Exciting theories are emerging around the return of the Leader in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) following Captain America: Brave New World, potentially paving the way for his involvement in Avengers: Secret Wars. The MCU kicked off in 2008 with the release of Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk, introducing various pivotal characters. Marvel’s recent installment featuring Captain America further broadened its character landscape, reintroducing Tim Blake Nelson as Samuel Sterns, also known as the Leader.
The Leader stands out as one of Marvel’s most cunning adversaries, renowned for orchestrating intricate global schemes and exposing Thunderbolt Ross’ darker side. His link to the looming threat in the multiverse, revealed in the post-credits scene of Captain America: Brave New World, suggests a significant role for him in the upcoming Avengers films. His arc could potentially align with that of a key character from Marvel Comics in the upcoming Secret Wars storyline.
Understanding the Maker’s Role in Secret Wars
An Evil Counterpart: Reed Richards as the Maker
Earth-616, the primary universe of Marvel Comics, serves as home to many beloved characters. In contrast, the multiverse includes Earth-1610, the setting of the Ultimate Marvel Universe, known for its darker tales involving iconic heroes and villains. Notably, Reed Richards transforms into the Maker after the tragic death of his family, ultimately leading to his disillusionment and a path of villainy as he becomes aware of imminent multiversal destruction, as foretold by Kang the Conqueror.
The Maker epitomizes one of Marvel’s gravest threats, being privy to the great incursions poised to disrupt the multiverse. Notably, he manages to escape destruction alongside the Cabal, utilizing a life raft engineered from pilfered technology. During Secret Wars, this version of Reed Richards engages in a betrayal of his Earth-616 counterpart, experiencing a grim fate at the hands of Molecule Man.
The Leader as a Potential Substitute for the Maker in the MCU
The Time Crunch for Introducing a New Major Villain
While the Maker played a critical role in the 2015 Secret Wars comics, the MCU faces challenges in adapting this character effectively before the upcoming Avengers films. With Avengers: Doomsday set to introduce Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom and establish him as a formidable multiversal threat, time constraints may hinder the full introduction of the Maker. Simultaneously, Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards in The Fantastic Four: First Steps further complicates character development timelines.
|
Every MCU Avengers Movie |
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|---|---|
|
Movie |
Release Date |
|
The Avengers |
2012 |
|
Avengers: Age of Ultron |
2015 |
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Avengers: Infinity War |
2018 |
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Avengers: Endgame |
2019 |
|
Avengers: Doomsday |
2026 |
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Avengers: Secret Wars |
2027 |
In light of these developments, a recent theory discussed by user Signal_Expression730 on Reddit posits that the Leader could effectively embody elements of the Maker. Both possess extraordinary intellect and share the ominous knowledge of impending incursions. Unlike the Maker’s construction of a base known as The City, the MCU’s Leader may escape from his imprisonment at The Raft and commandeer the facility, repurposing it into a stronghold akin to the comic’s Life-Rafts.
Potential Future Use of the Maker in the MCU
Marvel’s Strategy for Deferring the Maker’s Introduction
If the Leader assumes the role historically held by the Maker in Avengers: Doomsday, he might also feature prominently in the Battleworld segment of Avengers: Secret Wars. This would allow him to collaborate with Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards, perhaps targeting the powers of whoever stands in for the MCU’s Molecule Man—likely Tom Hiddleston’s Loki. By positioning the Leader within this framework, Marvel can reserve future storylines for the Maker without convoluting the current narrative.
As the MCU continues to evolve, there remains ample opportunity to integrate the Maker seamlessly into future plots. The recent trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps indicated Reed Richards’ internal conflict stemming from Galactus’s arrival, suggesting ties to multiversal explorations and the potential introduction of the Council of Reeds. Subsequently, an evil variant like the Maker could emerge as a formidable adversary post-Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars.