We’ve known for a while that the antagonist ofCaptain America: Brave New Worldwill be the Leader, portrayed byTim Blake Nelson, an actor who hasn’t been seen in theMarvel Cinematic Universesince it began in 2008. Despite the characterseeming to be intended for a larger role, there are many questions about why it has taken so long for a return, and why has he returned now? Nelson dropped some hints about whatBrave New Worldhas in store for the character in a recent interview withScreenRant.
The last we saw of Nelson’s the Leader, he was known as Samuel Sterns, a somewhat overeager scientist helpingEdward Norton’s Bruce Banner with his rage problem inThe Incredible Hulk. The film left Sterns with a bonk on the head curtesy of the Abomination and a sinister smile as Banner’s blood mingled with his head injury. When asked about his character’s return after 16 years, Nelson said:
“Very excited about it. I’m headed to Atlanta tomorrow to continue working on that. It’s been very exciting to bring back a character from 16 years ago and imagine how he has aged with me and how that has manifested. The Marvel team has come up with a really interesting explanation—revelation, I should say, as to what he’s been up to for 16 years and why.”
‘Brave New World’ Is Currently Completing Reshoots
There are many exciting elements inBrave New Worldapart from the reappearance of Nelson. The film will beAnthony Mackie’s first solo film portraying Captain America, and the film will also seeHarrison Fordtaking over the role of Thaddeus ‘Thunderbolt’ Ross from the lateWilliam Hurt. The film’s production has been characterized by uncertainty, however. The film was initiallytitledNew World Orderbefore being changed toBrave New World,andthe film is reportedly undergoing significant changes in reshoots.
Part of the new material currently being filmed will feature a very exciting cast addition to the film:Giancarlo Espositoas an unnamed character. It’s been confirmed that the character is a villain, but it’s unclear how he will fit into the film, particularly with the Leader seemingly already filling the role of the primary antagonist. With reshoots concluding soon, hopefully it will not be long before footage from the film is released.
Captain America: Brave New Worldis set to hit theaters next year on June 29, 2025. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates on the film.
Captain America: Brave New World
Fourth movie in the Captain America franchise.
