Tim Blake Nelson's return as Samuel Sterns/The Leader in Captain America: Brave New World is a significant MCU event. While initially introduced in 2008's The Incredible Hulk, his transformation into The Leader was left unresolved. This sequel unexpectedly positions him as a Captain America antagonist, a strategic choice by Marvel.
The Leader, Hulk's primary nemesis, possesses intellect rivaling the Hulk's strength. His gamma radiation-enhanced intelligence makes him exceptionally dangerous. The film cleverly utilizes this by pitting him against Sam Wilson, a Captain America wholly unprepared for such a cerebral adversary.
The Incredible Hulk established Sterns as Banner's ally, yet his ambition to exploit Banner's blood for scientific advancement foreshadowed his villainous turn. The film's cliffhanger, showing Sterns' physical transformation after exposure to Banner's blood, sets the stage for his return.
Marvel's inability to produce another solo Hulk film due to Universal's rights involvement explains the delayed appearance of The Leader. Instead, his story unfolds within the broader MCU narrative, weaving into Captain America: Brave New World. The Leader's potential resentment towards General Ross, now President Ross in the film, suggests a motive for revenge against the US government and, by extension, Captain America.
Director Julius Onah highlights the unexpected nature of this threat, emphasizing The Leader's strategic advantage in his intelligence. This conflict serves as a pivotal test of Sam Wilson's leadership, forcing him to confront a threat unlike any faced by Steve Rogers. The post-blip, post-Thanos MCU necessitates a different type of hero and a different kind of challenge.
The film's conclusion potentially sets the stage not for the next Avengers movie, but for the Thunderbolts. The Leader's actions may fundamentally alter the MCU landscape, potentially tarnishing the Captain America legacy and ushering in a darker era.
The inclusion of a poll asking whether the Hulk will defeat Red Hulk in Captain America: Brave New World further fuels speculation about the film's plot twists and the potential for unexpected alliances or conflicts.
