Chris Evans’ return in the MCU in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ threw the fandom into a well-known loop. If Steve Rogers returns, does it imply that he is Captain America once again? Or was Sam Wilson’s time with the shield only temporary?
Although Marvel has not made a splash to spell it out, the studio has now provided a surprisingly straightforward answer, and it was not an Avengers trailer. Rather, the confirmation came in an almost casual, offhand manner, in a very unlikely location.
Marvel Draws The Line Between Steve Rogers And The Shield With ‘Wonder Man’
Since all eight episodes of ‘Wonder Man’ are currently available on Disney+, fans have been scanning the show to find MCU links. Among the most revealing scenes is one that occurs in the 3rd episode, in the middle of a party, when Captain America is brought up. One of the guests refers to Captain America as the complete package, which makes Simon Williams say that Cap is a regular guy who can toss a shield.
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It is a brief dialogue, yet it is a lot. It is a perfect description of Sam Wilson, a common man who did not use super-soldier serum, who earned the shield through character, not chemicals. Steve Rogers, on the other hand, was not a regular guy. His entire arc was characterized by his transformation. The line is a subtle reinforcement of the fact that in the real world, Sam has become Captain America for people.
There’s no confusion, no footnote, no “former” attached to the title. It is particularly interesting considering the recent marketing decisions made by Marvel. Even in ‘Doomsday’ materials, Evans is referred to strictly as “Steve Rogers,” not Captain America. That distinction feels intentional, and ‘Wonder Man’ quietly backs it up.
What Steve’s Return Really Means for Sam Wilson
Going into ‘Avengers: Doomsday’, Sam Wilson is the undisputed Captain America of the MCU. It is he who had the shield, put together teams, and bore the burden of the position. His journey hasn’t been about replacing Steve, but redefining what Captain America looks like in a world that’s changed.
Steve Rogers’ reappearance will certainly make things emotionally difficult. The reunion of the two begs the obvious question of whether Sam would be tempted to give the shield back.
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However, that would be contrary to all that Steve’s choice was about. His choice to leave the mantle in ‘Endgame’ was not only intentional but also final and based on trust. So more than likely, Steve will come back as a non-titular hero. His role appears to be supportive and not dominant, whether he takes on a new identity or just fights as Steve Rogers.
He is able to confront Sam, mentor him, and even steal scenes, but not the shield. It is always a danger that Steve will overshadow Sam in terms of narrative. However, Marvel has been true to its message: the mantle was in motion. Steve Rogers’ legacy does not exist in his reclaiming of Captain America, but in Sam Wilson carrying it on. The MCU isn’t undoing ‘Endgame’. It is constructing upon it, silently, confidently, and now beyond any doubt.
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