation about potential replacements. Several actors have been suggested as suitable candidates to take on the iconic role of the Sentry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Let's take a closer look at some of the actors who could step into this highly-anticipated role.
One actor who has been proposed as a fitting replacement for the role of Sentry is Alexander Skarsg\u00e5rd. Known for his roles in True Blood, Godzilla Vs. Kong, and The Northman, Skarsg\u00e5rd has the perfect look for Sentry, closely resembling Marvel Comics' depiction of the character. With his portrayal of the warrior Amleth in Robert Eggers' The Northman, Skarsg\u00e5rd has already demonstrated the brutality, realism, and strength that could translate seamlessly into the MCU's Sentry. The complexity of Robert Reynolds, a.k.a. the Sentry, requires an actor who can effectively convey the character's dark alter ego, the Void, while also portraying him as one of the world's strongest and most formidable heroes.
Another strong candidate for the role of Sentry is Andrew Koji, known for his roles in Warrior, Snake Eyes, and Bullet Train. Renowned for his action experience and martial arts background, Koji's portrayal of a fighter in his previous roles positions him as a perfect fit for the character of Sentry. His skill, magnetism, and strong physicality make him a compelling choice to bring a charismatic and powerful Sentry to the MCU.
Boyd Holbrook, recognized for his roles in Narcos, Logan, and The Sandman, is also being considered as a potential replacement for the role of Sentry. With his action-heavy performances and previous experience in superhero projects, Holbrook has the opportunity to showcase his versatility by taking on the iconic role of the Sentry in the MCU. His portrayal of the villainous characters in Logan and We Can Be Heroes demonstrates his ability to deliver impactful performances, making him a strong contender for the role of Sentry.
More Candidates for the Role
In addition to the aforementioned actors, several other names have emerged as potential candidates to replace Steven Yeun as the Sentry in the MCU's Thunderbolts. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, known for his role in Game Of Thrones, has been suggested as a fitting choice to portray the Sentry, drawing on his experience in action, sci-fi, and thriller projects to deliver a compelling performance. His ability to lean into the character's villainous side and bring drama and intensity to the role makes him a captivating option for the iconic character.
Ryan Hurst, recognized for his roles in Sons Of Anarchy, The Walking Dead, and The Mysterious Benedict Society, has expressed a keen interest in portraying the superhuman hero in the MCU. His unconventional choice for the role, coupled with his genuine enthusiasm and fan art depicting himself as the Sentry, adds an intriguing dimension to the pool of potential candidates for the character.
The legendary Keanu Reeves, celebrated for his iconic roles in Point Break, Constantine, and John Wick, has long been a fan-favorite choice for a Marvel Comics character. With his dramatic ability, physique, and action experience, Reeves is a compelling candidate for the role of Sentry in the MCU's Phase 6. His potential portrayal of the character could pave the way for a lengthy and impactful presence in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
