Disney made several exciting announcements at this year’s D23 Expo. One reveal, however, was quite unexpected and had to do with the Marvel Cinematic Universe. MCU fans already know that Captain America: New World Order will continue with Anthony Mackie‘s character Sam Wilson, and his story following The Falcon and The Winter Soldier and his taking of the mantle in Avengers: Endgame. However, they probably weren’t expecting the confirmation of an old MCU villain to make a return.
During Marvel Studios panel at D23, it was revealed Tim Blake Nelson would be reprising his role as The Leader for Captain America: New World Order. Fans will remember that Tim Blake Nelson previously played The Leader in The Incredible Hulk, where he played his character’s original identity Samuel Sterns.
Tim Blake Nelson returning as The Leader in Captain America: New World Order! #D23Expo #D23Expo2022 pic.twitter.com/NdZ2aXwXJ4
— ScreenGeek (@RealScreenGeek) September 10, 2022
It’s been 14 years since The Incredible Hulk was released. As such, this is an exciting announcement to see that his appearance in the film will finally pay off. Of course, fans will be seeing Tim Blake Nelson in the third Captain America film, rather than a Hulk project, but that does make sense. After all, The Leader has interacted with a number of different Marvel characters in the comics.
His involvement in the film was alongside the rest of the project’s cast members. The film will also include Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson, Shira Haas as Sabra, Danny Ramirez as Joaquin Torres, and Carl Lumbly as Isaiah Bradley. It’s worth noting that characters Joaquin Torres and Isaiah Bradley previously appeared in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. As such, it’s nice knowing that they’ll be returning for this new project as well.
With the film not being released until 2024, it’s likely it’ll be some time before we have any other major updates. As for now, however, it’s exciting to know which cast members we can expect to see. Especially with the announcement that Tim Blake Nelson will be returning as The Leader for the Captain America sequel.
The new sequel Captain America: New World Order will be directed by Julius Onah. The screenplay was written by Dalan Musson and Malcolm Spellman. Meanwhile, Spellman will also produce the film alongside Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige.
Fans will be able to see Captain America: New World Order when it hits theaters on May 3, 2024.