In the world of superhero cinema, every hero needs a formidable adversary. For Captain America: Brave New World, fans were introduced to The Leader, portrayed by Tim Blake Nelson. The character, known for his distinctive appearance, was brought to life through practical effects and makeup, resulting in a visibly mutated look that deviated somewhat from his comic book origins.

Blue Whale Studios, the Atlanta-based special effects company responsible for The Leader's design and effects in the MCU film, has now revealed their original concept for Sam Sterns' alter ego, which closely aligns with the comics. The initial design embraced a sickly aesthetic, featuring an engorged head and pale green skin, as showcased on their Instagram. This straightforward design lacked the intricate mutation details seen in the final film version. Additionally, a video of the prosthetics application process on Nelson was shared, offering fans a fascinating glimpse into the character's creation.

"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 stated. "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."

The original design closely mirrors The Leader's first appearance in the Marvel comic universe, introduced in 1964’s Tales to Astonish #62. Interestingly, the final design in Brave New World also reflects more recent comic appearances, notably from 2018's Immortal Hulk.

The Leader's introduction as a potential MCU villain was first hinted at in 2008’s The Incredible Hulk. In that film, Sam Sterns is exposed to Bruce Banner's blood, which is laden with Gamma radiation, setting the stage for his transformation into The Leader by the time of Brave New World.

Last May, reports surfaced that Captain America: Brave New World underwent reshoots to incorporate a new villainous character, Sidewinder, played by Giancarlo Esposito, known for his roles in Breaking Bad, Star Wars, and The Boys. Esposito leads the Serpent Society in the film.

Ahead of the film's release, five-time WWE world champion Seth Rollins confirmed that his role was cut following extensive rewrites and subsequent reshoots, marking a significant change in the film's narrative direction.