Leader

For other uses, see Mr. Blue (disambiguation)

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Leader
Real Name	Samuel Sterns
Alias(es)	Codenames Leader Derivatives Sam Nicknames Buyer Organizational Names Mr. Blue
Species	Human
Citizenship	American
Gender	Male
Blipped	No
Title(s)	Doctor
Affiliation	Grayburn College (formerly)
Status	In Custody
Appearances
Movies	The Incredible Hulk Captain America: Brave New World
Comics	The Avengers Prelude: Fury's Big Week Thor: Ragnarok Prelude
Books	The Wakanda Files: A Technological Exploration of the Avengers and Beyond (mentioned)
Actors/Actresses
Portrayed by	Tim Blake Nelson

"You let me rot in this prison. And it was my curse to watch your betrayal written in probabilities. I'm making my own choices now. So many surprises left. When I'm done, everyone will know just who you are, and Betty will despise you even more. Goodbye, Mr. President."

―Leader to Thaddeus Ross^[src]

Doctor Samuel Sterns is a cellular biologist and a former Grayburn College professor, who worked with Bruce Banner to find a cure for Banner's Hulk transformations. Sterns had managed to engineer an antidote for Banner's condition, but he was also forced to administer Banner's blood into Emil Blonsky, transforming him into Abomination. When one drop of Banner's blood fell into an open wound on Sterns' head, his brain then suffered a rapid mutation, greatly increasing his mental abilities. However, S.H.I.E.L.D. put Sterns into custody. Sterns was blamed for Abomination's creation and the Duel of Harlem by General Thaddeus Ross, who imprisoned Sterns at Camp Echo One. There, Ross exposed Sterns to more gamma radiation, to amplify his intellectual capacities and forced Sterns to create technology for the government, as well as heart pills for the ailing general.

Sterns was eventually offered a release and pardon by Thaddeus if he helped him become President of the United States, which he agreed to. However, when Ross refused to honor their deal upon winning his electoral campaign, Sterns instead turned to master manipulation in retribution, dubbing himself the Leader and enacted his revenge by orchestrating an elaborate plot to destroy Ross' legacy. Using a mind control device that made soldiers, including the super soldier Isaiah Bradley, do his bidding, Leader attempted to trigger a world war and ultimately caused Ross to transform into Red Hulk. When his plans were foiled by Sam Wilson, Leader surrendered and was imprisoned in the Raft, where he warned Wilson of Multiversal threats to come.

Biography

This is an in-depth biography of Leader. For an abridged overview, see Marvel Database's article on the same character.

Early Life

Professor at Grayburn College

Sterns teaches a class at Grayburn College

"And that's more important. Take risks. Use those incredible brains of yours."

―Samuel Sterns^[src]

Samuel Sterns worked as a professor at Grayburn College, teaching in the Department of Cellular Biology. During this time, one of Sterns' lectures of him telling his students the importance of taking risks was filmed and put online.

Antidote for Hulk

Discussions with Bruce Banner

"It's time to meet."
"Not safe."
"Living with GAMMA poisoning not safe."

―Samuel Sterns and Bruce Banner^[src]

When Bruce Banner went on the run from the United States Army led by General Thaddeus Ross, he managed to establish contact with Sterns and they communicated with each other on underground online networks, using Mr. Green and Mr. Blue, respectively, while collaborating to find a cure for Banner's condition. Despite multiple experiments and new tests that they would both come up with, Sterns and Banner struggled to find the answers.

While Banner was in Brazil, Sterns suggested that he search for a Corablanca flower, but when they failed to create a plausible antidote, Sterns had asked Banner to send him a sample of his blood so he could engineer an antidote himself. However, Sterns still kept his true intentions secret from Banner: Sterns, in fact, had desired to use the antidote to create cures to various illnesses, motivated by the goal to make all humans practically immune to any genetic disease. However, Sterns' plan was flawed, as he had underestimated the toxicity of Banner's blood.

Meeting at Grayburn College

Sterns is finally introduced to Bruce Banner

"If we overshoot this by even the smallest integer, we're dealing with concentrations with extraordinary levels of toxicity."

―Samuel Sterns to Bruce Banner^[src]

Having completed his classes for the day, Sterns was walking out of a building on the campus of Grayburn College when he was approached by Professor Betty Ross of Culver University. Sterns recognized her, and, much to Sterns' surprise, she began introducing him to Bruce Banner, who greeted Sterns by calling him Mr. Blue, as Sterns realised he was finally meeting Mr. Green.

