Tim Blake Nelson's return as Samuel Sterns/The Leader in Captain America: Brave New World is a significant event, surprising many given his introduction in 2008's The Incredible Hulk. While initially an ally to Bruce Banner, Sterns' exposure to gamma radiation transformed him into a super-intelligent villain, The Leader. His absence from subsequent MCU films is largely attributed to Universal Pictures' partial ownership of the Hulk film rights.
The Leader's inclusion in a Captain America film, rather than a Hulk sequel, is a strategic move. He represents an unexpected threat for Sam Wilson, a formidable opponent whose intellect poses a unique challenge. This contrasts with Sam's previous encounters with physically powerful villains.
The film may explore The Leader's potential resentment towards General Ross, now President Ross (played by Harrison Ford), for his involvement in The Leader's transformation and potentially Blonsky's transformation into the Abomination. This could motivate The Leader's actions against the American government and Captain America himself.
Director Julius Onah emphasizes the unexpected nature of The Leader's threat, highlighting it as a pivotal test of Sam Wilson's leadership. The post-blip, post-Thanos MCU necessitates a different kind of hero and a different kind of threat. The Leader's presence suggests a shift towards a darker, more complex era for the MCU, potentially setting the stage for the Thunderbolts film.
The Leader's role remains uncertain, but his intelligence and unexpected appearance promise a significant challenge for Captain America. The film's narrative might even explore a connection between The Leader and the events of She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, though he didn't directly pull the strings of the Wrecking Crew as initially speculated.
Will The Hulk Defeat Red Hulk in Captain America: Brave New World? This remains a point of speculation, adding another layer of anticipation to the film's release.
