Why Is Hulk Villain The Leader in Captain America: Brave New World?

Since the announcement in 2022, fans have been buzzing about Tim Blake Nelson's return as Samuel Sterns, also known as The Leader, in *Captain America: Brave New World*. Nelson first brought this character to life in 2008's *The Incredible Hulk*, and now, after a long hiatus, The Leader is set to make a dramatic comeback in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Although it may seem unusual for The Leader, traditionally a Hulk antagonist, to appear in a Captain America film, this twist is precisely what makes him such a compelling villain for Sam Wilson's Captain America.

The Leader: Who Is Tim Blake Nelson's Character? ------------------------------------------------

The Leader is a formidable adversary and the quintessential archnemesis of the Hulk. Unlike other Hulk villains who rely on brute strength, Samuel Sterns is the intellectual counterpart to Bruce Banner. After being exposed to gamma radiation, his intelligence surged to unparalleled heights, matching the Hulk's strength with his own cerebral prowess. This makes him one of the most dangerous villains in the Marvel Universe.

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In *The Incredible Hulk*, Sterns was introduced as a cellular biologist aiding Banner in his quest to cure his condition. However, Sterns had different aspirations for Banner's blood, believing it could unlock humanity's full potential and eradicate disease. His collaboration with General Ross led to Emil Blonsky's transformation into the Abomination, and Sterns himself was left in a precarious state as his forehead began to swell from exposure to Banner's irradiated blood.

The Return of the Leader in the Marvel Cinematic Universe

*The Incredible Hulk* set the stage for Sterns' transformation into The Leader, hinting at a sequel that never materialized due to Universal Pictures holding part of the film rights. Instead, Hulk's narrative continued in *The Avengers* films and *Thor: Ragnarok*. Meanwhile, Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner ventured into *She-Hulk: Attorney at Law*, where he departed Earth in Episode 3 and returned with his son, Skaar, in the season finale.

Rumors suggested The Leader might appear in *She-Hulk*, but it didn't happen. Instead, the film introduced the Wrecking Crew, who attempted to steal Jen Walters' blood, potentially hinting at The Leader's involvement. However, it seems The Leader has been orchestrating different plans, as glimpsed in the trailers for *Captain America: Brave New World*.

Why the Leader Is One of the Villains in Captain America 4

The Leader's presence in *Captain America: Brave New World* might seem unexpected, but it's rooted in his backstory. While he has no direct grudge against Banner, his transformation into a super-genius with an oversized head could fuel his resentment towards General Ross and Emil Blonsky. In the film, with Harrison Ford stepping into the role of now-President Ross, The Leader's scheme could involve tarnishing Ross's reputation and undermining America's standing on the world stage. This makes Sam Wilson, the new Captain America, a prime target.

Director Julius Onah emphasizes that The Leader's danger lies in his unpredictability. "Actions have consequences, and that's what's so great about what the MCU has been able to build," Onah told IGN at D23 in 2022. "In this universe, in this world, things that people do come back in ways that are surprising and unexpected, and Tim Blake Nelson coming back as The Leader is such an exciting thing to explore because his story now is going to challenge Sam Wilson, our new Captain America, in a way that he never expected. So it's really, really thrilling. And I think a lot of things that got set up and established years ago will allow the MCU to actually go in new directions that audiences are going to really, really be excited about."

Onah also highlighted that this crisis will be Sam Wilson's first significant test as a leader, requiring him to rally the Avengers against a unique threat. "We saw what it means for somebody like him to take the shield," Onah said. "But it is also a very different MCU. It's a post-blip MCU. It's a post-Thanos MCU. So the world has changed a lot too. And the role of a hero has changed. What does that mean? The decisions he's going to have to make, and the situations he's going to be confronted with, are radically different from what Steve Rogers had to deal with. And as a result of that, because he's a leader now of this team, he's got to make decisions that are going to have massive implications. So the world has changed around him and he's a changed man, and I think that leads to some really exciting storytelling."

Sam Wilson has tussled with some of the strongest villains in the MCU and lived to tell the tale. But he's never faced someone as intelligent as The Leader. Is he up to the challenge? We'd like to say yes, but it's telling that *Captain America 4* sets the stage not for the next Avengers movie, but for the *Thunderbolts* movie. The Leader may have a hand in destroying the symbol that is Captain America and ushering in a newer, darker era for the MCU.

What role do you think The Leader will play in *Captain America: Brave New World*? Let us know your theories in the comments below.

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