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Unraveling Captain America’s Journey in Avengers: Endgame

Captain America /Steve Rogers, played by Chris Evans is the favorite superhero of many. It’s easy to see why he remains one of the most popular MCU superheroes; Cap’s everyman beginnings and his tenacity resonate with fans the world over. Captain America’s MCU debut was lowkey when he first came to the screen in 2011 in The First Avenger but the character has had a strong on-screen presence since .

Cemented by his inclusion in The Avengers (2012), what Chris Evans brought to the screen was loved by millions all over the world. It was in Avengers: Endgame that we truly witnessed the culmination of his awe-inspiring journey and what Captain America truly stood for. This article dives deep into Captain America and his overall character arc and how it all summed up to perfection in Avengers: Endgame . 

Avengers: Endgame Was the Perfect Bow for Steve Rogers’ Captain America

By the end of Avengers: Endgame , Captain America undergoes a profound transformation. Steve Rogers evolves from a confused soldier burdened by loss into a man who finds both purpose and peace. Through the film’s possible time travel, he reconciles with his past, finds love, and comes to terms with his role in a changed world. For the first time ever, he gets to embrace his own needs while sacrificing his present. He also decides to pass on the shield to Sam Wilson, also known as Falcon. It signified not just the end of his tenure but the completion of a character arc that spans years and covers themes of duty, friendship, and self-discovery.

The only audience members who did not like Chris Evans’ Captain America’s ending was the one who wanted to see more of him in the upcoming MCU movies. Otherwise, it was perfect. He grew into a full-fledged leader whom Mjolnir responded to. In MCU, that’s a dream ending any superhero would hope for.

Key Scenes Involving Captain America in MCU

From jumping on a grenade to save others in Captain America: The First Avenger and becoming a selfless hero, to having a dance with the love of his life, Peggy Carter — Captain America’s journey in the MCU was profound. In The Avengers , he faced the challenge of acclimating to a changed world. In Avengers: Civil War , he had his differences with his friend Tony Stark but stood strong regardless. 

He also stood alone against Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War which underlined his physical strength as an avenger and unyielding commitment to fighting tyranny. After Tony Stark ‘s death, he refers to the loss of his friend, “ Earth just lost its best defender. ” A line that clicked with many and is still utilized in pop culture. His friendship with Bucky was another aspect that contributed to his overall journey. And all of this led to his iconic scene in Avengers: Endgame where he picks up Mjölnir, followed up by his epic line, “ Avengers, Assemble, ” — a scene that had audiences on the edge of their seats, praising and rooting for the masterpiece. This scene was inarguably Captain America’s peak moment in MCU.

Captain America’s Relationships with Other Characters

If there is one thing we can judge a person’s reputation for, it’s through his relationships with his friends and family. Everybody knows how selfless Captain America was. Starting from Tony Stark and despite their initial disagreements, the two reconcile in Endgame and mend a friendship that proved stronger than any rift. Thor knew that there was something in Steve Rogers that enabled him to move his Mjolnir a bit during a friendly competition — that’s what Thor referred to during the final battle scenes of Avengers: Endgame when he said, “ I knew it. ”

His bond with Bucky Barnes, the Winter Soldier, sees its most tender moment when Bucky tells Steve, “ I’m going to miss you,” — the moment that cemented a friendship that had endured wars, heartbreak, and time. To Sam Wilson, he didn’t just pass on his weapon (his shield) but passed on his legacy. And finally, Peggy Carter, who he eventually returned to and made peace with his journey. His relationship with each and every character sums up to define as we remember him today.

Captain America’s Role in the Final Battle Against Thanos

In the battle against Thanos, Captain America was fighting to win or die. He gave Thanos a hard time but since Thanos was arguably stronger, it was almost impossible to defeat him. And just when all seemed lost, Dr. Strange came through with his portals. The rallying cry, “ Avengers, Assemble ,” served as the catalyst for the team’s resurgence and transformed the tide of battle. Cap’s tactical acumen, combat prowess, and inspirational leadership came through during the final battle against Thanos. While some may disagree, it wouldn’t have been possible to defeat Thanos if it wasn’t for Captain America — that’s how crucial he was.

References to Captain America’s Past and Future

Avengers: Endgame is rife with references that pay homage to Captain America’s storied past and hint at his future. The “Hail Hydra” elevator scene revisits a contentious moment from Captain America: The Winter Soldier where Cap took on multiple Hydra agents. Plus, his encounter with his past self served as a reflection of his personal growth. 

As he passes on his shield to Sam Wilson, Cap opens a new chapter for the Captain America legacy, setting the stage for The Falcon and the Winter Soldier . The dance with Peggy Carter is the ultimate callback. It gives the audience a dive into a ‘what if’ that had been lingering since his debut. All in all, Avengers: Endgame is more than just a blockbuster; it serves as a reverential tribute to Captain America. It honors his legacy while poignantly answering long-standing ‘what-ifs’ while setting the stage for the future. It’s the farewell that Chris Evans ‘ Steve Rogers deserved, and the ending that fans may not have wanted but needed.

Safwan Azeem

Safwan Azeem is a musician and songwriter who loves to travel. He has a degree in software engineering, but chooses to write instead. He's contributed for blogs like Collider, Koimoi, American Songwriter, Sports Illustrated, Old House Journal, Let's Eat Cake, Diamond Lobby, and Garden Gate. If you can't reach him on a Saturday evening, it's probably because he's out playing an acoustic gig. Check out more of his work on Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn @safwanazeem.

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10 Captain America Deleted Scenes That Would Have Changed The MCU

Being captain america is finally killing steve rogers (and it might be his greatest victory), young sheldon star admits to feeling bad about missy’s ending fate.

A timeline of the   Marvel Cinematic Universe   details the incredible journey of Captain America’s Shield throughout Marvel Studios’ four phases. Across 26 films and five television shows on Disney+ (so far), the MCU has cultivated its fair share of iconic objects. This includes - but is not limited to - Iron Man’s arc reactor, Thor’s hammer, and, of course, Captain America’s red, white, and blue shield, which has undergone a metamorphosis in both design and significance over the years.

Steve Rogers' version of the character wielded his signature weapon since becoming a superhero in the 1940s, when Howard Stark gave him his Vibranium shield during World War II in  Captain America: The First Avenger . After spending decades frozen in ice, Steve would continue using it from  The Avengers  until  Captain America: Civil War , when he leaves it behind after his falling out with Iron Man. Seven years later, Tony gave Steve his refurbished shield right before the "Time Heist" of  Avengers: Endgame , and though it was destroyed by Thanos, an elderly Rogers passed a brand-new shield to Sam Wilson at the film's end.

Related: MCU Just Confirmed What It Would Take For Bucky To Get Cap’s Shield

Now, Marvel honors the storied history of Cap’s key accessory, as   Marvel UK  shares a multi-part graphic highlighting all the major moments in the complicated history of Cap’s shield. The timeline begins with its creation in  The First Avenger  and tracks its battles, users, and modifications up until  The Falcon and the Winter Soldier . The post’s caption plays on Steve and Sam’s exchange in  Endgame : "' How does it feel?' Like it's been on one huge journey. ” Check out the original post below:

Click Here to View the Original Post

In the wake of  Endgame , Evans' days in the MCU are seemingly at an end, but thankfully Captain America isn’t leaving with him.  The Falcon and the Winter Soldier  focused on Sam’s struggle to inherit Steve’s mantle. At first, Sam felt that there could only be one Cap, and he gave the shield away to the Smithsonian, which prompts the government to give it to John Walker. After John’s misdeeds with the shield, Sam and Bucky Barnes were forced to take it back. Now, Sam is officially the MCU’s Cap.