Sterns explaining the antidote process

Sterns expressed his excitement to cooperate with Banner and Ross, explaining that he contemplated on if Banner was real and how he could live with Hulk caged inside his body. When Sterns began rambling, Ross and Banner insisted that Sterns stay on task. Sterns explained to Banner that, in order for the antidote to work, they needed a precise set amount of blood to create the suppressant, or it would not work otherwise.

Experimenting on Hulk

Sterns prepares Bruce Banner's antidote

"This'll be a somewhat... novel sensation. We have begun. The dialysis machine will mix the antidote with your blood, so the antidote will only take hold once we've achieved a full reaction."

―Samuel Sterns to Bruce Banner^[src]

To begin the experiment, Sterns took Bruce Banner and Betty Ross to the chair he had set up with his equipment, telling Banner to sit on the chair. While Ross helped to strap Banner down, Sterns became frustrated as he struggled to keep his machinery working, forcing him to hit it to keep it running, which made Banner and Ross nervous. Once everything was working, Sterns began explaining to Banner how the machine would mix the antidote with his blood once Banner transformed.

Sterns begins conducting the experiment

In order to prepare Banner, Sterns gave Ross a mouth guard, while he prepared Banner's temples for the electro-shock treatment that he would undergo. With Banner giving his consent, Sterns suggested that Ross let go of Banner's hand before he gave Banner an electric shock directly to his temples, which instantly resulted in Banner beginning his transformation into Hulk as Sterns watched in amazement.

Sterns watches Bruce Banner transforming

Despite Sterns going to begin mixing the antidote with Banner's blood, Ross told him to wait, as they continued watching Banner transforming into Hulk, ripping apart his restraints. Just as Ross told Sterns to inject the antidote, Sterns was struck in the head by Hulk, resulting in him falling to the floor with a head wound, forcing Ross to jump onto Banner's chest in an attempt to calm him down for a moment.

Sterns confirms that the antidote works

Sterns began the injection, although he was forced to kick his machine to get it to work. Sterns then looked on with amazement as the antidote began to work, as Hulk swiftly transformed back into Banner, with Ross remaining on his chest to help keep Hulk calm until the transformation was complete. Banner then awoke a moment later, confirming that he had been able to survive the transformation.

Engineering an Antidote

Sterns discusses their last experiment

"We have the antidote now!"
"They don't want the antidote, they want to make it a weapon! And if we let it go, we will never get it back."

―Samuel Sterns and Bruce Banner^[src]

After witnessing Bruce Banner transform into Hulk during their test and successfully reverting him back with their finalized suppressant, Sterns simply could not hold back his excitement, insisting that it was the most incredible thing that he had ever witnessed, as he discussed how Banner had been able to survive the gamma radiation when he was first exposed to it, noting that it should have killed him.

Sterns admits he has more blood samples

While he was speaking, Sterns inadvertently revealed that he had been experimenting on test subjects using Banner's blood samples, much to the shock of Banner. Sterns confessed that none of the test subjects that he had used thus far had survived, likely due to not having enough access to Banner's prime blood, and when Banner demanded to know what he meant, Sterns invited him to look at his experiments.

Sterns shows off Bruce Banner's blood

Sterns showed Banner and Betty Ross the room where he housed all the samples of Banner's blood, revealed that he had been cloning for his experiments on animal test subjects without his knowledge, and also revealed his wishes to utilize all his tests towards further scientific research. Sterns debated with Banner, arguing that their discoveries in regard to the antidote could gain them prestigious awards and attention in the long run.

Sterns argues for the benefits of his work

Despite Sterns' arguments, Banner insisted that Sterns did not actually grasp the full extent of the situation, and demanded that they destroy every drop of the blood, claiming that the United States Armed Forces would not want to create an antidote, but would instead use the blood to create more weapons. Sterns argued that, with the use of Banner's blood, they had the chance to cure of the human race of countless diseases.

Sterns and Bruce Banner debate his work

Sterns attempted to dismiss Banner's claims about the army planning to make weapons, suggesting that Banner was being overly paranoid about their situation. However, during their bickering, the Strategic Operations Command Center had been listening to their argument and surrounded the building. After a sniper immobilized Banner, Sterns could only watch in horror as Emil Blonsky apprehended Banner and took him into his custody.

Confronted by Emil Blonsky

Sterns is interrogated by Kathleen Sparr

"I don't know what you've got inside you already. The mixture could be... an abomination. I didn't say I was unwilling. I just need informed consent. And you've given it."

