Marvel Studios has a knack for tugging at its fans’ heartstrings, and the latest casualty in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has sparked heated debates. Captain Carter, the alternate-universe version of Captain America played by Hayley Atwell, has met her end in What If…?, following her earlier demise in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. For some fans, this marks the end of an overused storyline. For others, it’s a loss that’s hard to accept.
A Hero Divided: Love or loathe?
Captain Carter has been a polarizing figure since her introduction in What If…?. As one fan put it on social media:
“One character was so underused that it was annoying, and the other was so overused it was annoying.”
This sentiment encapsulates much of the fandom’s conflicted feelings. While her return in the animated series gave fans a fresh perspective on Peggy Carter’s heroics, her portrayal also drew criticism for being overexposed.
The character’s death in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness initially shocked viewers, but her second exit in What If…? has stirred up mixed reactions. Some are ready to bid her farewell, while others are calling for her return to the MCU in some capacity.
Fans Speak Out: Reactions to the Loss
Social media is buzzing with opinions, showcasing the love-hate relationship fans have with Captain Carter:
- “She died in What If…? Thank god, I couldn’t stand her in the part of the show that I managed to watch,” one fan bluntly remarked.
- Another fan, taking a different tone, tweeted, “I don’t care what y’all say, I loved Captain Carter.”
Others lamented the perceived sidelining of powerful female characters. One user claimed, “They don’t want women with power,” reflecting a broader conversation about representation in the MCU.
Meanwhile, nostalgic fans are calling for the revival of Agent Carter, the live-action series that first brought Peggy Carter into the spotlight. For them, Captain Carter’s animated adventures were a reminder of the charisma and strength Hayley Atwell brought to the role.
A Trend in Multiverse Tragedy
Captain Carter’s double demise highlights a recurring theme in the MCU: the bittersweet consequences of the multiverse. While the concept allows for creative storytelling, it also complicates the idea of permanence. Characters can exist in multiple realities, but their deaths often feel inconclusive, leaving fans wondering whether the farewells are final.
Here’s a quick look at Captain Carter’s journey:
| Appearance | Fate |
|---|---|
| What If…? (Season 1) | Survives, takes on Hydra |
| Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness | Killed by Wanda Maximoff |
| What If…? (Season 2) | Sacrifices herself again |
These repeated arcs raise the question: is the MCU overusing certain characters across its multiverse narratives? Or does this approach offer new layers to fan-favorite heroes?
What’s Next for the MCU?
Despite the mixed feelings surrounding Captain Carter’s fate, Marvel fans have plenty to keep them engaged. From the introduction of new heroes like the revamped Scarlet Witch to the ever-growing list of upcoming films and series, there’s no shortage of developments to dissect—and, inevitably, argue about.
For now, though, Captain Carter’s story appears to have reached its conclusion. Whether her departure is permanent or just another twist in the multiverse saga, fans can only speculate. And in the MCU, speculation is half the fun.
As one fan optimistically put it, “Who knows what multiverse scenarios may appear?”