Earlier this year, it was officially announced that Mackie will return in  Captain America 4  as its titular character, but with Phase 4’s slate seemingly full, it might be a while before audiences see its release.  The Falcon and the Winter Soldier  showrunner Malcolm Spellman and Dalan Musson are supposedly writing the script for  Captain America 4 . Details for the film are being kept under wraps, but it’ll likely continue plot threads started in the Disney+ series . However, with the  MCU 's Phase Four slate jam-packed, it might be awhile before audiences she the shield again.

More: Why Sam Wilson Still Has To Earn The Shield In Captain America 4

Source: Marvel UK /Instagram

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The Legacy Of Captain America: A Complete Journey From 1941-2023

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Steve Rogers’ journey as Captain America in the MCU has been quite a trip, but it is certainly nothing when it comes to the journey of the mantle he wore. Captain America’s timeline winds from the starting days of the MCU and continuous till the future. From Rogers to Bradley to Wilson to Walker, the shield has rebounded throughout the franchise, making a significant impact wherever it shows up.

Apart from the Winter Soldier saga, no super-powered characteristics have undergone even near to that of Captain America. With that said, the shield has always been a powerful symbol but now, it represents the entire timeline of the MCU itself.

Captain America: A Complete Journey From 1941-2023

When Rogers headed down to the local recruitment center after the US declared war in 1941, he got rejected and got classified as “4F”.

In early 1943, Steve got recruited to join project rebirth and get the super-soldier serum. This made him Captain America but he got banned from active combat.

Later in 1943, Captain America unknowingly signed up for becoming the ‘star-spangled man’ that took him on a musical USO tour so that he could sell war bonds.

During the escape from Italy, Rogers had his first face-off with Red Skull. Apparently, the fight made him go from a performer to a genuine hero and his name finally meant something.

Once that Captain America and the howling commandos defeated the Red Skull, Steve Rogers crashed to his presumed demise.

While the headlines read “Rogers Disappears”, he remained frozen in natural cryostasis that kept him alive but unconscious of the world around him.

After 67 years, in 2012 when SHIELD renewed the attempts to find Rogers, he was pulled off from the ice and resuscitated.

Later, Steve Rogers gets brought by SHIELD and becomes one of the Avengers to fight a new battle for New York.

Soon in 2014, when Rogers started to run missions for SHIELD, the authority declared him a fugitive. As a result, Steve goes on a run with Natasha Romanoff, AKA Black Widow.

In the same year, Captain America discovered that the Winter Soldier is one of his old friends, Bucky. They were attending the art class together in 1941 when the US declared war.

By mid-2015, Captain America managed to re-establish his image and dignity as became a cultural icon for high school students.

After fighting Ultron, in 2016, Captain America got at odds with Tony Stark as he opposed the Sokovia Accords.

After fighting with Iron Man, Captain America, in 2018, showed up to help to fight Thanos in Wakanda.

When Thanos snapped in Infinity War , it was Captain America who led the mission to take out Thanos for the next five years.

In 2023, Captain America rejoined the surviving Avengers to defeat Thanos.

In the same year, while fighting Thanos, Steve Rogers proved his worthiness of Mjolnir.

After defeating Thanos and bringing everyone back, he left the present behind and passed his shield to Sam Wilson.

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Captain America: The MCU’s Greatest Arc

Captain America has always had a unique legacy with Marvel. Jack Kirby and Joe Simon’s character enjoyed an immense level success in the comics when he arrived in 1941’s Captain America #1. Despite being popular with hardcore fans, Captain America was never Spider-Man or the Hulk or even one of the X-Men. When the Marvel Cinematic Universe started to build the most successful Hollywood franchise, Captain America was seen as a risk. From risky gamble to appearing in films worth billions of dollars, there is no doubt the character is now a juggernaut, but how did it happen? The heart of any character is the arc and journey they are put on. For Captain America, the story he was given, and the type of character arc utilized, came together to give Steve Rogers the MCU’s greatest arc.

A character arc can have multiple layers. Some have a positive character arc , where the protagonist overcomes a flaw, fear, or obstacle to become a better person. Tony Stark’s Iron Man, with his evolution from as a narcissistic and self centered to the ultimate hero is an example. Others, like Michael Corleone from The Godfather or Anakin Skywalker from Star Wars , inherit the negative character arc , where the protagonist ends up in a worse place through their actions or environment. For Steve Rogers, the flat character arc is used and serves to why the character is the soul of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

I can do this all day Steve Rogers in The First Avenger, Civil War & Endgame

A flat character arc is used for a protagonist that knows the truth about himself from the start; there his no arc to find himself for better or worse. Instead, this character can change the world around them. Examples for this are Superman, Gandalf, or Goku. For Marvel, Captain America holds this status. No matter the consequence, no matter the sacrifice needed, Steve Rogers always does what is right. His morals, ethics and outlook does not change or bend with circumstances. Through seven cinematic appearances and multiple adventures, here is why this character strategy helped make Captain America embody greatest arc in the MCU.

The First Avenger: Humble Beginnings

Captain America: The First Avenger began the journey of the Marvel’s iconic hero. The casting of Chris Evans, ended up being one of the greatest actor/hero castings we’ve ever seen. Captain America: The First Avenger starts of the story of Steve Rogers. A frail, yet determined young man from Brooklyn, Steve was adamant on serving his country during World War II. Time and again, Steve was rejected due to his diminished health. It wasn’t until his words inspired Dr. Erskine, that he was allowed to join but for a purpose and destiny he couldn’t have foreseen.

Put into the Super Soldier experiment, Steve Rogers emerged as America’s new opportunity to win. The moniker ‘Captain America’ was born as a way for Steve to pose as a poster child for the war. His true purpose was soon realized as Rogers was thrust into the war and defeated Red Skull after a heroic sacrifice. Trapped in the ice for 70 years, Captain America’s importance to the universe was soon to be realized.

The Character Defining Moment

Captain America: The First Avenger began Cap’s arc in a way fitting for Steve Rogers himself, with humbleness. The story was character driven, focusing on Steve the man before the hero. Captain America’s entire arc in a nutshell can be encompassed with one moment in the film. Before the super serums and shiny costumes, Steve Rogers was willing to sacrifice himself for others.

Throwing a dummy grenade to train the army’s attentiveness and focus, all the soldiers ran as Steve threw himself on the grenade, yelling at everyone to run. Here, he established the first part of his character arc, the truth. Even when powerless, defenseless and weak, Steve was willing to throw his life away for a chance to save another life. As we will see as we progress through his arc, this one moment represents Steve Rogers as much as any of his universe saving triumphs, with parallels to connect them together.

The Avengers: Becoming a Leader

The Avengers was a new beginning for Steve Rogers. In a world he truly doesn’t understand, Steve was quickly called to action by Nick Fury, who has been on the path to establishing the Avenger Initiative after meeting Captain Marvel 20 years prior. Tasked by Thanos to attack Earth and retrieve the Tesseract, the first iteration of The Avengers were brought together. With Captain America set to lead them, Steve was given a new chance to be leader and fulfill the purpose he was born for.

When I went under, the world was at war. I wake up, they say we won. They didn’t say what we lost. Captain America

Overall, Captain America needed The Avengers as much as they needed him. After losing his best friend in Bucky, the love of his life in Peggy and his entire life prior, the Avengers became his new home and family. Here, Captain America establishes himself as the tactical and ground leader. Throughout the Battle of New York, Steve guides and leads the Avengers through the war, stopping to save civilians along the way. The film ends with the team established, but there is one key element of the film that resonates for the entire franchise.

