Tim Blake Nelson's return as Samuel Sterns, The Leader, in Captain America: Brave New World is a significant development for the MCU. While initially introduced in 2008's The Incredible Hulk, his character's transformation and subsequent absence left a noticeable gap. This sequel isn't just a continuation of The Leader's story; it cleverly subverts expectations by positioning him as a Captain America antagonist.
The Leader, Hulk's primary nemesis, possesses intellect rivaling the Hulk's strength. His gamma-radiation-enhanced intelligence makes him a formidable threat, arguably among the most dangerous in the Marvel Universe. His origin story in The Incredible Hulk portrays him as an ally to Bruce Banner, initially assisting in finding a cure for Banner's condition. However, Sterns' ambition to harness the potential of Banner's blood for humanity's advancement ultimately leads to his own transformation. The film concludes with a cliffhanger, showing Sterns' physical alteration after exposure to Banner's irradiated blood.
The absence of a solo Hulk film sequel, due to Universal Pictures' partial film rights, explains the delayed return of The Leader. Instead, his story arc weaves into the larger MCU narrative, impacting Captain America: Brave New World. The Leader's absence from She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, despite rumors, further emphasizes his unexpected role in the Captain America sequel.
The Leader's presence in Captain America 4 is intriguing. His motivations are not directly linked to a personal vendetta against Banner; rather, a potential motive might stem from resentment towards General Ross, who forced Sterns' collaboration in Emil Blonsky's transformation. With Harrison Ford portraying President Ross in the film, The Leader's desire for revenge could manifest as an attack on Ross's reputation and a broader assault on American influence globally, thus bringing him into direct conflict with Captain America.
Director Julius Onah highlights the unexpected nature of this threat, emphasizing that The Leader's intelligence presents a unique challenge for Sam Wilson. This conflict serves as a crucial test of Sam's leadership, forcing him to unite a new iteration of the Avengers against an unconventional foe in a post-blip, post-Thanos MCU. The film sets the stage not for the next Avengers movie, but for the Thunderbolts movie, suggesting The Leader's actions could significantly alter the MCU landscape.
The inclusion of a poll regarding a potential Hulk vs. Red Hulk confrontation further adds to the intrigue surrounding the film's plot. The Leader's actions and their consequences are poised to redefine the MCU's future.