―Samuel Sterns and Emil Blonsky^[src]

With Bruce Banner and Betty Ross being captured and taken into the custody of Thaddeus Ross, only Sterns remained inside Grayburn College for questioning. Kathleen Sparr then interrogated Sterns about his experiments with Banner's blood, but Sterns explained that, despite his best work, he could not replicate Hulk, even with the mass amount of blood samples that he had already received from Banner.

Sterns being threatened by Emil Blonsky

When Sparr began to respond to the revelation that Hulk could not be replicated, Emil Blonsky, who was still inside the building, knocked out Sparr with blunt force, as Sterns had questioned why Blonsky was so violent. After the power-hungry Blonsky opened up on his true thoughts on Sparr, he turned a gun on a confused Sterns and threatened him to inject him with some of Banner's gamma-irradiated blood.

Sterns realizes what Emil Blonsky wants

Sterns opened up on his experiment with Banner, but also noticed that Blonsky had clearly been enhanced already, seeing in his eyes that he was already full of considerable power, although he did not know exactly what kind of serum that Blonsky had already been injected with. Sterns had confessed that he had seen Banner transform into Hulk inside his laboratory, and told Blonsky that the transformation was beautiful.

Sterns is lifted into the air by Emil Blonsky

Blonsky insisted that he wanted the same power that Banner had, as he claimed that he needed that power, despite Sterns warning him that he could be turned into an abomination. Blonsky then eventually managed to force Sterns to comply by physically threatening him, although Sterns insisted that he had never been unwilling to do the experiment, he just needed to ensure that he had Blonsky's full consent, which he clearly had.

Self-Mutation

Sterns beginning Emil Blonsky's procedure

"I don't know what you've been ladling into yourself. But clearly, it worked. Let's assume you don't understand a word I'm saying, but if you'll just get back on the table, I can fix this!"

―Samuel Sterns to Emil Blonsky^[src]

Sterns began setting up the procedure and strapped Emil Blonsky to the rest to begin the experiment. However, when Sterns injected the power-hungry Blonsky with Bruce Banner's blood and exposed him to gamma radiation, it triggered his own transformation, due to the Super Soldier Serum that had already been given to Blonsky by Thaddeus Ross, while Sterns quickly lost control over Blonsky's transformation.

Sterns witnesses Emil Blonsky's mutation

Despite pleading for him to stay on the rest so that he could potentially help to transform him back to normal, Blonsky mutated into the hazel-colored, spiky Abomination. Sterns continued to attempt to reason with Abomination, but began to fear that he could not even understand what he was saying to him. As soon as he embraced these newfound powers, Abomination threw Sterns onto the floor and trashed the laboratory.

Sterns mutating from Bruce Banner's blood

In the confusion, Sterns was accidentally infected with Banner's blood via the open wound on his forehead, when a drop of the blood landed in the wound. This immediately had a mutative effect on his body, and as Sterns smiled, his brain began to massively expand in size. Meanwhile, Abomination had begun a rampage on the streets of Harlem, massacring the NYPD officers as well as the United States Army soldiers.

Standoff with Black Widow

Sterns being captured by Black Widow

"Dr. Samuel Sterns?"
"I think perhaps once I was...but shall now become much more."

―Natasha Romanoff and Samuel Sterns^[src]

With his brain still expanding due to the infection of gamma radiation in his head, Sterns was found by Black Widow, who asked him if he was Samuel Sterns, to which Sterns responded that perhaps he indeed once was, but that now he shall become much more. Sterns then identified Black Widow's birthplace from a hint of an accent in her voice. He attempted to bribe her, promising he would help her return to Stalingrad and share his vision with hers, but Black Widow shot him in the leg and called for backup. While backup started to arrive, Sterns was found by Seth Voelker and his unit.

However, Sterns was taken afterwards to a secure location by S.H.I.E.L.D. in order to be studied by scientists in a containment tank. The incident relating to Sterns' arrest was later referred to as "Project Mr. Blue." Inside the tank his mutation continued to develop, as his skin turned all green and his head grew even more in size. Sterns would be held responsible with the devastation that fell on Harlem due to his actions in transforming Emil Blonsky into Abomination, with Thaddeus Ross ensuring that all the blame fell on Sterns and that he was denied a trial.

Seeking Revenge

Thaddeus Ross' Prisoner

"Once Ross discovered how useful I could be, he kept me here for sixteen years, turning my mind to solving his problems. My solutions brought him the highest office in the country. If I wanted Ross dead, he'd be dead."

