From a rising actor in indie films to a full-fledged Marvel superhero, Lewis Pullman has quickly become one of Hollywood’s most intriguing new faces. After stealing the spotlight in Thunderbolts as the tormented hero-turned-villain Sentry, the 32-year-old is generating major buzz not only for his breakout performance but also for his artistic background, grounded personality, and quietly fascinating love life.
He comes from a deeply artistic family
Lewis Pullman may be a newcomer to many fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but creativity has always been in his DNA. Born on January 29, 1993, Pullman is the youngest child of actor Bill Pullman—best known for Independence Day and While You Were Sleeping—and dancer Tamara Hurwitz. Raised in a household where art and performance were daily fixtures, Lewis grew up alongside his sister Maesa, a musician, and his brother Jack, a puppet and mask designer.
Although he was immersed in the arts from an early age, Lewis admits he didn’t fully appreciate the extent of his father’s influence until high school. “I was very naive about what my dad did,” he shared in an interview. But over time, he came to see the value in his upbringing. “I quite quickly realized it was incredibly foolish not to utilize this remarkable resource that I had, who happened to be my dad.” Despite the privilege of access, Pullman is committed to forging his own identity in the industry—one built on hard work and authenticity.
From drummer to actor: his early journey
Before stepping into the world of acting, Pullman’s first creative passion was music. A talented drummer, he briefly considered pursuing a career in music before the allure of performance and storytelling pulled him in another direction. His journey into acting began with college plays and quickly evolved into professional work.
Pullman’s screen debut came in the 2013 short film The Tutor, but his breakout moment arrived nearly a decade later with his role as Lieutenant Robert “Bob” Floyd in Top Gun: Maverick (2022). Sharing the screen with Tom Cruise and Miles Teller, Pullman held his own among Hollywood heavyweights. That performance opened doors, and by 2023, he had landed a leading role in Apple TV+’s Lessons in Chemistry, playing opposite Brie Larson as the brilliant and emotionally complex scientist Calvin Evans.
Marvel’s newest conflicted superhero
Pullman’s star power officially exploded with his latest role as Bob Reynolds, aka Sentry, in Marvel’s Thunderbolts. In a film packed with established stars like Sebastian Stan and Florence Pugh, Pullman managed to stand out with a nuanced, vulnerable performance as a superhero grappling with his immense power and inner darkness.
Sentry is no ordinary hero—he’s one of the most psychologically complex characters in Marvel lore, a man split between his heroic identity and a destructive alter ego known as the Void. Pullman’s portrayal captures that emotional torment and duality with rare sensitivity, earning praise from fans and critics alike. His performance is being seen as a major career milestone and a potential turning point for future roles within the MCU.
Marvel Studios has already confirmed that Pullman will reprise his role in Avengers: Doomsday, set for release in May 2026—solidifying his position as a key figure in the franchise’s next chapter.
A rising star with a grounded heart
One reason Pullman has endeared himself so quickly to fans is his approachable, unassuming nature. Despite growing up in a well-known family, he remains deeply aware of his privileges and strives to stay grounded. In interviews, he frequently credits his parents for instilling a sense of humility and creative integrity, and he isn’t shy about the value of honest self-reflection in an industry often dominated by ego.
He’s not the loudest celebrity in the room, but his presence resonates. There’s a quiet confidence in how he approaches his work, and it’s that understated intensity that makes him so compelling onscreen—whether he’s playing a conflicted genius or a superpowered anti-hero.
His love life: famous exes and new rumors
As Lewis Pullman’s fame grows, so does public interest in his personal life. The actor was previously in a relationship with Rainey Qualley, a singer, model, and daughter of actress Andie MacDowell. The couple dated from 2020 until their reported split in mid-2023. Their relationship, though largely private, occasionally made headlines, especially as both come from notable Hollywood families.
Since then, Pullman has been romantically linked to another entertainment world scion: Kaia Gerber, the model and daughter of Cindy Crawford. Rumors of their relationship sparked after the two were spotted together at Pullman’s 32nd birthday celebration in January 2025. While neither has confirmed the relationship publicly, their appearances together have fueled speculation that love is very much in the air. Despite the curiosity surrounding his dating life, Pullman continues to maintain a relatively low profile, preferring to let his work speak for itself—a rarity in the age of constant celebrity exposure.
What’s next for Lewis Pullman?
Following his standout performance in Thunderbolts, Pullman’s career appears to be on an unstoppable trajectory. While details of his next project outside the Marvel universe remain under wraps, fans can expect to see him again as Sentry in Avengers: Doomsday. Given his range and the critical acclaim he’s beginning to accumulate, it wouldn’t be surprising if more leading roles across both film and television come calling soon.
Whether he’s playing a soft-spoken scientist, a conflicted superhero, or something entirely new, Lewis Pullman is fast becoming one of the most promising actors of his generation. With the rare combination of talent, depth, and sincerity, he’s not just Marvel’s newest breakout star—he’s one to watch for years to come.
