‘Thunderbolts’ loses one of its best actors: the future of a powerful MCU character is now open

Marvel’s ‘Thunderbolts’ was one of several films that came to a temporary halt in 2023 due to writers’ and actors’ strikes in Hollywood, ultimately hitting theaters around the world months later than originally planned. ‘Thunderbolts’ should actually have been released in cinemas in the winter of 2024, while the action hit will now only premiere on July 25, 2025. Naturally, the postponement also has consequences for the cast and crew, who now have to adjust their schedule and coordinate with other projects.

This has now apparently turned fatal for Steven Yeun, who was revealed in February 2023 as an addition to the ‘Thunderbolts’ cast that includes Sebastian Stan, Florence Pugh, Julia Louis-Dreyfuss, David Harbour, Ayo Edebiri and Wyatt Russell. As According to reports, the star of “The Walking Dead” eventually had to turn his back on “Thunderbolts” due to overlaps with other filming.

Steven Yeun: No more as Sentry in “Thunderbolts”!

It was never officially confirmed what role Steven Yeun would take on in ‘Thunderbolts’. But comic book writer Robert Kirkman, who worked with the actor on the series ‘The Walking Dead’ and ‘Invincible’, revealed this in an interview with comic book artist David Finch. There he made clear statements that Yeun will take on the role of Robert Reynolds aka Sentry. Yeun called Kirkman after a dress rehearsal for “Thunderbolts” and told him about Sentry’s yellow and blue costume.

This caused great excitement among Marvel fans. Sentry is ultimately considered one of the most interesting (anti)heroes from the comic series, who brings both deep character and spectacular skills. These include superhuman strength and speed, the ability to control the minds of his opponents, as well as the ability to heal himself and he can even rise from the dead. Yeun, who recently received Golden Globe and Emmy nominations for his role in the Netflix hit “Beef,” would have been an exciting choice here.

It is still unclear whether the role will be played by another actor or will be adapted from the script by ‘Black Widow’ author Eric Pearson. We’ll get a definitive answer to this no later than July 25, 2025, when Jake Schreier’s “Thunderbolts” hits local theaters. You’ll soon see Yeun in Bong Joon-Ho’s highly anticipated sci-fi thriller “Mickey 17” alongside Robert Pattinson. It should be in cinemas from March 28, 2024.