Steve Rogers & Tony Stark

You’re a laboratory experiment, Rogers.  Everything special about you came  out of a  bottle . Tony Stark

Steve met many of his future friends and teammates during this film but chief among them was Tony Stark. Knowing Captain America’s shield and much of his story is attached to Tony’s father, there was an immediate tension between the two. As an established part of Tony’s arc, Stark never felt attachment or love from his father, but knew his father cherished Captain America. This tension would later explode in Civil War, with the battle of the two faces of the franchise. Both Steve Rogers and Tony Stark taunted each other, with each of their taunts serving as the catalyst for ultimate payoffs that would be thoroughly explored later on. In Steve’s case, he would soon prove everything that is special about him had nothing to do with the bottle.

Winter Solider: The Fight for Freedom

Captain America: The Winter Solider remains one of the greatest comic book films of all time. It challenged preconceived notions, pushed characters to their physical and moral limits and provided a sense of stakes, consequence and emotion to a Cinematic Universe that was establishing itself as light hearted and fun.

Hydra, who Captain America seemingly defeated 70 years ago, turned out to be completely seeded in each layer of SHIELD’s infrastructure. With ties to all branches of the government, Hydra was everywhere and seemingly everyone. To add to this, Bucky, Steve’s best friend, had always been alive but tortured and experimented on to become the Winter Soldier. As soon as Steve faces Bucky, both of his world’s collide.

The price of freedom is high; it always has been. But it’s a price I’m willing to pay. And if I’m the only one, then so be it. But I’m willing to bet I’m not Steve Rogers

With his world turned upside down, Captain America gives one his best speeches to the members of SHIELD. Warning them that Hydra has infiltrated the organization, he asks each person to fight for what’s right and once again brings up the notion of sacrifice. SHIELD agents quickly answer the call of Captain America and they were successfully able to defeat Hydra and start the chain of events that saves Steve’s best friend.

Bucky Barnes – The Return of a Brother

Captain America: The Winter Solider challenged Steve in multiple ways but none more so than Bucky’s return. For this, we need to go back and look at Captain America: The First Avenger . Here Bucky is shown to be the big brother to Steve. Protecting him from bullies, being by his side through war and trials before and after the super soldier serum, his place in Steve’s life is crucial to his character. Growing up in Brooklyn, Bucky was the only true friend he could trust and that trust guided them through many adventures. Because of this, his return as a Hydra agent and Cap’s refusal to kill him, becomes the heart of the film. Bucky’s relationship with Steve would be further explored in future films. Adhering to the flat character arc, Steve hasn’t changed since he was the kid in Brooklyn and that is a crucial reason why Bucky was able to snap out of his brainwashing.

Age of Ultron: Challenging Ideals

Captain America. God’s righteous man, pretending you could live without a war. Ultron

Avengers: Age of Ultron was not as well received as 2012’s The Avengers , with fans citing an uneven tone and a villain that was not properly fleshed out. Regardless of that, the film did provide important exposition and progressing of character arcs. Captain America is once again leading the Avengers and this time, the heroes themselves are challenged emotionally as much as they are physically.

Avengers: Age of Ultron was the first step between the divide of the Avengers. Captain America and Iron Man quickly came at odds over the concept of Ultron, a machine protector around the world. The plot of the film itself is not as crucial to the development of anger between heroes. Once again, Steve Rogers and Tony Stark come to harsh differences between each other.

Tony Stark : That would end the team. Isn’t that the mission? Isn’t that the “why” we fight, so we can end the fight, so we get to go home?  Steve Rogers : Every time someone tries to win a war before it starts, innocent people die. Every time. Age of Ultron

Steve and Tony wrestle with the concept of war, how to prevent it, the meaning of protection and the purpose of the mission. This sentiment is crucial to understanding both Tony and Steve. In the case of Steve, we revert back to his Flat character arc. Captain America’s ideals do not change, they are challenged, attacked or inspire others, but they do not bend. Captain America firmly believes in helping others, but not at the expense of freedom. Tony’s need to protect and defend the Earth of the looming threat gives way to giving up freedoms for protection. This challenging of ideals is what ultimately leads to the two heroes going to war.

Civil War: What is Right vs What is Easy

We Try To Save As Many People As We Can. Sometimes That Doesn’t Mean Everybody, But You Don’t Give Up. Steve Rogers

Captain America: Civil War is probably the most controversial aspect of Steve’s arc. He made decisions some considered to be out of character and compared to his counterpart in Iron Man, fans were divided on who to root for. Marvel quickly established a TeamCap vs TeamIronMan campaign to market that divide. When you look closely at Civil War , you realize that its been a product of a divide built up since 2012’s The Avengers . The consequences of each film prior and a steep contrast in ideals during Avengers: Age of Ultron have divided the Avengers down the middle on the Accords. Captain America’s stance is not out of character, rather completely indicative into who he was since The First Avenger.

Once again, we must look at the flat character arc that Steve Rogers embodies. We have established that Steve hasn’t changed since he was the frail broken young man throwing himself on the grenade. His stances have also not changed since then. Captain America believes in putting himself on the line for what his right. This means his need to protect freedom, his need to protect the people he loves and his need to do the right thing. When you impose this on Captain America: Civil War , you see he only does what is in his character. His stance on the Accords, his commitment to protect Bucky, believing in his friend’s true nature over what others perceive, and ultimately why he fought Tony Stark.

Rogers vs Stark: Breaking the Avengers

Steve: “Sorry, Tony. You Know I Wouldn’t Do This If I Had Any Other Choice. But He’s My Friend.” Tony: “So Was I Captain America: Civil War

Ultimately, the true consequence of Captain America: Civil War would be seen in later films, but the immediate takeaway for Captain America’s arc is the breaking of his family. Established in The Avengers , Captain America thought his old life was lost, that Peggy Carter and Bucky Barnes are simply not part of his new life and he accepted The Avengers as his family. Even though they disagreed on everything, his brotherly bond with Tony Stark was still apparent. The two of them led the Avengers and saved the world multiple times together and on their own. With Bucky, his childhood brother in danger, Steve immediately chose his family first, which led to the ultimate clash with Tony.

At the end of this film, Captain America is now an enemy of the country. He is forced into hiding after not signing the Accords and his battle with Tony and the Avengers has alienated him from the family he made. Secluding to Wakanda to help Bucky heal but also stay in the shadows, the film ends with Steve Rogers and his arc at a low point.

Infinity War: The Ultimate Loss

I’m not looking for forgiveness. And I’m way past asking for permission. Earth just lost her best defender. So we’re here to fight. And if you wanna stay in our way, we’ll fight you, too. Captain America

Avengers: Infinity War was important for Captain America for two reasons. Firstly, it forced him to come out of the shadows after the fallout of Captain America: Civil War , albeit as a Nomad Captain America. Secondly, it taught him the definition of failure. Up until this point, the good guys always won, with that, brought a sense of idealism and hope. Captain America firmly embodies and lives within that hope. The idea if everyone works together, they can overcome any obstacle and any foe. Avengers: Infinity War and Thanos thoroughly deconstruct that notion and force Captain America to admit defeat.

Oh, God. Steve Rogers

Captain America returns leads the broken Avengers alongside T’Challa and his army of Wakanda as Thanos lands to get the final Infinity Stone. Captain America, without his iconic shield, still manages to lead well, but in vain. As Thanos snapped his fingers, Captain America quickly realizes it’s over.

While his role in the film was small, it is important. His final “Oh God” brings upon so many implications. Not only does it signify their loss and the Universe losing 50% of its life, but it also is full of regret that the Avengers couldn’t fully stand together after the events of Civil War . Through a flat character arc, Captain America is supposed to remain hopeful and always believing that there is a way to win, here he has lost and the film ends at Steve Rogers at his most broken.