―Leader to Captain America^[src]

Sterns was put into Thaddeus Ross' custody and held at Camp Echo One under the watch of Warden Cooper. Seeing that the gamma radiation had increased Sterns' mental capabilities, Ross saw an opportunity to use Sterns for his own gains, and proceeded to increase the dosage of gamma radiation into Sterns' body, worsening his disfigurement and increasing his intelligence.

Ross kept Sterns as his prisoner for sixteen years, using Sterns' incredible intellect to come up with technology and weapons for the United States. Sterns also assisted Ross to climb the political ladder, from Secretary of State for President Matthew Ellis, to running for the Presidency himself. Sterns agreed to go along with helping Ross, having been promised a full pardon for his crimes that he had been blamed for. However, Sterns soon realized that Ross would not keep his promise, and began scheming to exact vengeance on him.

Poisoning Thaddeus Ross

"No one could figure it out until he did. These things kept me alive and in return I gave him hope that he might get his life back. He got a lab to do the work. I even tried to get him moved but–"
"But you couldn't risk losing the pills."

―Thaddeus Ross and Sam Wilson^[src]

Sterns was called upon once again by Thaddeus Ross, following two heart attacks that Ross suffered, and the realization that he was dying. Ross went to Sterns for help to save his life, as no other doctor could do so. Sterns was provided with a laboratory in Camp Echo One to work on a cure for Ross' heart condition and once again promised a pardon.

Knowing that Ross was never going to give him his life back, Sterns took the opportunity to exact his revenge against Ross. Sterns developed a series of pills that cured Ross of his heart defect, but he had secretly laced them with gamma radiation. Sterns instructed Ross to take the pills three times a day so that he would become heavily infected, with the intention to trigger a transformation in the future to damage Ross' legacy.

Executing His Revenge

"So, you hire SERPENT to steal the adamantium, shoot up Ross' summit announcing it, and now you're just sitting here waiting. Why do you wanna kill Ross?"
"Why does everyone think that I want to kill Ross? Is it because he imprisoned me here without a trial after an infusion of gamma warped the structure of my brain?"

―Captain America and Leader^[src]

On the night of Thaddeus Ross' victory in the 2026 presidential election, which Sterns had engineered by providing Ross with strategic advice, Sterns watched Ross' victory speech from his prison in Camp Echo One, preparing to exact his vengeance.

Over the next five months, Sterns established contact with the mercenary black-ops group SERPENT and their leader, Sidewinder. He commissioned them to steal a sample of adamantium that was mined by Japan from Celestial Island, offering anonymous payment from a CIA black fund that he was able to access. Sterns instructed SERPENT to meet him at Catedral de Santo Ramos in Oaxaca, Mexico to make the exchange but, in reality, he never intended to show up and complete the purchase at all. Ross sent in Captain America and Falcon, and they managed to defeat SERPENT and recover the adamantium. This, however, was within Sterns' calculations.

Sterns next moved to infiltrate the Celestial Island World Summit with agents that he had secretly compromised, including Isaiah Bradley. By exposing the men to a pattern of flashing lights and playing the song "Mr. Blue," he triggered them to carry out an apparent assassination attempt on Ross during Ross' presentation of the adamantium to the world leaders. This incident, combined with SERPENT's theft of Japan's adamantium, began escalating tensions between the United States and the other world powers.

In the aftermath of the attack, Captain America and Falcon began an investigation against Ross' orders. Concerned that Captain America's interference could present a problem for his plans, Sterns sent Sidewinder, to whom he had revealed the truth and promised double payment, to kill him. Captain America managed to survive the ambush and defeat Sidewinder, gaining access to Sidewinder's phone. Sterns congratulated Captain America on this success, but warned him that he was not prepared for what would come next.

Aware that Captain America could trace the call from Sidewinder's phone to Camp Echo One, Sterns activated Sergeant Frank Payumo's brainwashing and had him kill all of Ross' attackers save for Bradley, anticipating that placing Bradley in danger would cause Captain America to return and protect his friend. Despite this, Captain America defied Sterns' prediction by continuing with the mission.

Revealing Himself

"President Ross. I miss our little visits. Tell me something, you ever stop to ask yourself who's playing the music?"
"It was you? The White House? The assassination attempt?"
"That's a way of putting it."

―Leader and Thaddeus Ross^[src]

Sterns controlled Warden Cooper into contacting Thaddeus Ross, who was en route to Japan aboard Air Force One, before shooting him in the head. Sterns then picked up the phone and spoke with Ross, revealing that he was behind the attacks. Ross pleaded that he was the only one that had helped, but Sterns disagreed. Sterns claimed that he wanted his life back, but that was no longer possible, so he stated that he was now working on tarnishing Ross' legacy, commenting on making his daughter despise him even more.

