Every superhero tale needs a formidable antagonist, and in Captain America: Brave New World, The Leader takes center stage. Actor Tim Blake Nelson underwent practical effects and makeup to portray the visibly mutated character, though his final look diverged from the classic comic book depiction.

Blue Whale Studios, the team behind the character's design and effects for the MCU film, recently shared insights into their initial vision for Sam Sterns’ alter ego, which closely mirrored the comics.

The Atlanta-based effects studio originally crafted a gaunt, sickly appearance for the character. They showcased the design on Instagram, featuring an oversized head and pale green skin. This early concept was simpler, lacking the intricate mutation details seen in the final film. Their post also included a video of prosthetics being applied to Nelson, offering a fascinating glimpse into the process.

"We were tasked with designing and applying practical makeup for The Leader, brought to life by the exceptional Tim Blake Nelson in Captain America: Brave New World," Blue Whale Studios stated. "As the story evolved during reshoots, the creative vision shifted, and our original design didn’t make the final cut. Nonetheless, we’re immensely proud of our work."

"Inspired by the original comic book art, we crafted a look that felt authentic yet iconic — staying true to the source while maintaining a polished, natural realism. Technically, we achieved a lightweight, comfortable makeup design for the actor, thanks to the dedication of our talented team."

This initial design closely resembles The Leader’s debut in the Marvel comic universe in 1964’s Tales to Astonish #62. Interestingly, the final design in Brave New World aligns more with the character’s modern look in 2018’s Immortal Hulk.

The Leader was first teased as a potential MCU villain in 2008’s The Incredible Hulk. In that film, Sam Sterns is exposed to Bruce Banner’s gamma-radiated blood, setting the stage for his transformation by the start of Brave New World.

Last May, reports confirmed Captain America: Brave New World underwent reshoots to integrate Giancarlo Esposito’s villain, Sidewinder, leader of the Serpent Society, known from Breaking Bad, Star Wars, and The Boys.

Ahead of the film’s release, five-time WWE world champion Seth Rollins revealed his role was cut due to extensive script rewrites and subsequent reshoots.