Avengers: Endgame: Assemble & Closure

I keep telling everybody they should move on and grow. Some do. But not us. Steve Rogers

Avengers: Endgame is the ultimate redemption film for multiple longstanding heroes. The original Avengers survived the snap of Thanos and are forced to rebuild. While they got their revenge on Thanos by killing him at the beginning of the film, they never ‘Avenged’ their fallen friends and family. The five year gap is important for Steve’s arc. While much of the world is picking up the pieces and trying to move on, Steve doesn’t. Even Tony Stark manages to build a new life, with Pepper and his daughter, Morgan. Steve on the other hand, stays in grief counseling, helping others move on, all while not moving on himself.

Whatever it Takes

Five years ago, we lost. All of us. We lost friends. We lost family. We lost a part of ourselves. Today, we have a chance to take it all back. No mistakes. No do-overs. Be careful. Look out for each other. This is the fight of our lives. And we’re going to win. Whatever it takes. Good luck. Captain America’s Final Speech

When the opportunity arrises to go back in time, find the Infinity Stones they encountered over the last decade, and preform their own snap, all of Steve’s heroism and optimism returns. Leading the remaining Avengers through time, Steve manages to get the Infinity Stones and snap everyone back. This is when Thanos arrives with his entire army, and a goal to destroy the Avengers, Earth and the entire Universe for trying to stop him. Here, Steve makes his final stand, alongside Iron Man and Thor, against their greatest threat.

Worthy of Mjolnir

Remember Tony Stark’s quote in 2012’s The Avengers? “You’re a laboratory experiment, Rogers.  Everything special about you came  out of a  bottle .” During the Final Battle, Steve Rogers proves once and for all, he is worthy. The true heroism of Steve does not come from the Super Serum, it does not come from the Shield or the costume, it comes from his heart. With Thor’s life on the line, Mjolnir responds to Steve’s call and results in one of the most spectacular sequences in superhero movie history. Steve uses both his shield and Mjolnir to deliver strong blows to Thanos, but Thanos still manages to defeat him. Here, he does something that encapsulates his arc from the moment his threw himself on the grenade.

Avengers….Assemble

Thanos breaks Captain America’s shield, the symbol that he carried on his back since World War II. Seeing all the Avengers around him defeated and Thanos unleashing the full power of his soldiers. Steve tightens what remains of his shield and stands against Thanos. He was not going to win, he knew it, Thanos knew it, yet he still stands. Why? Because that is his arc defined. Captain America does not give up, no matter what. His faith in that is rewarded when he hears his longtime friend Sam Wilson say “On Your Left” as the entire universe he inspired comes to stand behind him.

One look back, and the one look forward, Steve eyes tells the entire story for the audience. A glimmer of hope returns to Captain America as 11 years of Marvel stories, heroes and films culminate together for one final stand. Here, the line that everyone wanted Captain America to say for years finally comes to pass. With almost every single Avenger, Guardian and hero standing behind him, Captain America finally whispers, Assemble.

After a heroic and poignant sacrifice by Tony Stark by preforming an Infinity Snap, Thanos and his army are dusted and destroyed. The battle is won, and everyone is Avenged. Tony Stark, who Captain America taunted as not the one to make the sacrifice play, did so and saved the universe. In turn, Tony Stark also inspired Steve Rogers, to find happiness.

Peggy Carter- The Love of his Life

Cue, a “Long, Long Time ” by Harry James as we enter the finale of Steve’s story. Steve’s story ends with the way it began, with Peggy Carter at the focus. Steve loved Peggy before the super serum, before the time travel and intergalactic wars were won. In virtually every single film he made an appearance, he mentions Peggy. The regret of missing their date, not having their dance, the regret of not being able to live the life he always wanted. At the end of it all, Steve just wanted the one thing that’s never changed, the love of his life.

Once again, perfectly aligning with his character arc, Steve doesn’t change. His ideals don’t change, his outlook doesn’t change, his will doesn’t change. So why should his love change? In Captain America: The Winter Solider , Steve gets to see Peggy one last time as an older woman on essentially her death bed. He also carries her casket during her funeral in Captain America: Civil War . Through it all, a feeling of regret looms over Steve, it’s the one true negative of falling into the ice to save the world 75 years ago.

A Happy Ending

“I don’t know. Family, stability… The guy who wanted all that went in the ice 75 years ago. I think someone else came out.” Steve Rogers in Avengers: Age of Ultron

Steve Rogers :  Well, after I put the Stones back, I thought… maybe I’ll try some of that life that Tony was telling me to get.  Sam Wilson :  How’d that work out for you?  Steve Rogers :  It was beautiful. Steve Rogers in Avengers: Endgame

Captain America ended up fully committing to the soldier’s life. He didn’t see himself having a happy ending, perhaps dying in battle to save everyone was the next best thing. To him, The Avengers were his home and avenging his home after Infinity War was his only goal. He refused to move on. Once again, this is a key difference between Steve and Tony. Tony did move on, have a family, live a life with Peggy. That made his ultimate sacrifice that much more powerful.

Steve, on the other hand, never had a life outside of his heroic one, outside of the one he wanted with Peggy. With the goal of returning the Infinity Stones and a few extra Pym particles to spare, Captain America decides to retire and go back to the 1940s to live with Peggy Carter, the love of his life. Even so, Steve knows the mantle of Captain America has now become bigger than him, and ultimately returns as an old man, with a life fully lived, to pass on the iconic mantle to his friend, Sam Wilson. When asked to talk about he r, Steve simply smiles and replies, “ No. No, I don’t think I will .” The final shot we see of Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is his slow dance with Peggy and a final kiss as the credits roll.

Steve Rogers : You know, I still don’t know how to dance. Peggy Carter : I’ll show you how. Just be there. Steve Rogers : We’ll have the band play something slow. The First Avenger

The Arc of Captain America

Captain America’s arc is special. Utilizing a flat character arc was a perfect decision for a hero who represents the soul of an entire film franchise. Steve Rogers, through multiple wars and moments that tested his character, didn’t change. Steve always stayed true to himself, even when it had him standing alone. Once again, the young man whose threw himself on the grenade, the same one that stood against Thanos and this entire army years later, represents the man he always was. Steve never thought about his own happiness until the battle was truly won. Even then, it took the sacrifice of Tony, a man who found a life, a family, to truly find his own.

What makes you so special? Nothing, I’m just a kid from Brooklyn. Steve Rogers

Captain America’s arc is simple, effective and the greatest in the MCU. By using a flat character arc, Marvel created the perfect character to be the soul of their franchise. Captain America’s story is beautiful. It’s the story of a kid from Brooklyn who never gave up, whose heroics inspired an entire universe, whose loyalty to his friends, teammates and loved ones never wavered, a Hero, a Captain, an Avenger. That’s the man that finally got to have his happily ever after, a dance with the woman of his dreams.

For more articles from Sheraz Farooqi, check out his other works here . For other reviews from Sheraz: click here.

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Posted by: Sheraz Farooqi

Sheraz Farooqi is a New York-based journalist, editor and film critic. His writing has been published by CNN, Forbes, Newsweek, The Hollywood Reporter, and Rotten Tomatoes. Alongside The Farooqi Brothers, Sheraz leads Cinema Debate, a diverse platform with 400K subscribers. Sheraz is a member of the Critics Choice Association

2 replies to Captain America: The MCU’s Greatest Arc

He had the best and most complete character arc! His story ended perfectly with Peggy.

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All 8 Captain America Movies List in Chronological Order

TRIDIP BOR BORUAH

Updated on: March 7, 2024

Captain America is an iconic superhero character from Marvel Comics who has made his mark on cinema with several thrilling and action-packed movies. Captain America has won fans worldwide by boasting an iconic shield and commitment to justice. Here, we will discuss his filmography list so you can follow his cinematic adventures!

The Birth of Captain America

Table of Contents

Captain America (Steve Rogers) was created to desire justice and fight evil. A young man with a strong sense of duty, Steve Rogers was chosen to receive the Super Soldier Serum. This innovative experiment enhanced human strength and agility to unimaginable levels.

You can also check out How To Watch All The 9 Bring It On Movie Order And Where? or you can go through other Movies and Web Series or check on other categories .

In detail on All Captain America Movies List:

Captain america: the first avenger (2011).

“ Captain America: The First Avenger ,” his debut movie, transports us back to World War II with Steve Rogers as Captain America battling against Red Skull of HYDRA, an organization bent on dominating the world. Alongside Peggy Carter and Howard Stark as allies, Captain America fights tirelessly for freedom and justice.

The Avengers (2012)

Tony Stark creates Ultron, a peacekeeping program, but the software becomes self-aware and begins its plan to exterminate humanity. The Avengers must reunite to defeat Ultron and save our world.

Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, and Jeremy Renner star as The Avengers in this film; Elizabeth Olsen as Scarlet Witch and Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Quicksilver make appearances as new characters.

The Avengers was an enormous critical and commercial success, grossing over $1.5 billion worldwide. Critics lauded its action sequences, visual effects, ensemble cast, and two Academy Award nominations (Best Visual Effects being one).

Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

“ Captain America: The Winter Soldier ” takes Captain America through new trials as he embarks on his journey. Set in the present day, this film explores the complexity of an increasingly dangerous world filled with espionage and hidden threats; when Cap discovers an underground conspiracy involving The Winter Soldier, who holds dark connections from his past life.

Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

Avengers: Age of Ultron is a thrilling superhero film that brings together earth’s Mightiest Heroes for an action-packed journey after they met their first encounter during The Avengers movie. They face a formidable danger in Ultron an artificial intelligence developed by Tony Stark (Iron Man) with good intentions. However, it ultimately develops a mind and begins to implement an armed attack against humanity, believing it to be the only way to bring peace to Earth.

The Avengers need to unite again to defeat Ultron’s plans for destabilization and meet allies along their path, including Pietro Maximoff (Quicksilver) and Wanda Maximoff (Scarlet Witch) and Vision the elusive android.

This film transports viewers to an action-packed journey as the Avengers confront Ultron and his army of robot minions. There are internal conflicts while beliefs are tested. the world must be protected at all costs. It’s the project of director Joss Whedon mixes thrilling battle scenes with character development and emotional depth to provide an engaging cinematic experience.

Avengers: Age of Ultron introduces new dynamical elements within the group and reveals their intricate relationships, while creating the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With stunning visual effects, thrilling action sequences, and thought-provoking concepts, Avengers: Age of Ultron is not to be missed by those who enjoy superhero movies or Marvel’s universe in general.

Captain America: Civil War (2016)

“ Captain America: Civil War ” depicts the Avengers becoming divided when their government introduces the Sokovia Accords, an agreement intended to regulate superhero activities. This causes an altercation between Captain America and Iron Man as each advocate for different methods to safeguard humanity. This movie showcases their emotional turmoil and moral dilemmas as they struggle through this film together.

Avengers: Infinity War (2018) and Avengers: Endgame (2019)

As Marvel Cinematic Universe reaches its pinnacle, Captain America becomes essential to Thanos’ battle in “ Avengers: Infinity War ” and “ Avengers: Endgame .” These movies unite all superheroes against an epic threat facing our universe for the first time; his unwavering determination and leadership have become hallmarks of his character, making him a key figure at this pivotal point of the saga’s conclusion.

Captain America: Brave New World (2024)

After Steve Rogers retires, Sam Wilson steps up as Captain America, teaming with allies like Winter Soldier to stop a new threat to humanity.

Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell, and Emily VanCamp star in this film, directed by Julius Onah and written by Malcolm Spellman.

Captain America: Brave New World will hit theaters on 26 July, 2024 – marking its fourth installment and 31st installment within Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Facts about captain America

• Captain America’s real name is Steve Rogers. He was born on July 4, 1920, in Brooklyn, New York.
• Rogers was a frail young man who was rejected from military service during World War II. However, he was later selected for a top-secret experiment that gave him enhanced strength, speed, and agility.
• Rogers was given a costume and shield and became Captain America, a symbol of hope and freedom for the Allied forces.
• After the war, Captain America continued to fight for what he believed in, even when it was unpopular. He was a founding member of the Avengers, a team of superheroes who protected the world from threats both foreign and domestic.
• Captain America is one of the most popular superheroes in the world. He is known for his bravery, his sense of justice, and his commitment to doing what is right.
• His shield is made of vibranium, a fictional metal that is virtually indestructible.
• He is a skilled hand-to-hand combatant and an expert marksman.
• He is also a master tactician and strategist.
• Captain America has appeared in over 70 years of Marvel Comics publications.
• He has also been featured in numerous television shows, video games, and films.
• Chris Evans portrayed Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). He appeared in eight MCU films, from Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) to Avengers: Endgame (2019).
• Anthony Mackie will take over the role of Captain America in the MCU. He will first appear as Captain America in the film Captain America: New World Order (2024).

The Captain America movies have taken audiences on an exhilarating and emotional journey alongside one of Marvel’s iconic superheroes. From his humble origins as an under-sized soldier to becoming an emblem of hope and justice, Captain America has quickly become a beloved part of its universe. Through each film, we have witnessed his battles against formidable foes, unwavering loyalty to allies, and dedication to doing what’s right.

How many Captain America movies are there?

There have been 4 standalone Captain America films: “Captain America: The First Avenger,” “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Captain America: Civil War,” and “Avengers: Endgame.”

Who played Captain America in the movies?

Chris Evans famously played Captain America throughout his movies.

Is Captain America a part of the Avengers?

Yes, Captain America was one of the original founding members of the Avengers and continues to play an essential role in its missions.

Can I watch the Captain America movies in any order?

As soon as the Captain America movies hit theaters, it is best to view them to understand his development and the overall narrative of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Will there be more Captain America movies?

No official announcements regarding standalone Captain America movies have been made; however, his story continues to unfold within the broader Marvel Cinematic Universe.

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Captain America's Journey: Traveling Back To What Year?

• Last updated May 25, 2024
• Difficulty Beginner

• Category Travel

Captain America, the iconic super-soldier known for his unwavering dedication to justice and righteousness, has taken fans on countless thrilling adventures throughout the years. From battling against Hydra to leading the Avengers in saving the world, Captain America's journey has been nothing short of awe-inspiring. But what if we could travel back in time and witness the very beginning of his story? In this article, we explore the question: Captain America's Journey: Traveling Back to What Year? as we delve into the origins and early days of this beloved hero. Buckle up, because the time machine is about to take us on an unforgettable ride!

What You'll Learn

Introduction to captain america's time travel in avengers endgame, the significance of the year 1970 for captain america's mission, exploring captain america's emotional journey in the past, conclusion: the impact of captain america's time travel on the mcu.

In the epic movie Avengers: Endgame, the Avengers face their biggest challenge yet as they hatch a daring plan to travel through time and reverse the devastating effects of the infamous "snap" performed by Thanos. Time travel becomes a pivotal aspect of the movie, and one of the main characters who utilizes this power is none other than Captain America himself.

But what year does Captain America travel back to? The answer is not a simple one. Throughout the movie, the Avengers travel back to various significant moments in time to retrieve the Infinity Stones. Captain America is assigned the task of returning the stones to their rightful places in the timeline once the mission is complete.