Sterns then leaked intelligence to Prime Minister Ozaki regarding the use of CIA funds to pay for SERPENT's theft of the adamantium, framing Ross and the United States for the crime and further inflaming tensions between the two nations.

Discovered by Captain America

Leader finds Captain America and Falcon

"You know he'll never change. Let me finish my work."
"I'm afraid I can't do that."

―Leader and Captain America^[src]

When Captain America and Falcon arrived at Camp Echo One, Sterns discovered them watching old footage old him teaching classes at Grayburn College, as he revealed himself and commented that he was not bad looking before his mutation. Standing in the shadows, Sterns commented on the fact that he was surprised that Captain American had not helped Isaiah Bradley when he had put him at risk.

Leader reveals himself to Captain America

Sterns confirmed that he was the buyer who hired Sidewinder and SERPENT, claiming that his mind saw every possible outcome of his plan to steal the Adamantium. Captain America then questioned why Sterns wanted to kill President Thaddeus Ross, which Sterns denied, although he noted that it had been Ross who imprisoned him at the camp and infused his body with more gamma radiation, before turning on the lights and revealing the mutation that his head had undergone as a result, much to the shock of Captain America and Falcon.

Leader explains Thaddeus Ross' actions

Sterns explained everything that Ross put him through over the past sixteen years, insisting he could easily kill Ross if he wanted to. In response, Captain America noted that his actions were hurting a lot of people, including his friends, before giving Sterns one final warning to stop. Sterns instead questioned why Captain America was protecting Ross, since Ross knew Bradley was not responsible for the White House attack but was still keeping him in prison.

Leader is able to subdue Captain America

Sterns demanded that Captain America allow him to finish his plans against Ross, claiming that Ross would never truly change the kind of man he was although Captain America insisted that he could not do that. Captain America then attempted to strike Sterns with his shield and detain him, so Sterns casually used a Stark Sonic Cannon to stun the hero, while telling him not to be boring, before releasing him from the trap.

Leader uses his soldiers to make his escape

Sterns then activated his mind-control device and summoned a platoon of soldiers to protect him, while telling Captain America and Falcon that they were a facinating problem for him, but one which he would be taking off the board. Sterns then set his soldiers upon Captain America and Falcon while he made his escape. He later activated more soldiers and sent them to kill the duo outside the base, but with aid from Ruth Bat-Seraph, they escaped, only to then be arrested.

Battle of Celestial Island

Leader arrives at an admiral's home

"Give in to your rage. I'm taking your legacy as we speak. Come on, Ross. You're almost there. You can rip their fleet apart with your bare hands and kill Captain America. Let the monster inside you out."

―Leader to Thaddeus Ross^[src]

Concealing his mutation with a hat, Sterns went to the nearby home of an admiral and requested to use a phone. He shot and killed both the admiral and his wife so that he could take over their home for the final step of his plan, ensuring that he could monitor the situation unfolding from a safe distance.

Leader takes control of American jets

As he had calculated, his actions had been increasing tensions and mistrust between nations, and driven the United States and Japan to the brink of war, with Thaddeus Ross aboard the USS Milius in the Indian Ocean as part of a bid to secure the adamantium of Celestial Island before the Japan Self-Defense Forces could do so, against the desires of the Japanese.

Leader attempts to break Thaddeus Ross

To complete his revenge, Sterns activated his final agents, a pair of United States Navy pilots with the callsigns Whiskey and Jackal, and sent them to attack the Japanese forces. The Battle of Celestial Island ensued, with Sterns watching television coverage of the skirmish as Captain America and Falcon desperately tried to disable the two pilots and prevent the beginning of a third world war.

Leader reacts to the failure of his plan

Sterns called Ross once again, taunting him with the destruction of his legacy and the opportunity to let the monster inside him out. Sterns' taunts drove Ross to begin a transformation, but he was able to regain control of himself when he was informed that Captain America and Falcon had successfully defused the conflict. Sterns, enraged by the failure of his long-sought revenge, screamed out in anger as he realized what would have to be done.

Assassination of Dennis Dunphy

Leader assassinates Dennis Dunphy

"Who are you?"
"Isn't it obvious? I'm the hero."

