The original Captain America's comeback in Doomsday highlights the MCU's inconsistent handling of key character relationships.
Steve Rogers is set to return as Captain America in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, a development that excites many fans but simultaneously underscores significant narrative shortcomings within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His comeback, particularly if theories about his post-Endgame timeline are true, risks undermining Sam Wilson's evolution as Captain America and highlights the MCU's inconsistent approach to character arcs.
A major aspect of Doomsday is the anticipated exploration of Steve Rogers' relationship with Peggy Carter, a storyline cut short in Captain America: The First Avenger. Trailers imply Steve and Peggy established a life together, possibly with a child, fulfilling a long-held fan desire to see their romance properly developed. Hayley Atwell's confirmed return suggests this reunion will be central, though it is expected to be disrupted by Doctor Doom.
This renewed focus on Steve and Peggy, however, implicitly confirms the MCU's abandonment of Steve's other significant love interest, Sharon Carter. Introduced as Peggy's great-niece, Sharon's relationship with Steve developed across Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Civil War before being abruptly dropped. Fan backlash, stemming from the perceived awkwardness of the pairing and its impact on Steve's enduring love for Peggy, likely contributed to this narrative oversight.
Despite the controversial romance, Sharon Carter gained new relevance as the villainous Power Broker in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, a role that promised a larger future within the MCU. Yet, she has been conspicuously absent from all subsequent projects, including Captain America: Brave New World. Her disappearance leaves a significant character arc unresolved, showcasing a missed opportunity to integrate a complex antagonist into the ongoing narrative.
The return of Steve Rogers in Avengers: Doomsday, while offering a chance to resolve his personal story with Peggy, inadvertently exposes the MCU's broader challenges in maintaining consistent character development and honoring established relationships. This narrative choice highlights the delicate balance between fan service and coherent storytelling, leaving some character threads frustratingly incomplete while others are finally addressed.