One of the most poignant moments in the movie is when Captain America travels back to the year 1945, the final days of World War II. This is a significant period for Captain America, as it is the time of his origin story. He is depicted as a young soldier who is injected with a super soldier serum and becomes the first Avenger. By revisiting this time, Captain America is able to witness the iconic moment of himself crashing into the Arctic and being frozen for almost 70 years.

Another notable moment occurs when Captain America travels back to the year 1970. In this scene, he revisits the military base where he received the super soldier serum and also encounters his long-lost love interest, Peggy Carter. This emotional encounter adds depth to Captain America's character and showcases his unwavering dedication to his beliefs and loved ones.

The most significant time travel moment for Captain America, however, happens towards the end of Avengers: Endgame. After successfully returning all the Infinity Stones to their original timelines, Captain America decides to stay in the past and live a life with Peggy Carter. As the movie concludes, we see an elderly Steve Rogers passing on his shield to Sam Wilson, also known as Falcon, indicating that he has officially retired from being Captain America.

Captain America's time travel experiences in Avengers: Endgame introduce a unique and complex aspect to his character. They allow us to delve deeper into his personal history, motivations, and relationships. By revisiting important moments in time, Captain America is able to reconcile with his past and make choices that ultimately shape the future of the Avengers. So, the next time you watch Avengers: Endgame, pay close attention to Captain America's time-traveling adventures and the impact they have on the story.

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In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Captain America is known for his time-travel adventures. In the movie Avengers: Endgame, Captain America takes a quantum leap back in time to the year 1970 as part of a crucial mission to retrieve the Pym Particles, a key ingredient needed to create a time machine.

The year 1970 holds significant importance for Captain America's mission due to several reasons. First and foremost, it is during this time period that the Pym Particles were being developed by Hank Pym, the inventor of the Ant-Man suit. These particles are essential for time travel, as they allow the user to shrink or enlarge objects and manipulate the quantum realm.

Captain America's objective in traveling back to 1970 is to obtain more Pym Particles, as the Avengers need them to further their mission to retrieve the Infinity Stones from different time periods. By acquiring the Pym Particles from Hank Pym's lab, Captain America ensures that the Avengers have the necessary resources to travel through time and save the universe from the catastrophic events set in motion by Thanos.

Furthermore, 1970 is a crucial year for the Avengers as it is the same year in which Tony Stark’s parents, Howard and Maria Stark, are alive. By being in 1970, Captain America seizes the opportunity to observe and possibly interact with them, albeit covertly, for added personal reasons. This emotional connection adds depth to Captain America's mission, as he gets a chance to glimpse moments of his past and reconcile with unresolved feelings.

Additionally, the year 1970 marks the height of the Vietnam War, a conflict that greatly impacted the world at the time. Captain America's presence in this tumultuous era allows the movie to explore themes such as war, sacrifice, and the hero's ongoing struggle to protect innocent lives. By navigating through the complexities of the 1970s, Captain America embraces his role as a defender of justice and confronts the challenges of the time head-on.

In conclusion, the year 1970 holds special significance for Captain America's mission in Avengers: Endgame. By traveling back in time, he retrieves the Pym Particles necessary for time travel, interacts with important characters from his past, and confronts the realities of the Vietnam War. This journey allows Captain America to fulfill both his duty as an Avenger and explore his personal journey of self-discovery.

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In the blockbuster film Avengers: Endgame, Captain America takes us on an emotional journey when he travels back in time to return the Infinity Stones to their original places. But what year does he travel back to, and what significance does it hold for his character?

Throughout the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Captain America, played by Chris Evans, has been portrayed as a patriotic and selfless hero, always fighting for what is right. In Avengers: Endgame, we see him make the ultimate sacrifice, giving up the opportunity to live his own life in the present to ensure a better future for his friends and the world.

Captain America's time travel journey takes him back to the year 1970, a significant year in his own personal history. In 1970, Steve Rogers, then known as Captain America, was a young soldier fighting in World War II before he was frozen for decades and awakened in the modern era.

Returning to 1970 allowed Captain America to not only fulfill his mission of returning the Infinity Stones but also to confront his past and find closure. In the movie, he encounters Peggy Carter, his former love interest and co-founder of the Strategic Scientific Reserve (SSR). Their emotional reunion reminds Captain America of the life he lost and the sacrifices he made.

As Captain America explores his emotional journey in the past, he grapples with the idea of creating a different future for himself. He contemplates staying in the past and living a life with Peggy, knowing he could have a peaceful existence.

Ultimately, however, Captain America realizes that his duty lies in the present and in fighting for justice. He returns to the present, passing on his iconic shield to his friend and fellow Avenger, Sam Wilson (aka Falcon), symbolizing a new era of heroes.

Captain America's emotional journey in the past highlights his growth as a character throughout the Marvel films. It shows that even a superhero like him has doubts and regrets, but in the end, he chooses to embrace his role as a protector and a symbol of hope.

By traveling back to 1970 and experiencing these emotional moments, Captain America is able to find closure and make peace with his past. His journey serves as a reminder that sometimes, letting go of personal desires and sacrificing for the greater good is the truest form of heroism.

In conclusion, Captain America's time travel journey takes him back to the year 1970, a significant year in his own personal history. Through his emotional encounters and reflections, he is able to find closure and embrace his role as a hero. His journey showcases his growth as a character and emphasizes the importance of sacrifice and selflessness.

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In Avengers: Endgame, Captain America travels back in time to return all the Infinity Stones to their original places in the timeline. However, he doesn't return immediately. Instead, he decides to stay in the past and live a full life with Peggy Carter. But what year does he actually travel back to?

Based on the events depicted in the movie, it is implied that Captain America travels back to the year 1945. This is the same year that World War II ends, and it is a significant year in the history of the MCU. It marks the beginning of the superhero era, with the emergence of characters like Captain America and the founding of S.H.I.E.L.D.

By traveling back to 1945, Captain America is essentially erasing himself from the present timeline. This raises many questions about the impact of his time travel on the MCU. Here are some key points to consider:

• Peggy Carter's Future: By staying in the past, Captain America reunites with Peggy Carter and presumably lives a happy life with her. This raises questions about Peggy's relationships and career in the original timeline. Did she still marry someone else and have children in this alternate timeline? Did she still play a significant role in the founding of S.H.I.E.L.D.? The impact on Peggy's future is a major unknown.
• The Creation of an Alternate Timeline: Captain America's decision to stay in the past creates an alternate timeline, separate from the main MCU timeline. This is because his presence in the past would have altered events and outcomes. While this alternate timeline may not directly affect the main timeline, it opens up possibilities for future stories and alternate versions of characters.
• The Status of Captain America in the Main Timeline: When the Avengers retrieve the Infinity Stones, they bring them to the present day and use them to reverse the effects of Thanos' snap. However, when Captain America doesn't return, it raises questions about what happened to him. Did he age naturally and die in the past? Or did he somehow manage to live for decades in secret? The fate of Captain America in the main timeline is left ambiguous.
• The End of Captain America's Journey: Regardless of the specifics, Captain America's decision to travel back in time and live a full life with Peggy Carter marks the end of his journey as a superhero. It is a fitting conclusion for his character arc, as he finally gets to have the life he sacrificed for. However, it also raises questions about what happens next. Does he pass on the shield to someone else? Does he continue to secretly protect the world in the past? These are open-ended questions that may be explored in future movies.

In conclusion, Captain America's time travel in Avengers: Endgame has a significant impact on the MCU. By choosing to stay in the past, he creates an alternate timeline and raises questions about Peggy Carter's future and his own fate in the main timeline. Nevertheless, his decision also brings closure to his character arc and sets the stage for new stories in the MCU.

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Frequently asked questions.

Captain America travels back to the year 1945.

Captain America travels back to 1945 to return the Infinity Stones to their respective timelines and live a life with Peggy Carter.

