As Captain America: New World Order continues its shoot, more and more set pics are hitting the internet that tease what we can expect from Anthony Mackie’s inaugural movie outing as the MCU’s second Sentinel of Liberty. Following on from a curious funeral scene, which brought back one franchise vet not seen since The Incredible Hulk, further photos reveal our first look at someone else who’s back after 15 years, as well as featuring one detail that fans are struggling to figure out.
While glimpses at Harrison Ford on set, marking our first taste of the Hollywood legend joining the MCU, is naturally grabbing attention, it’s also worth taking a closer glance at snaps of Tim Blake Nelson preparing to shoot news scenes as Samuel Sterns aka The Leader. Bizarrely, Nelson is in completely normal costuming, except for his hands and forearms which are painted green.
For those who need a reminder, Sterns began to transform into a Hulk of his own in TIH after becoming infected by Bruce Banner’s blood, but on that occasion, his cranium enlarged. Now his noggin’s not an inch wider but he’s got emerald arms. The folks over on Reddit have various ideas for what’s going on here, then. Could this mean Sterns will still be mutating into his final form in the movie?
Or maybe he’s just suffering from the old pickle jar problem?
Well, thanks very much for this hideous image.
On a more serious note, this could be a flashback to when his transformation first happened.
Another fan theory, meanwhile, ponders if Sterns will follow in Abomination’s footsteps and, unlike in the comics, be able to switch between his human and Leader forms, akin to the Hulk and She-Hulk.
Or, you know, maybe they’ll just CG the rest of him later.
We likely won’t get a glimpse at the fully realized Leader for a long while yet, so enjoy these Captain America 4 crumbs as they come, ahead of New World Order‘s release in May 2024.