Tim Blake Nelson's return as Samuel Sterns/The Leader in Captain America: Brave New World is a significant event, especially considering his last appearance in 2008's The Incredible Hulk. While initially surprising to see him positioned as a Captain America antagonist rather than a Hulk adversary, this unexpected pairing is precisely the point. The Leader represents a completely unforeseen challenge for Sam Wilson, making him a uniquely dangerous foe.
The Leader, a brilliant scientist whose intellect was amplified by gamma radiation, is the antithesis of the Hulk. Unlike most Hulk villains who focus on brute strength, The Leader's exceptional intelligence makes him a formidable threat in the Marvel Universe. His origin story, detailed in The Incredible Hulk, shows him initially as an ally to Bruce Banner, assisting in the search for a cure. However, Sterns' ambition to harness the power of Banner's blood for his own scientific goals, and his later involvement with General Ross in creating the Abomination, sets him on a villainous path. The film ends with Sterns' transformation beginning after exposure to Banner's irradiated blood.
The absence of a solo Hulk sequel, due to Universal Pictures' partial film rights, explains why The Leader's storyline has been delayed. While rumors suggested appearances in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, his role in Brave New World is now confirmed. The Leader's motivations remain unclear, but his potential resentment towards General Ross, now President Ross in the film, suggests a desire for revenge against the US military establishment. This could lead to a conflict with Captain America, representing a significant test of Sam Wilson's leadership.
Director Julius Onah highlights the element of surprise as a key factor in The Leader's danger. Sam Wilson's prior encounters have been with physically powerful villains; The Leader's intellectual prowess presents a novel challenge. This conflict will serve as a crucial test for Sam's leadership abilities in a post-blip, post-Thanos MCU. The film's storyline might even foreshadow a darker era for the MCU, potentially setting the stage for the Thunderbolts movie.
The inclusion of a poll about a potential Red Hulk versus Hulk confrontation further emphasizes the unpredictable nature of Captain America: Brave New World.
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