The Leader’s Terrifying Role in Captain America: Brave New World Inspired by an Incredible Hulk Comic

Captain America: Brave New World introduces viewers to a fresh chapter in the Captain America saga, albeit not solely focused on the titular hero. While there are nods to the prior films, particularly Civil War, the heart of the narrative draws heavily from characters and elements initially unveiled in the 2008 film, The Incredible Hulk.

Notable connections to The Incredible Hulk include the return of President Thunderbolt Ross, portrayed by Harrison Ford, and his complex dynamic with his daughter, Betty. The principal adversary is revealed to be the disillusioned scientist, Samuel Sterns, also known as the Leader.

Tim Blake Nelson’s quirky interpretation of the Leader injects a refreshing energy that compensates for some of the film’s uneven elements. Nevertheless, his character could have been elevated further had it aligned with the groundbreaking storytelling found in the critically acclaimed comic series, The Immortal Hulk.

Who is Samuel Sterns?

Audiences were first introduced to Samuel Sterns in The Incredible Hulk, even before his identity was fully revealed. In the film, Bruce Banner, played by Edward Norton, communicates with a mysterious character known as Mr. Blue, who claims to possess a potential cure for Banner’s condition but secretly desires a sample of his gamma-infused blood.

The film’s climax sees Banner confront Mr. Blue, who is unveiled as Samuel Sterns. His true intentions become apparent: rather than helping Banner, he aims to harness the transformed blood for his own purposes. This betrayal incites Banner’s transformation into the Hulk, leading to a chaotic lab explosion that leaves Sterns with a mutation characterized by an oversized head, a nod to his future as the Leader.

In the comics, Samuel Sterns’s narrative takes on a distinct evolution. Created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, the Leader made his debut in 1964’s Tales to Astonish #62, where he plotted against the Hulk by manipulating villains like the Chameleon. As his backstory unfolds, it reveals a childhood overshadowed by his genius brother, and an accidental exposure to gamma radiation that would forever alter his intellect and appearance.

Embracing the moniker of the Leader, Sterns becomes a formidable foe for the Hulk, driven by jealousy and the desire for domination. Throughout his comic journey, he resorts to elaborate schemes from his extraterrestrial base, often embroiling the Hulk in convoluted plots.

His character is significantly developed in The Immortal Hulk, where he plays a central role amidst darker themes.

What is the Immortal Hulk?

Running from 2018 to 2021, The Immortal Hulk is a groundbreaking fifty-issue series that revitalizes the Hulk’s legacy by diving deep into horror elements. Crafted by writer Al Ewing and illustrated by Joe Bennett, the narrative reimagines Bruce Banner’s origin story as a complex tapestry woven with themes of spirituality and environmental caution.

At the center of this unsettling narrative is the emergence of the Devil Hulk, a darker persona that takes control of Banner at night for sinister objectives. As the story unfolds, it reveals the catastrophic consequences of the gamma bomb experiment, which not only wreaked havoc on the environment but also unchained a malevolent force dubbed the One Below All.

The first thirty-three issues serve as a homage to the Hulk’s legacy, with classic villains like Leonard Samson and even the Thing making appearances as the narrative delves into Banner’s multitude of alter egos.

In issue #34, the storyline enriches Sterns’ character arc by exposing the One Below All’s manipulations. Sterns, now resurrected and wielding immense power, is dispatched to Earth with nefarious intentions, forging unstable alliances with other gamma-affected beings.

In this retelling, Sterns is depicted as a calculating antagonist, whose intellect is now intertwined with a malevolent zealotry, opposing the Hulk in ever more profound ways.

Can the Immortal Hulk Influence the Future of the MCU?

In Brave New World, while the Leader may appear to be subdued and taken into custody, his final post-credit scene reveals a more profound and menacing trajectory. Sterns forewarns Sam Wilson (Captain America) that their Earth exists among countless others within a multiverse, each harboring its own heroes who will fiercely protect their realms.

This subtle yet tantalizing hint lays the groundwork for potential multiversal narratives, particularly with upcoming films like Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. Nelson’s delivery suggests that Sterns has evolved beyond mere vengeance to embrace a broader, darker agenda.

If these themes connect back to the One Below All, the heroes of the MCU may find themselves facing an interconnected threat that requires unity beyond the traditional alliances, merging both heroes and villains to confront a looming chaos.

Captain America: Brave New World is currently showing in theaters, inviting fans to explore these thrilling new dynamics.

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