―Dennis Dunphy and Leader^[src]

Shortly afterward, Sterns disguised himself with a hood and sunglasses and tracked down Dennis Dunphy, who had discovered that the pills were laced with gamma radiation. Sterns used a sonic device to take Dunphy off guard and paralyze him, as Sterns told him that he could not allow him to contact Captain America with this new information.

Leader leaves Dennis Dunphy's corpse

While Dunphy was dying from the sonic device, he demanded to know who Sterns was, to which Sterns then identified himself as the hero of the story before killing Dunphy by using the device to stop his heart. With Dunphy dead, Sterns put his sunglasses back on and casually walked away, intended to complete the final stage of his plans against Ross.

Turning Himself In

Leader calmly greets Captain America

"You ruined my grand finale on the Indian Ocean. So now I'm forced to turn myself in to get what I want."
"Well, you're waiting for an apology, we'll be here a while."

―Leader and Sam Wilson^[src]

Sterns then approached Captain America outside Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and requested counseling, referring to himself as "a bitter man at the end of his rope." Captain America agreed to speak with him for the few minutes it would take military police to arrive and arrest him.

Leader speaks with Captain America

Sterns expressed disappointment in the failure of his initial plan to force the United States and Japan into a third world war, and admitted that he was turning himself in order to finally get what he wanted. Believing that he meant he wanted an apology, Captain America told him he would not get one, but Sterns clarified that he still wished to show the world Thaddeus Ross' true self.

Leader laughs at Captain America's words

Captain America warned him that they knew the pills were the key to his plan and would soon know how they worked, only for Sterns to counter that Captain America no longer had someone working on that matter. Realizing this meant that Sterns had killed Dunphy, Captain America departed for Ross' press conference to stop what Sterns had done. Before leaving, he made a bet with Sterns that Ross would be able to change, and as he was detained by the military, Sterns yelled back that if Captain America was wrong about Ross, he would die.

Leader allows himself to be arrested

The news of Sterns' arrest interrupted Ross' press conference was almost immediately broadcast, and Sterns successfully induced Ross' transformation into the monstrous Red Hulk with a recording of their earlier conversation. However, he ultimately failed to achieve his desired vengeance, as Ross willingly resigned the Presidency and submitted to detention at the Raft, proving that he could change after all.

Warning Sam Wilson

Leader locked away in the Raft

"We share the same world, don't we? This world you would die to save. It's coming. I've seen it in the probabilities. Seen it plain as day. All you heroes protecting this world. Do you think you're the only ones? Do you think this is the only world? We'll see what happens when you have to protect this place from the others."

―Leader to Captain America^[src]

Due to his superhuman intelligence, Sterns was also imprisoned in the Raft. Captain America visited him some time after his detention to note that Sterns had been wrong about Thaddeus Ross' capacity to change, and thus had lost their bet. Sterns merely found this amusing, prompting Captain America to tell him that they did not share the same sense of humor.

Leader gives Captain America a warning

Sterns indirectly agreed with this, but told Captain America that they did share the same world. Claiming that Captain America and his friends were not the only heroes and that their world was not the only world. While Captain America attempted to understand what he was referring to, Sterns warned him that by looking at the probabilities, he had seen an impending attack from other worlds, and expressed an interest in seeing what would happen when Captain America faced this inevitable threat.

Personality

"Look, I've always been more curious than cautious and that's served me pretty well."

―Samuel Sterns^[src]

Samuel Sterns is shown to be an eccentric and ambitious professor, enthusiastic about his work and the opportunities that are presented to him. While he appears to be well-meaning, his erratic nature and fascination with Bruce Banner's gamma-irradiated blood led him to act recklessly. Sterns went behind Banner's back to synthesize his gamma-irradiated blood samples, while not fully considering the negative consequences of his actions. This was evidenced by their last debate following their test of the antidote, during which Sterns also revealed his anarchistic disdain for the government. His fascination with Banner's blood was what led Sterns to willingly transform Emil Blonsky into Abomination, despite knowing the risks. Though Blonsky coerced him at gunpoint, Sterns admitted that he was not unwilling. After being mutated, however, with Banner's blood, Sterns went mad, beginning to mesmerize himself into thinking of himself as a higher being. Before being captured by Black Widow, he sought help in carrying out a megalomaniacal plan, befitting his past of craving "Olympian" power, only now with apparently malevolent intentions.

