"Leader's Design in Captain America: Brave New World Unveiled, Echoes Comic Book Origins"

Every superhero story has its villain, and for Captain America: Brave New World, fans were introduced to The Leader. Actor Tim Blake Nelson was transformed using practical effects and makeup to portray the visibly mutated character, though the final design diverged somewhat from his comic book appearance.

Now, Blue Whale Studios, responsible for the character’s design and effects in the MCU film, has shared their original vision for Sam Sterns’ alter ego—one much closer to the comics.

The Atlanta-based special effects team initially envisioned a sickly, frail look for the character. Their Instagram post revealed the concept: an enlarged head and pale green skin. While straightforward, the design lacked the intricate mutation details later added to the final version. The post also featured a video of prosthetics being applied to Nelson, offering fans a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse.

"We were originally brought on to design and apply the practical makeup for The Leader on the incomparable Tim Blake Nelson in Captain America: Brave New World," Blue Whale Studios said. "As often happens in film, the story evolved, and during reshoots, the creative direction shifted. Our version was ultimately not used in the final cut. Still, we remain incredibly proud of the work we created.

"Drawing inspiration from the original comic book art, we developed a look that felt both grounded and iconic — true to the source while achieving a refined, natural realism. Technically, we were thrilled with how lightweight and comfortable the final makeup was for the actor — an achievement made possible by the dedication of an extraordinary team."

This original design strongly resembles the character’s debut in the Marvel comic universe. The Leader first appeared in 1964’s Tales to Astonish #62, but his final look in Brave New World also echoes his more recent portrayal in 2018’s Immortal Hulk.

The Leader was first hinted as a potential MCU villain in 2008’s The Incredible Hulk. In that film, Sam Sterns is exposed to Bruce Banner’s blood, saturated with Gamma radiation. At the time, he was still human—but time transformed him into the figure seen at the start of Brave New World.

In May last year, reports indicated Captain America: Brave New World was undergoing reshoots to incorporate Giancarlo Esposito’s new villainous character, who plays Sidewinder, leader of the Serpent Society.

Ahead of the film's release, five-time WWE world champion Seth Rollins confirmed his role was cut following extensive script rewrites and subsequent reshoots.