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One villain from the MCU’s Phase 1 will be returning in Captain America: Brave New World, and could introduce even more enemies for Sam Wilson.
The eagerly anticipated arrival of Sam Wilson’s Captain America in Marvel’s Phase 5 film, Captain America: Brave New World, not only promises the iconic star-spangled Avenger’s leap to the big screen but also hints at the resurgence of a notorious villain from the past. Anthony Mackie’s transformation into the new Captain America captivated audiences after the passing of the shield from Steve Rogers in Avengers: Endgame.
As fans gear up for Wilson’s feature film debut in February 2025, excitement mounts with revelations about the returning cast, including familiar faces and a potentially dangerous adversary.
Reunion with the Past: Familiar Faces Return
Amidst the anticipation for Captain America: Brave New World, notable characters from earlier MCU phases are set to make a comeback. Harrison Ford’s portrayal of General Ross, taking over from the late William Hurt, Liv Tyler’s Betty Ross, and Tim Blake Nelson’s Samuel Sterns, holds significant implications for the storyline.
The transformation of Sterns into the formidable Marvel Comics villain, the Leader, teases an impending confrontation that could pose a substantial threat to Captain America.
A Forgotten Secret: The Persisting Menace
The ominous return of the Leader raises questions about the unresolved aftermath of The Incredible Hulk. Samuel Sterns, previously known as “Mr. Blue,” had synthesized numerous copies of Bruce Banner’s gamma-irradiated blood, each possessing the same potent properties as the original.
Sterns’ reappearance in Captain America: Brave New World hints at the unsettling possibility that he still retains access to this dangerous resource, setting the stage for potential havoc in the MCU’s future.
A Dire Potential: The Creation of New Threats
Speculation mounts regarding the Leader’s intentions with Banner’s blood, with theories suggesting the capability to spawn a new breed of Hulks in Phase 5. The synthesized nature of the blood may raise uncertainties about the permanence of these creations.
However, considering the Leader’s own transformation, it is conceivable that these entities could possess a diverse array of abilities, differing significantly from the traditional Hulk traits.
The Emergence of an Enigmatic Figure: Red Hulk’s Arrival
Beyond the prospect of multiple Hulk-like adversaries, the Leader’s access to Banner’s blood fuels speculation about General Ross’s transformation into the Red Hulk. While not officially confirmed, the groundwork laid in The Incredible Hulk paves the way for this anticipated evolution.
The Leader’s manipulation of Banner’s blood could serve as the catalyst for the emergence of a formidable rival, poised to challenge Captain America and the Hulk.
Conclusion: A Foreboding Presence and Uncharted Territory
The return of Samuel Sterns as the Leader and the unresolved existence of Bruce Banner’s blood stores foreshadow ominous implications for the MCU’s future. As the narrative unfolds in Captain America: Brave New World, the stage is set for the emergence of new adversaries and the potential transformation of familiar characters, hinting at a gripping and unpredictable journey ahead.
This revision aims to encapsulate the imminent threat posed by the returning villain while exploring the diverse possibilities stemming from Banner’s blood, instilling a sense of intrigue and anticipation for the MCU’s future.
