Tim Blake Nelson's return as Samuel Sterns/The Leader in Captain America: Brave New World is a significant development, surprising given his initial appearance in 2008's The Incredible Hulk and the subsequent lack of solo Hulk films. This strategic move positions The Leader as an unexpected antagonist for Sam Wilson, highlighting his unique threat.
The Leader, Hulk's primary nemesis, isn't defined by brute strength like the Hulk but by unparalleled intellect, making him a formidable foe within the Marvel Universe. His exposure to gamma radiation exponentially increased his intelligence, creating a stark contrast to the Hulk's physical power.
The Incredible Hulk established The Leader's origin story, portraying him as an ally to Bruce Banner, initially assisting in finding a cure. However, Sterns' ambition extended beyond Banner's goals, leading him to experiment with Banner's blood, believing it held the key to unlocking humanity's potential. His actions ultimately involved him in General Ross's scheme to transform Emil Blonsky into the Abomination. The film concluded with Sterns undergoing a transformation after exposure to Banner's irradiated blood.
The absence of a solo Hulk sequel, due to Universal Pictures' partial film rights, explains the delayed appearance of The Leader. Hulk's narrative has unfolded within the Avengers films and Thor: Ragnarok. While rumors suggested The Leader's appearance in She-Hulk, this didn't materialize. However, Brave New World trailers hint at his involvement with other villains.
The Leader's presence in a Captain America sequel stems from his potential for revenge against General Ross, now President Ross (played by Harrison Ford). This desire for revenge could extend to undermining America's image on the global stage, directly targeting Captain America. Director Julius Onah emphasizes The Leader's unexpected nature as a key element to his danger, presenting a unique challenge to Sam Wilson's leadership. This conflict serves as a significant test for Sam, forcing him to unite a changed team in a post-blip, post-Thanos MCU.
Sam Wilson's experience with powerful villains doesn't prepare him for The Leader's intellectual prowess. Captain America 4 sets the stage not for the next Avengers film, but for the Thunderbolts movie, suggesting The Leader's actions may significantly impact the MCU, potentially ushering in a darker era.
The question of The Leader's role in Captain America: Brave New World remains open for speculation.
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