First Look at The Leader’s Original Design in ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ Revealed

The first look at the original design for Tim Blake Nelson‘s The Leader in Marvel’s Captain America: Brave New World has been revealed by Blue Whale Studios, a makeup company.

On Instagram, Blue Whale Studios shared images of Blake Nelson’s initial design as The Leader, which they said draws inspiration from the original comic book art.

According to the studio, as the Captain America: Brave New World story evolved—and during reshoots—the creative direction shifted. Their version was ultimately not used in the final cut.

Blue Whale Studios wrote on Instagram:

“The nature of filmmaking asks us to adapt—to respond with creativity rather than react with attachment. 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. 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.”

Directed by Julius Onah from a screenplay by Malcolm Spellman, Dalan Musson, and Matthew Orton. The film stars Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson/Captain America, Danny Danny Ramirez as Joaquín Torres/Falcon, Blake Nelson as Samuel Sterns/Leader, Carl Lumbly as Isaiah Bradley, Harrison Ford as President Thaddeus Ross, Liv Tyler as Betty Ross, Shira Haas as Ruth Bat-Seraph/Sabra, Giancarlo Esposito as Sidewinder, Rosa Salazar, and Xosha Roquemore.

Here’s the plot details for Captain America: Brave New World:

In Captain America: Brave New World, after executing a successful mission in Mexico, Sam (Mackie) and his partner Joaquin/Falcon (Ramirez) are invited to the White House to meet with President Ross (Ford). He asks Sam, the new Captain America, to reconstitute the Avengers Initiative. However, they almost immediately square off on opposite sides when an assassination attempt occurs.

Captain America: Brave New World was released in theaters on February 14, 2025, as part of Phase Five of the MCU. It has grossed $414.8 million worldwide, making it the fourth-highest-grossing film of 2025. The film is now available on VOD platforms.