Scapegoated for the Harlem incident, Sterns was held as Thaddeus Ross' prisoner at Camp Echo One. Imprisoned over the course of sixteen years, Sterns was forced to work under duress for Ross in the shadows, who exploited his mutated brain to solve problems that, with the promise of eventual freedom, contributed to Ross' rise to the United States Presidency. However, when Ross violated his promise, Sterns' resentment turned to hatred. Seeking revenge for his unfair and inhumane imprisonment, he decided to besmirch Ross' legacy, intending to trigger a public outburst of Red Hulk to humiliate him and destroy his reputation. Sterns' spitefulness was further emphasized as he invoked Ross' daughter Betty's name to provoke Ross into reacting. He showed no remorse in risking causing a global war in order to do this, having staged a calculated series of events that threatened to ignite a war between the United States and Japan, demonstrating his anarchistic disposition in putting personal grudges over worldwide peace. Sterns was willing to sacrifice innocent men to achieve this goal; as seen when he manipulated soldiers from the military via mind control, including Isaiah Bradley, to do his bidding. He also killed Dennis Dunphy without hesitation to prevent him from exposing his plan to Captain America. This lack of remorse and mercy is fuelled by Sterns' immense hatred towards Ross, even to the point where he willingly turned himself in if it meant exposing Ross.

However, Sterns' amplified brainpower also turned out to be his downfall, as he relied on probabilistic computations to predict the actions of his enemies, such as Captain America or Thaddeus Ross, and neglected their irrational and human aspects, which would often lead to unexpected behavior; for example, he could not predict Captain America and Falcon breaking into Camp Echo One because it was improbable, and also underestimated Ross' desire to prove himself, as Ross eventually came to his senses and surrendered rather than being blinded by rage as Sterns had anticipated.

Powers and Abilities

Powers

"Maybe you're not as smart as you think you are."
"I am, actually. My mind sees it all. Every probable outcome."

―Joaquín Torres and Samuel Sterns^[src]

• Artificially Enhanced Physiology: Sterns was infected with Hulk's blood via an open wound on his forehead. The gamma radiation mutation in his brain gave him nigh limitless intelligence, although his skin turned green and his head expanded in size as a side effect. After being imprisoned in Camp Echo One by Thaddeus Ross, Sterns was used by Ross as his one man think-tank and subsequently received continued dosages of gamma radiation which further amplified his acumen. These continued doses further mutated him, resulting in his brain growing to such a size that it visibly deformed his skull, as well as causing his right eye to turn a glowing green while his left eye became glossy white and clouded.
  • Superhuman Intelligence: The exposure to Hulk's blood drastically increased Sterns' brainpower to the point where he could identify Black Widow's birthplace of Stalingrad by a slight hint in her accent. Sterns is also able to perform complex probabilistic computations quickly and expediently with simple thought, determining all possible scenarios and their likeliness of successful happenstance, such as the imminent threat of a Multiversal crisis, or predicting the actions of his enemies. However, because he did not possess true clairvoyance, he could only make his desired outcomes more likely to take place, and could be outwitted by people or events acting against his logical predictions.

Abilities

"When I read what he had been doing... I mean, I didn't think it was possible to synthesize inhibitors that are that complex, but he's doing it by the bucketload."
"His work is unbelievably brilliant."

―Bruce Banner and Betty Ross^[src]

Sterns experimenting on Bruce Banner

• Master Scientist: Samuel Sterns helped Bruce Banner when he sought a cure for his transformation into Hulk. He was able to develop a method that could potentially reverse the transformation, by duplicating and testing the limited blood samples that Banner sent him. He was also able to duplicate the transformation process with Emil Blonsky, transforming him into Abomination when Banner's blood was mixed with the Super Soldier Serum that Blonsky had already taken, a situation that Sterns had already anticipated.
• Master Tactician: With his ability to predict all possible outcomes of a situation and their statistical likelihood of occuring, Sterns was able to manipulate events to his advantage many steps ahead of those opposing him. This allowed him to plan for events a significant amount of time in advance, and adjust his own actions as needed to keep his desired outcomes likely to happen.

Equipment

Weapons

Leader paralyzes and kills Dennis Dunphy

• Stark Sonic Cannon: Sterns made use of a Stark Sonic Cannon installed in his laboratory at Camp Echo One to prevent Captain America from arresting him. He later used a smaller, portable version of the device to paralyze and kill Dennis Dunphy.

