In her live-action debut within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Captain Carter didn’t receive the recognition she deserved. However, with the upcoming Avengers: Secret Wars, there’s a strong possibility that her character could undergo a significant transformation. Portrayed by Hayley Atwell, Peggy Carter stands out as one of the most compelling love interests in the MCU. Her relationship with Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers was beautifully portrayed throughout the Captain America film series, and even after her death or as she aged, Steve’s unwavering memory of her kept their stories intertwined.
Fans were thrilled to witness a new interpretation of Peggy as Captain Carter in Disney+’s What If…?. This excitement continued with Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, where Captain Carter made her live-action entrance as part of Earth-838’s Illuminati. Unfortunately, her cameo became a point of contention, marking a lost opportunity to portray her character more robustly. Given the latest updates about the MCU’s next Avengers installments, there remains hope that Marvel will find a way to showcase her talents more effectively.
Atwell Speaks Out on Captain Carter’s Doctor Strange 2 Cameo
Peggy Wasn’t The Sole Victim of Underutilization
Recently, Hayley Atwell expressed her thoughts regarding Captain Carter’s brief appearance in Doctor Strange 2, echoing the sentiments of many Marvel fans. During her interview on Reign with Josh Smith, she admitted feeling that Captain Carter was “so undermined.”Many viewers anticipated a more prominent role for her following her engaging representation in the animated What If…?. Instead, she faced a tragic demise at the hands of the Scarlet Witch, which many felt was an unjust ending for such a dynamic character.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Atdh8mGNsPI
The underwhelming portrayal of Captain Carter in the latest Doctor Strange installment highlights a broader issue within the film. While Wanda Maximoff’s lethal takeover of the Illuminati showcased her villainous transformation, the abrupt deaths of new characters left viewers yearning for deeper connections. The potential story arcs for both Atwell’s Captain Carter and John Krasinski’s Reed Richards felt squandered in this rushed narrative.
Hayley Atwell Set to Return for Upcoming Avengers Films
The MCU Is Planning a Revival for Peggy Carter
As of December 2024, reports from Deadline confirm that Atwell will reprise her role as Peggy Carter in Avengers: Doomsday, alongside potential appearances from Chris Evans as Captain America. Although this is not yet officially confirmed, the likelihood is strong given her integral role alongside Evans, who remains a central figure in the MCU’s overarching storyline. Considering that Atwell and Evans shared a poignant reunion during their last film, the revival of her character seems timely and appropriate.
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Complete List of MCU Avengers Movies |
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|---|---|
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Film |
Release Year |
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The Avengers |
2012 |
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Avengers: Age of Ultron |
2015 |
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Avengers: Infinity War |
2018 |
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Avengers: Endgame |
2019 |
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Avengers: Doomsday |
2026 |
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Avengers: Secret Wars |
2027 |
Excitement surrounds Atwell’s return, especially after learning she has signed on for both Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. The potential of her character within these storylines is monumental. Given the multiverse theme that characterizes Secret Wars, it presents an ideal opportunity to redeem Captain Carter’s image with a compelling narrative.
Captain Carter’s Potential in a Team of Captain Americas in Avengers: Secret Wars
Expected Key Locations From the Comics Will Feature
Whether through the version of Peggy Carter imbued with abilities from Avengers: Endgame or a multiverse variant, her prospective storyline hinges on forming a Captain America-themed team. The MCU has introduced multiple iterations and characters related to Captain America over the years. Key to the comics’ Secret Wars is the realm of Battleworld, a patchwork of multiverse locations and heroes, leading me to speculate that the MCU might explore thematic superhero teams.
This could potentially bring together Captain Carter, both Steve Rogers and Sam Wilson, U.S. Agent, Isaiah Bradley, multiverse counterparts, and even Bucky Barnes to create a formidable squad. Such a combination would not only elevate Captain Carter but also allow her character to undertake a meaningful journey, transforming her previous underwhelming portrayal into a powerful narrative. With Atwell’s confirmed roles in the upcoming Avengers films, I believe Secret Wars is poised to deliver a perfect spotlight for Captain Carter, along with an interactive Captain America-centered team that can engage audiences anew.