Who is Samuel Sterns, villain of Captain America 4?

Last Thursday, 13, “Captain America: Admirable Mundo Novo” hit theaters, bringing a significant milestone to Marvel’s cinematic universe. The film marks Sam Wilson’s official debut, played by Anthony Mackieassuming the shield of Captain America after the events of “Avengers: Ultimatum” and “Falcon and the Winter Soldier”.

But in addition to the new phase of the hero, the production also rescues a classic villain from the Hulk universe: Samuel Sterns, known as the leader.

Who is leader?

Created by Stan Lee and Steve DitkoSamuel Sterns first appeared in the comics in “Tales to Astonish” #62 (1964). Originally the character was just a janitor in Idaho, but he was exposed to a high dose of gamma radiation, which expanded his intellect to superhuman levels. With his greenish skin and an abnormally increased skull, Sterns self -proclaimed the leader and embarked on a journey of manipulation and pursuit of absolute power.

Over the years, he has become one of Hulk’s greatest enemies, using his genius to develop elaborate plans, create armies of artificial humanoids, and even form strategic alliances with organizations such as ‘intelligence’. Its main objective has always been global domination, often standing on the way to heroes like the Avengers.

Interpreted by Tim Blake Nelsonthe villain was first presented on the big screen in “The Incredible Hulk” (2008). In the feature, he was an allied scientist of Bruce Banner, who helped the hero try to reverse his condition. However, after being exposed to the blood of the Hulk, Sterns began to change, leaving his destination uncertain so far in ‘Captain America: Admirable World New’, when Nelson Returns to the role of the antagonist.

What are the leader’s powers?

Unlike other villains that depend on strength, the leader is a strategist. His intelligence was raised to superhuman levels, allowing him to absorb, process and apply knowledge at extraordinary speed. It has absolute memory, analytical skills that border on future prediction and a great understanding of science, engineering and technology.

In addition, he developed telepathic and telekinetic capabilities, being able to control minds, create illusions and project psychic gusts, evidenced in Marvel’s new production. Leader also specialized in gamma radiation experiments, building advanced weapons, teleportation devices and humanoids, synthetic beings that obey their orders.