Yes, after traveling back to 1945, Captain America decides to stay there and live a life with Peggy Carter.

Captain America uses the time-traveling technology developed by Tony Stark (Iron Man) in the movie Avengers: Endgame to travel back to 1945.

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MCU: 10 Coolest Ways Marvel Characters Got Their Superpowers

• Marvel Studios has displayed some of the coolest ways to get superpowers in the MCU's 16-year history.
• Heroes and villains alike have had realistic, believable, but fantastical origin stories in the MCU.
• Characters such as Steve Rogers, Kaecilius, Matt Murdock, Wanda Maximoff, and Carol Danvers received their superpowers in some very compelling ways.

Over the last 16 years, Marvel Studios has demonstrated some very cool ways in which the superheroes and villains of the Marvel Cinematic Universe have received their incredible abilities. The MCU kicked off in 2008 with the release of Iron Man , Marvel Studios' first feature film that explored the origin story of Tony Stark's Iron Man. Since then, many other origin stories in the MCU have displayed some of the brilliant ways in which heroes and villains alike have been given their superpowers, some of which have proven the dangers of everyday life, while others have expanded Marvel Studios' universe.

Since 2008's Iron Man , Marvel Studios has adapted some of Marvel Comics' most recognizable and memorable superheroes and villains into live-action. The MCU has always done a good job of adapting some of the weirdest and most unconventional origin stories into the MCU, making them believable and realistic, despite often culminating in regular individuals getting incomprehensible and extraordinary gifts. While a slew of new heroes will soon debut in the MCU , bringing fresh origin stories with them, existing characters such as Peter Parker, Matt Murdock, Steve Rogers, and Carol Danvers have received their superhuman powers in some incredibly thrilling ways .

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The MCU's roster of superheroes is huge, and each one possesses incredible abilities that make them some of the strongest beings in the multiverse.

Peter Parker Was Bitten By A Spider

Peter parkers spider bite hasnt actually been seen in the mcu.

Tom Holland debuted as Peter Parker's Spider-Man in 2016's Captain America: Civil War , introduced to the MCU after he had already received his abilities. Previous live-action Spider-Man movies detailed Peter Parker's origin story as Spider-Man , in which he was bitten by a radioactive or genetically-modified spider, gifting him spider-like powers, but Marvel Studios chose not to retell this story in the MCU. Holland's Peter Parker has mentioned his spider bite in the MCU, but this transformative moment hasn't actually been seen on-screen .

Presumably, Tom Holland's Peter Parker went through a similar process to previous live-action Spider-Men. After being bitten by the spider, Parker's physiology would have changed overnight, giving him superhuman strength, reflexes, the ability to cling to walls, and a sixth sense known as his "Spidey Sense" . Marvel Animation's upcoming Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man is expected to tell this story from the perspective of one of Peter Parker's variants.

Hudson Thames will voice Peter Parker in Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man , after he previously voiced the wall-crawler in Marvel Studios' What If...?.

Spider-Man: Homecoming

Rating PG-13

Genres Sci-Fi, Drama, Superhero, Comedy, Action, Adventure

Steve Rogers Was Given The Super-Soldier Serum

Steve rogers captain america was the mcus first successful super soldier.

Chronologically, the first MCU superhero to receive their powers was Steve Rogers, who became Captain America after being injected with Dr. Abraham Erskine's experimental super-soldier serum . 2011's Captain America: The First Avenger explored this origin story, and the sequence in which Rogers received the serum is one of the most memorable moments in the MCU's entire history. Chris Evans' Steve Rogers went from a scrawny kid from Brooklyn to a peak human specimen in a matter of seconds .

Steve Rogers' transformation into the super soldier Captain America caused envy across the world, leading to many trying to recreate this process. Unfortunately, most of these subsequent super soldier attempts failed, but this only makes Rogers' origin story even cooler, as he was the world's only successful super soldier for many decades. Captain America: The First Avenger's impressive visual effects to make Evans look small only made this moment even more impactful.

Captain America: The First Avenger

Genres Superhero, Action, Science Fiction, Adventure

T'Challa, Killmonger & Shuri Consumed The Heart-Shaped Herb

Black panthers receive their powers through natural means.

The many Black Panthers of the MCU , including Chadwick Boseman's T'Challa, Michael B. Jordan's Killmonger, and Letitia Wright's Shuri, were all also super soldiers, but they received their powers through different means to Steve Rogers. Instead of a chemical formula, the Black Panther receives their powers through consumption of the naturally-grown heart-shaped herb . This plant is infused with vibranium that has existed in the soil of Wakanda since a meteor crash millennia ago.

Vibranium is perhaps the most coveted resource in the MCU, having created some of the franchise's most powerful tools. The fact that vibranium also grants the Black Panthers incredible abilities such as enhanced strength, agility, speed, and a regenerative healing factor is testament to how remarkable vibranium actually is. When consumed, the heart-shaped herb even allows the Black Panther to speak to their ancestors in the Ancestral Plane , adding another layer of beauty to this significant transformation.

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Black Panther

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Tony Stark Built The Iron Man Armor

Tony starks genius helped him create iron man.

While Robert Downey Jr.'s Tony Stark didn't actually have any superhuman abilities, the genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist did still have a brilliant origin story as Iron Man in the MCU. After the egotistical Tony Stark was abducted by the Ten Rings in Afghanistan, he worked alongside Shaun Toub's Ho Yinsen to design a miniaturized arc reactor to keep shrapnel from entering his heart, and then to build his very first, rudimentary Iron Man armor . This original suit was kitted out with flamethrowers and small flight capabilities, allowing him to escape from captivity.

Tony Stark proved his genius more than ever before when designing his first Iron Man suit . This armor was forged from the scraps of Stark Industries' weapons, displaying Stark's innovation, creativity, and out-of-the-box thinking brilliantly. This kick-started an epic journey of invention for Tony Stark, and set a high standard for subsequent MCU projects for years to come.

Robert Downey Jr. has recently stated that he'd happily return to the MCU as Tony Stark, raising hopes that Iron Man could reappear.

Genres Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure

Kaecilius Harnessed The Power Of The Dark Dimension

Kaecilius mastery of magic makes him extremely powerful.

While Doctor Strange's harnessing of magic and mysticism in 2016's Doctor Strange was exciting to watch, the villainous Kaecilius receiving his enhanced magical powers was more impressive. Mads Mikkelsen's Kaecilius had been a disciple of the Ancient One, but turned his back on her after learning of Dormammu and the Dark Dimension. Kaecilius and his followers had their powers enhanced massively by drawing energy from the Dark Dimension , making them almost too powerful for Doctor Strange.

Kaecilius was the perfect dark mirror to Benedict Cumberbatch's Doctor Strange in the MCU's Phase 3, as Strange could have very easily gone down the same path as his more-dangerous foe. This reflection made Kaecilius' evolution from simple Master of the Mystic Arts to Dark Dimension zealot even more impactful, and watching Kaecilius and his followers physically change when using the Book of Cagliostro to assume the Dark Dimension's power was a harrowing moment .

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She-Hulk & Abomination Were Exposed To The Hulk's Blood

She-hulk & abomination prove how dangerous bruce banners blood can be.

Bruce Banner's own transformation into the Hulk in 2008's The Incredible Hulk was a memorable moment in the MCU's history, but subsequent characters have hammered home its impact. Banner's own blood is very dangerous, as proven by Tim Roth's Emil Blonsky and Tatiana Maslany's Jennifer Walters in The Incredible Hulk and She-Hulk: Attorney at Law , respectively. Both of these characters violently transformed into Hulk-like characters after being exposed to Banner's blood.

