Tim Blake Nelson's return as Samuel Sterns/The Leader in Captain America: Brave New World is a significant development in the MCU. While initially introduced in 2008's The Incredible Hulk, his transformation into The Leader was left unresolved, creating a compelling narrative thread. Surprisingly, he's positioned as a Captain America antagonist rather than a Hulk adversary. This unexpected dynamic is precisely what makes him so dangerous.
The Leader, Hulk's primary nemesis, possesses intellect surpassing even the Hulk's strength. His gamma-radiation-enhanced intelligence makes him a formidable threat within the Marvel Universe. His origin story in The Incredible Hulk depicts him as an ally to Bruce Banner, initially assisting in finding a cure. However, his ambition to exploit Banner's blood for scientific advancement, coupled with General Ross's manipulation, sets the stage for his transformation. The film concludes with Sterns' exposure to irradiated blood, initiating his physical and mental metamorphosis.
The absence of a solo Hulk sequel, due to Universal Pictures' partial film rights, explains the delay in The Leader's return. Instead, Hulk's narrative has unfolded within the Avengers films and Thor: Ragnarok. Rumors suggested The Leader's appearance in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, but this didn't materialize. However, his presence in Brave New World trailers indicates a different role, potentially manipulating other villains.
The Leader's inclusion in a Captain America sequel stems from a potential desire for revenge against General Ross, now President Ross (played by Harrison Ford). Targeting Ross's reputation and undermining America's standing could be his motive, thus bringing him into conflict with Captain America. Director Julius Onah highlights The Leader's danger as stemming from his unexpected nature as an adversary for Sam Wilson. This confrontation will serve as a crucial test of Sam's leadership, forcing him to rally a new iteration of the Avengers against an unconventional threat in a post-blip, post-Thanos MCU.
Sam Wilson, despite facing powerful villains, has never encountered someone as intellectually gifted as The Leader. The film's conclusion sets the stage not for the next Avengers movie, but for the Thunderbolts, suggesting The Leader might play a role in dismantling the Captain America symbol and ushering in a darker era for the MCU.
The Leader's role in Captain America: Brave New World remains a subject of speculation, prompting various theories.
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