Hulk's Villain, The Leader, in "Captain America: Brave New World": Why?
While the marketing for *Captain America: Brave New World* hasn't yet spotlighted him, fans have known since 2022 that Tim Blake Nelson will return as Samuel Sterns, aka The Leader. Originally introduced in 2008's *The Incredible Hulk*, this character's reappearance marks a significant development in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
It's intriguing that The Leader, traditionally a Hulk antagonist, is now set to challenge Captain America. This unexpected twist adds a fresh layer to the narrative, positioning The Leader as a formidable foe for Sam Wilson, the new Captain America. Let's delve into The Leader's background and explore why he could be a compelling villain in this new context.
The Leader: Who Is Tim Blake Nelson's Character? ------------------------------------------------The Leader is renowned as one of Hulk's most formidable adversaries. Unlike other Hulk villains who rely on brute strength, Samuel Sterns stands out as Bruce Banner's intellectual counterpart. After being exposed to gamma radiation, Sterns' intelligence soared to unprecedented levels, making him as brilliant as the Hulk is powerful. This unique trait positions him as one of the most dangerous villains in the Marvel Universe.
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In *The Incredible Hulk*, Sterns is initially portrayed as an ally to Bruce Banner, a cellular biologist aiding the fugitive in his quest for a cure. However, Sterns harbors a different vision for Banner's blood, seeing it as a means to eradicate disease and unlock human potential. His collaboration with General Ross leads to Emil Blonsky's transformation into the Abomination. The film concludes with Sterns' transformation into The Leader hinted at, leaving fans eager for his return.

Expect Nelson's character to look a bit different when he returns in Captain America: Brave New World. The Return of the Leader in the Marvel Cinematic Universe
*The Incredible Hulk* set the stage for a sequel featuring The Leader, but Marvel Studios has avoided a standalone Hulk film due to Universal Pictures' rights. Instead, Hulk's narrative has unfolded through the Avengers films and *Thor: Ragnarok*. Meanwhile, Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner appeared in *She-Hulk: Attorney at Law*, leaving Earth in Episode 3 and returning with his son, Skaar, in the finale.
Rumors suggested The Leader might appear in *She-Hulk*, potentially setting him up as the main villain in *Captain America: Brave New World*. Although this didn't materialize, the trailers for *Brave New World* hint at The Leader orchestrating other villains' actions.
Why the Leader Is One of the Villains in Captain America 4
The Leader's inclusion in a Captain America film might seem unusual, given his lack of direct conflict with Banner. However, his transformation and subsequent betrayal by General Ross could fuel his desire for revenge. In *Brave New World*, Harrison Ford takes over the role of now-President Ross, providing The Leader with a target to undermine America's reputation on the global stage. This could also involve targeting the new Captain America, Sam Wilson.
Director Julius Onah emphasizes that The Leader's unexpected nature makes him a dangerous adversary for Sam Wilson. "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."
Onah also highlighted that this confrontation will test Sam's leadership skills, 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."
Sam Wilson has faced some of the MCU's strongest villains, but The Leader's intellect presents a new challenge. *Captain America: Brave New World* not only sets the stage for the next Avengers film but also for the *Thunderbolts* movie, suggesting The Leader's actions could usher in a darker era for the MCU.What role do you think The Leader will play in *Captain America: Brave New World*? Share your theories in the comments below.
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