18 Worst Moments In Every MCU Movie (So Far) - Ranked

7. Samuel Sterns Becomes The Leader...Kinda - The Incredible Hulk

The Film

The red-headed step-child of the MCU if there ever was one, The Incredible Hulk only scarcely feels like a canonical entry into the series, what with Edward Norton playing Bruce Banner before the Ruffalo recast and Betty Ross (Liv Tyler) being virtually banished from the MCU ever since this film.

However, it is an improvement over the turgid 2003 Ang Lee Hulk movie, serving up entertaining action sequences and a more character-driven approach to Banner. It's not bad at all, though you're probably not in a hurry to re-watch it anytime soon.

The Moment

After antagonist Emil Blonsky (Tim Roth) uses a sample of Bruce Banner's blood to transform into the Abomination, he attacks biologist Dr. Samuel Sterns (Tim Blake Nelson), causing some of the blood to enter a wound on his forehead.

Our final glimpse of Sterns shows his head creepily pulsating, clearly implying that he will become his comic book namesake, The Leader. However, due to a Hulk sequel never materialising, this basically ended up a throwaway nod that was never followed up on.

It's a shame, as Nelson is a fantastic actor and this could've gone to some intriguing places, but due to the film's disappointing box office - by far the lowest of the MCU to date, with just $263.4 million worldwide - Marvel Studios took the hard line that another Hulk movie was a total non-starter.