Other Equipment

• Hulk Antidote: To be added
• Gamma Radiation Pills: Sterns created these pills to treat Thaddeus Ross's heart disease, instructing him to take them three times daily. They were effective in treating Ross's illness, but after Sterns realized Ross would not keep his promises to release him, he covertly added gamma radiation to the pills. The radiation quietly built up in Ross's body over time, eventually causing him to transform into Red Hulk during a moment of extreme stress.
• Mind Control Device: To be added

Facilities

• Grayburn College: Sterns used to work in Grayburn College as a professor in the Department of Cellular Biology. He had a well-equipped laboratory at the university, where he conducted experiments with Bruce Banner's blood and transformed Emil Blonsky into Abomination.

Prisons

• Camp Echo One: Following his scapegoating for the Duel of Harlem, Sterns was imprisoned at Camp Echo One, where Thaddeus Ross had him subjected to gamma radiation. He was held there for sixteen years, during which time Ross used him to develop various weapons for the military, mastermind a successful run for the Presidency, and create medication to treat Ross' heart disease.
• Raft: Having allowed himself to be arrested to complete his plans to humilate Thaddeus Ross, Sterns was imprisoned in one of the Raft's cells following his arrest, where Sam Wilson visited him, allowing Sterns to give Wilson a warning about future conflicts.

Relationships

Allies Bruce Banner/Hulk Betty Ross Kathleen Sparr

Enemies Emil Blonsky/Abomination S.H.I.E.L.D. Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow † Thaddeus Ross/Red Hulk Isaiah Bradley - Former Thrall United States Army Cooper † - Thrall and Victim Hunter Barcroft † - Thrall and Indirect Victim James Davidson † - Thrall and Indirect Victim Frank Payumo † - Thrall and Indirect Victim United States Secret Service Max Ventura † - Thrall and Indirect Victim Loyd Chavez - Thrall Leila Taylor Sam Wilson/Captain America Joaquín Torres/Falcon Ruth Bat-Seraph United States Navy Jackal - Thrall Whiskey - Thrall Dennis Dunphy † - Victim SERPENT - Former Employees Seth Voelker/Sidewinder Davis Lawfers/Copperhead

Appearances

In chronological order:

• The Incredible Hulk
  • Thor: Ragnarok Prelude, Part 1: 'The Incredible Hulk' (mentioned)
  • Thor: Ragnarok Prelude, Part 2: 'The Incredible Hulk - Unleashed!'
  • The Avengers Prelude: Fury's Big Week, Chapter 6 (concurrent events)
  • The Avengers Prelude: Fury's Big Week, Chapter 7 (concurrent events)
• The Avengers Prelude: Fury's Big Week, Chapter 8
• The Wakanda Files: A Technological Exploration of the Avengers and Beyond (mentioned)
• Captain America: Brave New World

Trivia

• In the comics, Samuel Sterns was a menial laborer with only average intelligence. Upon being exposed to gamma radiation while he was transporting hazardous materials, he became the evil super-genius known as the Leader. Sterns was also the founder and leader of the Intelligencia, a group comprised of the smartest super-villains in the Marvel Universe.
  • He bears some resemblance to his brother, Phillip "Phil" Sterns, a scientist who studied gamma radiation and romanticized the concept of the Hulk before eventually receiving gamma-based powers himself.
  • His online name "Mr. Blue" was used in the comics as an alias used by Betty Ross.
    • As a reference to the nickname "Mr. Blue", Sterns uses The Fleetwoods' song "Mr. Blue" to brainwash individuals.

Behind the Scenes

• Aaron Sims produced concept art of the Leader for The Incredible Hulk although Samuel Sterns does not fully transform into the Leader during the film.
• Director Louis Leterrier introduced Samuel Sterns in The Incredible Hulk with the intention to set him up to become the main antagonist as the Leader in a possible sequel. Tim Blake Nelson even "signed on" to reprise his role in two more films.
• The Leader coming back in Captain America: Brave New World was one of the main reasons that attracted Julius Onah to the project.
• She-Hulk: Attorney at Law head writer Jessica Gao's original 2019 pitch for the show's first season had the Leader having a substantial role in the story, though there were discussions about either bringing Samuel Sterns back or have a new version of the Leader appear that could or could not have been related to Sterns. Gao does not quite remember why the Leader's inclusion was scrapped.
• In the original cut of Captain America: Brave New World, Sterns was depicted with an appearance based on the traditional look of the Leader in the comics, with a smooth, enlarged head and facial hair. This appearance was discarded in the film's reshoots and changed to the one featured in the final cut.
• Scotty Cook was a stunt double for Tim Blake Nelson in the role of Samuel Sterns.

External Links

• Leader on Marvel Database
• Phil Sterns on Marvel Database
• Leader on Wikipedia
• Phil Sterns on Wikipedia