Banner's blood combined with the super-soldier serum in Blonsky to transform him into the twisted and sinister Abomination in The Incredible Hulk . In She-Hulk: Attorney at Law , however, Walters was exposed to her cousin's blood after a car accident, transforming her into She-Hulk, who instantly had more control over her powers than her predecessors. The impact of Banner's blood will be felt again when Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns returns as the Leader in Captain America: Brave New World .

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Genres Superhero, Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure

Director Louis Leterrier

Release Date June 13, 2008

Studio(s) Marvel

Distributor(s) Universal Pictures

Cast Lou Ferrigno, William Hurt, Liv Tyler, Tim Blake Nelson, Tim Roth, Edward Norton, Ty Burrell

Runtime 112 minutes

Daredevil Got Chemicals In His Eyes

Daredevil may have been blinded, but this began his hero journey.

Netflix's Daredevil series was recently confirmed to be canon to the MCU, meaning Matt Murdock's origin story as the Man Without Fear is now part of the MCU's history. When he was nine years old, Matt Murdock saved an elderly man from being hit by a RAND Oil & Chemicals truck, but this caused the truck to flip over, and douse Matt's face with hazardous chemicals. While this blinded the young Murdock, these chemicals heightened his four other senses to superhuman levels , allowing him to eventually become the Devil of Hell's Kitchen.

This was certainly a tragic and haunting turn of events for the young Matt Murdock, but it cemented his resilience from the get-go. The moment Matt Murdock received his Daredevil abilities was also incredibly realistic, grounded, and believable, bringing one of the most cliché superhero origin stories into the live-action MCU in one of the most memorable ways.

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Ghost Was Bombarded With Quantum Energy

Ghost was the sole survivor of a quantum experiment gone wrong.

Hannah John-Kamen's Ava Starr is currently one of Marvel Studios' least-developed characters, but her origin story as Ghost is actually one of the most cinematic events in the MCU's history. SHIELD scientists Elihas and Catherine Starr attempted to build a Quantum Tunnel after being ousted from SHIELD by Hank Pym, which would have allowed them to journey to the Quantum Realm. Unfortunately, the machine malfunctioned, erupting in a huge explosion of quantum energy which killed Elihas and Catherine, but inundating their daughter .

Ava Starr initially struggled to control her new phasing abilities, but SHIELD gifted her a containment suit and gave her training, transforming her into an elite operative working in the shadows. The moment she received her abilities was tragic, thanks to the loss of Starr's parents, but it was also a fantastic burst of vivid color that proved just how dangerous and incredible the Quantum Realm can be.

1 Overlooked MCU's Villain Will Be The Thunderbolts' Hulk

Ghost's comeback in Marvel's Thunderbolts will not only be a huge step for her character, but it can draw parallels to the Hulk's Avengers story.

Ant-Man and the Wasp

Genres Sci-Fi, Superhero, Action, Adventure

Wanda Maximoff Was Exposed To The Mind Stone, But Had Innate Abilities

The scarlet witchs innate abilities were enhanced by an infinity stone.

It was initially believed that Wanda Maximoff's chaos magic abilities were gifted to her through experiments run by HYDRA on Sokovian citizens, but 2021's WandaVision completely altered the Scarlet Witch's backstory . Elizabeth Olsen's Wanda Maximoff was confirmed to have innate abilities as a young witch, though Agatha Harkness suggested these would have eventually "died on the vine." Instead of wilting away, however, HYDRA's experiments only enhanced Wanda Maximoff's incomprehensible powers .

WandaVision showed Wanda Maximoff being exposed to the Mind Stone inside Loki's scepter during HYDRA's experiments. The Mind Stone's power enhanced Wanda's natural gifts, forging her into one of the most powerful and significant characters in the MCU, making her supposedly stronger than the Sorcerer Supreme, and enabling her to alter reality at will. This was a beautiful moment that saw Maximoff get a glimpse of her future as the Scarlet Witch, a role that she finally embraced in WandaVision .

For several decades in Marvel Comics, Wanda Maximoff was a mutant, and while this was retconned in 2015, this could be a potential story for her MCU future, should she return.

WandaVision

Genres Drama, Superhero, Action, Adventure

Carol Danvers Absorbed The Power Of The Space Stone

The tesseract made captain marvel one of the mcus strongest heroes.

Alongside Wanda Maximoff's Scarlet Witch, Carol Danvers' Captain Marvel is another of the MCU's most powerful superheroes , and this is also due to her exposure to the power of an Infinity Stone. Brie Larson's Carol Danvers shot at and blew up Mar-Vell's light-speed engine, which was powered by the Tesseract , in Captain Marvel to keep it out of Yon Rogg's hands. This explosion, however, caused Danvers to absorb the energy from the engine, enhancing her significantly.

The moment in which the Tesseract's energy gets absorbed by Carol Danvers' body is one of Marvel Studios' most cinematic moments , and leaves her with some of the most remarkable gifts in the MCU. Danvers spends most of Captain Marvel trying to understand her abilities, which she eventually does in the movie's final battle. Several other heroes have been empowered by Infinity Stones in the Marvel Cinematic Universe , but Carol Danvers' power is second-to-none.

Captain Marvel

Marvel Studios Reveals First Look at Captain America's New Romantic Interest

Fans recently got their first look at Captain America ’s love interest in Brave New World .

While Chris Evans always had a prominent love story to go alongside his MCU journey thanks to Hayley Atwell's Peggy Carter, Anthony Mackie ’s Sam Wilson hasn’t gotten that yet.

But that’s finally set to change in the franchise’s fourth film as the new Cap goes against both The Leader and Red Hulk . 

It was previously announced that Xosha Roquemore was cast as Leila Taylor, a character who has been a key love interest for Sam in the comics.

[ Captain America 4’s Romantic Interest Actress Reportedly Revealed ]

First Look at Xosha Roquemore’s Leila Taylor in Captain America

Marvel Studios has revealed the first look at the romantic interest for Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson in his upcoming 2025 movie, Captain America: Brave New World .

The production still image sees director Julius Onah , Mackie, and newcomer Xosha Roquemore standing alongside each other on set for the upcoming movie.

This is the first time Roquemore’s Leila Taylor has been seen in the MCU. The character is one of Wilson’s biggest love interests in the comics, and it is assumed that the same fate will be explored here.

The character’s first appearance in the comics occurred in 1971’s Captain America #139. While she was a longtime romantic interest of Sam’s, Leila was also one of the first to know his true identity as The Falcon.

In the comics, their history happens decades before he ever picks up the shield, so this upcoming MCU film will introduce an entirely unique scenario for the duo.

Could More Romantic Interests Be Possible For Sam Wilson?

One of the best things that the addition of Xosha Roquemore’s Leila Taylor in Captain America: Brave New World will do for Sam Wilson’s MCU storyline is to give further glimpses into the hero’s personal life. 

While The Falcon and the Winter Soldier offered up a good amount in that arena, adding a love interest will continue to expand his story.

Of course, hopefully, Leila will have some good stories to partake in outside of her love story, but being a supporting cast member, who knows how it will play out?

Another big romantic interest of Wilson’s is a street-level hero named Misty Knight. In fact, the character was previously portrayed by Simone Missick in Netflix ’s Luke Cage , Iron Fist , and The Defenders .

Depending on how that side of the MCU fleshes out following Daredevil: Born Again , perhaps she could also be vying for Wilson’s heart one day.

Captain America: Brave New World hits theaters on February 14, 2025.

Catch up on more Captain America news:

New Captain America 4 Trailer Gets Strong First Reactions Online

First Look at Anthony Mackie’s Falcon Replacement Revealed

MCU: First Look at Red Hulk for 2025 Movie Gets Revealed (Photo)

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