Last month, Avengers: Doomsday confirmed what was long suspected: Chris Evans was back as Steve Rogers. Even after passing the Captain America shield and mantle to Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson in Avengers: Endgame‘s conclusion, his story is set to continue under the guidance of the Russo brothers, who’ve shaped the character since Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
Evans’ return has stirred up more discourse about who the real Captain America is in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Steve is the original holder of this title and the one audiences know more widely. Sam has last been portrayed as the MCU’s Captain America, properly stepping into the position in Captain America: Brave New World.
Now Marvel has settled the debate about whether Steve or Sam is Captain America, as if it wasn’t already clear.
Marvel’s Latest Release Confirms The MCU’s Captain America Ahead Of Doomsday
Marvel Studios now has all eight episodes of a new series, Wonder Man, streaming on Disney+. While it is a mostly standalone story that doesn’t lean too much on franchise connections, one of the many MCU references in Wonder Man pertains to Captain America.
Episode 3 of Wonder Man sees Simon Williams attend a party for his mother, and one of the guests refers to Captain America as “the full package.” Simon says that he’s “a regular dude who can throw a shield.” That’s a direct reference to Sam, not Steve, as he’s a “regular dude,” whereas Steve has supersoldier serum coursing through his veins.
As quick a reference as this is, it’s further confirmation that Sam is the MCU’s real Captain America. The public knows that he is the one carrying the shield nowadays. Considering how many years have passed post-Endgame, it makes sense that people in the MCU would accept Sam as their new Cap.
For Marvel’s part, the mention continues to affirm Sam’s claim to this title. Even though the timing is a happy coincidence (since Wonder Man was held back from releasing longer than expected), it now comes on the heels of Marvel Studios going as far as ending Evans’ Doomsday trailer by only calling him Steve Rogers, not Captain America.
What Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers Return Means For Sam Wilson’s Captain America
Sam now enters Doomsday as the MCU’s undisputed Captain America. He’s the one assembling a new Avengers team, hashing things out with the New Avengers/Thunderbolts, working to protect Earth-616, and continuing to prove to himself, the public, and some fans, that he is worthy of holding the shield.
Steve’s return will shake things up for Sam, undoubtedly. It wouldn’t be a surprise for him to offer the shield and mantle back to Steve once they are reunited. But, it would be uncharacteristic of Evans’ character to take it all back and practically demote Sam.
What’s more likely to happen in Avengers: Doomsday is that Steve will carry on his heroic ways without his iconic title. Whether he assumes a new moniker, like Nomad, or simply goes by his real name, the most likely outcome is that Steve will look to support Sam’s position as Captain America at every opportunity.
This could still mean Sam being overshadowed by Steve in terms of their overall importance to Avengers: Doomsday‘s story. But the MCU has been consistent about which one is Captain America now. Steve’s time is over. It’s Sam’s title for now and into the future.
- Release Date
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December 18, 2026
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Vanessa Kirby
Sue Storm / Invisible Woman
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Johnny Storm / Human Torch
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Ebon Moss-Bachrach
Ben Grimm / The Thing
