Unveiling the Impactful Captain America 4 Villain Set to Resolve a Major MCU Issue

An old villain from Phase 1 of the MCU is making a comeback in Marvel Studios' upcoming Captain America: Brave New World. This could potentially address a major criticism directed towards some of the MCU's most formidable enemies. Following the conclusion of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier in April 2021, writers Malcolm Spellman and Dalan Musson were officially announced to be working on a fourth Captain America project. The new installment is intended to further explore the story of Sam Wilson as Captain America, portrayed by Anthony Mackie. In an exciting development, director Julius Onah joined the project in July 2022, adding to the anticipation surrounding Marvel Studios' Captain America: Brave New World in Phase 5.

In addition to the return of Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson, the cast of Captain America: Brave New World will include Danny Ramirez as the MCU's new Falcon, Carl Lumbly as Isaiah Bradley, Shira Haas as mutant Sabra, and Xosha Roquemore, Seth Rollins, and Rosa Salazar in undisclosed roles. The movie will also introduce various characters related to the Hulk, such as Harrison Ford as Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross and Liv Tyler as Betty Ross from 2008's The Incredible Hulk. Additionally, Tim Blake Nelson will reprise his role as Dr. Samuel Sterns, now transformed into a formidable new villain known as the Leader in Phase 5 of the MCU.

How Samuel Sterns’ Leader Is Returning In Captain America: Brave New World

Samuel Sterns' head reshaping in The Incredible Hulk - How Samuel Sterns’ Leader Is Returning In Captain America: Brave New World

Tim Blake Nelson's Dr. Samuel Sterns was first introduced in 2008's The Incredible Hulk as a cellular biologist assisting Bruce Banner in search of a cure for the Hulk. Despite his efforts, Sterns ultimately failed to cure the Hulk but unintentionally facilitated the transformation of Tim Roth's Emil Blonsky into the Abomination. Sterns himself was exposed to Banner's gamma-irradiated blood, hinting at his potential transformation into the Leader, a formidable villain from Marvel Comics. However, Sterns has not made an appearance since his last scene, leaving fans eagerly anticipating his return.

In September 2022, it was officially announced that Tim Blake Nelson would reprise his role as Samuel Sterns, now the Leader, in Captain America: Brave New World. This marks his comeback to the Marvel Cinematic Universe after a 17-year absence. According to the 2012 Avengers Prelude MCU tie-in comic, Sterns was detained and taken into SHIELD custody following the events of The Incredible Hulk, but his whereabouts have remained unknown in live-action since the film's release. In a conversation with Comicbookmovie.com in February 2024, Nelson expressed his excitement for fans to witness the Leader's transformation on screen, suggesting that his return could address a longstanding issue with villains in superhero narratives.

I am really thrilled about this project. I had a fantastic time filming it and had the opportunity to work with the Marvel team and a talented makeup artist named David Atherton, with whom I have worked on numerous movies. I believe that people will be really excited to see this character and what he brings to the story. Kudos to the incredible team at Marvel.

The Leader Is One Of Marvel Comics’ Longest-Running Villains

The Leader smiling in Marvel Comics - The Leader Is One Of Marvel Comics’ Longest-Running Villains

The Leader, created by Samuel Sterns, first appeared in Marvel Comics in 1964's Tales to Astonish #62. He is one of the longest-running villains in the Marvel Universe, especially among those introduced during the new Marvel Age of Comics starting in 1961. Although the Leader's origin story is not directly linked to the Hulk, as he gained super-intelligence through a separate gamma radiation incident, his constant pursuit of the Hulk's strength has led to numerous conflicts between them. With his status as one of Marvel Comics' most iconic villains, it is hoped that the Leader will make a big impact in the MCU.

Samuel Sterns' exposure to gamma rays caused his physical appearance to change, but it also gave him extraordinary powers such as superhuman intelligence, telekinesis, telepathy, and the ability to manipulate gamma rays.

In addition to being a significant adversary for the Hulk in Marvel Comics, the Leader has also faced off against other formidable heroes like Iron Man, the Punisher, Wolverine, She-Hulk, and the Avengers. He is part of the Intelligencia group in Marvel Comics, has been forced to team up with the Thunderbolts, and has formed alliances with other villains such as Mephisto, Chameleon, and Rhino. As one of Marvel Comics' most impactful and widespread villains, the Leader should not just be a minor enemy in Captain America: Brave New World, but should instead be the character to address a major and long-standing issue of underdeveloped villains in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Many MCU Villains Have Been Wasted In Previous Projects

Ultron uploading himself into Vision in Avengers Age of Ultron - Many MCU Villains Have Been Wasted In Previous Projects

Marvel Studios has faced criticism for underutilizing some of Marvel Comics' most powerful villains since the MCU launched with Iron Man in 2008. Many iconic enemies that have been central in the comics for years are often introduced and then quickly disposed of in the MCU's movies and shows, with only a select few, like Thanos and Loki, being given more substantial roles. This trend of short-lived villains continues in recent projects, leaving fans wanting more.

The list of villains who have appeared only once in the MCU is extensive, including well-known foes like the Red Skull, Ultron, the Mandarin, the Vulture, Mysterio, Hela, Killmonger, and more. Unlike in the comics, where heroes often have long-standing nemeses, the MCU's villains rarely stick around long enough to establish a lasting rivalry. However, there may be hope for change with Tim Blake Nelson's rumored return as the Leader in Captain America: Brave New World. It remains to be seen if this trend will finally be reversed, but it's clear that there is potential for more depth and development in the MCU's villain roster.

Bruce Banner’s Hulk Needs To Battle The Leader In The MCU’s Future

The Hulk fighting in Harlem in The Incredible Hulk - Bruce Banner’s Hulk Needs To Battle The Leader In The MCU’s Future

There has been some confusion surrounding the absence of Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner, a.k.a. the Hulk, in Captain America: Brave New World which will be released in February 2025. However, this means that Marvel Studios will have to keep the Leader around for a longer period. In Marvel Comics, the Leader is one of Hulk's most well-known enemies, and their battles have been iconic. Nevertheless, in the MCU, there is a risk that they may never cross paths.

It is currently uncertain when Mark Ruffalo will reprise his role as the Hulk in future MCU projects. If he does return, the Leader would make a formidable adversary for him. It could be revealed that the Leader has been secretly manipulating events in the MCU's history to confront Bruce Banner's Hulk in a future epic showdown. If this is the case, Captain America: Brave New World could potentially set a new standard for villains in the MCU and pave the way for exciting developments for both the Hulk and the Leader.

Captain America: Brave New World , starring Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson, is scheduled for release on February 14, 2025, as part of the MCU's Phase 5.

Editor's P/S:

The return of Samuel Sterns as the Leader in "Captain America: Brave New World" brings hope for a change in the MCU's treatment of villains. The criticism of underutilizing formidable villains from Marvel Comics has been a persistent issue, leaving fans yearning for more depth and development in the MCU's villain roster. The Leader's return as a significant adversary for Sam Wilson's Captain America could potentially address this concern and set a new standard for villains in the MCU.

The potential for a showdown between the Hulk and the Leader in the future is particularly exciting. As one of Hulk's most iconic enemies in Marvel Comics, the Leader's presence in the MCU could add a new dimension to the Hulk's story and provide a compelling narrative for fans. If Marvel Studios can successfully execute the return and utilization of the Leader, it could be a turning point for the MCU's villains and lead to more satisfying and impactful character arcs for these often-overlooked characters.