Marvel’s latest antihero ensemble, Thunderbolts*, isn’t just a tonal shift for the MCU — it’s the stage for Lewis Pullman’s electrifying entrance into the superhero world. Playing the enigmatic Bob, Pullman not only stands tall among a star-studded cast but does so while carving a path distinctly his own, separate from the shadow of his legendary father, Bill Pullman.

How a Script Filled With Possibilities Brought Lewis Pullman Into the MCU Family

Few moments in an actor’s career resonate as deeply as the first Marvel script in your hands. For Lewis Pullman, that moment was made even more meaningful by the conversation it sparked with his father. Though Bill Pullman — a seasoned actor with iconic roles from Independence Day to While You Were Sleeping — hasn’t yet stepped into the MCU himself, his insight into Lewis’s Thunderbolts* script was pure gold.

“He always goes story first, and writing first, and character first,” Lewis said during a recent press event. And when Bill finally read the full script, his reaction was straight to the point — and loaded with promise. “There’s a lot to do here. Yeah. I think there’s a lot to be done.”

It’s the kind of endorsement that matters. Not because of who it’s from, but because of what it represents: a character and story worthy of exploration. For Lewis, sharing that moment with his dad transformed the experience — turning Thunderbolts* from just another film into a personal milestone.

From Reluctant Marvel Viewer to Franchise Insider: Pullman’s Unique Family Viewing History

In a twist of irony, Lewis Pullman’s family wasn’t the typical Marvel-obsessed household. Growing up, screen time was limited, and the movie choices often leaned toward the classics his parents cherished. “I didn’t grow up watching TV, and we were allowed like a movie or two a weekend,” he explained. “I would’ve put Marvel on there, but... my voice was not heard.”

Now, with Thunderbolts* hitting theaters, Lewis is determined to change that. “I’m getting my entire family to sit down and watch this movie. So it’ll be monumental,” he said. After all, there’s something undeniably special about introducing your loved ones to a world you’ve just become a part of — especially one as sprawling and passionate as the MCU.

Lightning Strikes Twice: From Dad’s Western to Marvel’s Antihero Squad

Lewis Pullman’s journey to Marvel glory isn’t without its roots in his father’s work. He made his feature film debut in The Ballad of Lefty Brown, a Western directed by and starring Bill Pullman. That early experience behind the camera — and in front of it — laid the foundation for what Lewis describes as a “blossoming” career.

“I was very naive about what my dad did growing up until high school. Then I really started getting curious about it and found a love for it,” he shared. And now, with Thunderbolts*, he’s not only exploring that love but doing so in one of the most visible genres of modern cinema.

Addressing Nepotism Head-On: Pullman’s Honest Take on Forging His Own Path

In an industry often quick to label, Lewis Pullman confronts the nepotism tag with refreshing honesty. “What is so undeniably fortunate about nepotism … is the opportunity to get experience and to find your comfortability within a very bizarre circumstance,” he told The Hollywood Reporter. It’s a sentiment that echoes the struggle of many actors — learning to perform naturally in front of a lens that’s always watching.

But Lewis is clear: he didn’t want to lean on his father’s name. In fact, he once stubbornly aimed to do it entirely on his own. “Once I realized that it was an impossible pair of shoes to fill, I kind of found a sense of relief,” he said. That realization freed him to explore his own style, his own strengths, and most importantly, his own voice.

Bob in Thunderbolts*: A Mysterious Role With Maximum Impact

Marvel fans love a mystery, and Lewis Pullman’s Bob is tailor-made for that kind of intrigue. With little revealed about the character ahead of the film’s release, speculation is already swirling. Is he a new kind of antihero? A wild card with a hidden past? Whatever the truth, Pullman’s performance promises to be one that speaks louder than any origin story.

“There’s a lot to do here,” Bill Pullman said. And Bob — much like Lewis himself — is ready to deliver on that promise.

Thunderbolts* May Be Marvel’s Most Self-Aware Film — And Pullman Is at Its Core

Critics are calling Thunderbolts* the best Marvel movie in years. Not because it changes the game, but because it plays the game smarter than ever. With James Gunn-style energy and a cast that includes Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, David Harbour, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, the film is a chaotic, fun, and surprisingly deep dive into what it means to be a hero — or not.

Amidst the mayhem, Lewis Pullman stands out. Not as a legacy name, but as a legacy maker. His role in Thunderbolts* isn’t just about joining the MCU — it’s about doing so in a way that’s authentic, ambitious, and undeniably powerful.

And for an actor who’s spent years finding his comfort in front of the camera, that’s the real win.