Imagine a Marvel movie with not one, not two, but three Captain Americas running around. Sounds like a fan's dream, right? Wrong. This is the reality of Avengers: Doomsday, and it might just be the crack that shatters the MCU's next era. But here's where it gets controversial: is this a nostalgic nod to fans or a desperate attempt to mask a weak narrative? And this is the part most people miss: Sam Wilson, the current Captain America, risks being overshadowed by the very legacy he's trying to uphold.
Published on March 1, 2026, this article delves into the complexities of Avengers: Doomsday, the highly anticipated follow-up to the monumental Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame. Written by Jared, a Communications Studies graduate and avid fan of nerd culture, this piece explores the challenges of building on the MCU's pinnacle without the gradual character arcs that made the previous Avengers films so impactful. Unlike its predecessors, Doomsday seems to rely heavily on star power and nostalgia, with Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom and the return of Chris Evans as Steve Rogers. But is this enough to carry the film?
The decision to bring back Steve Rogers is particularly contentious, especially when it means having three Captain Americas in the mix: Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie), John Walker (Wyatt Russell), and Steve himself. For beginners, let’s break this down: Sam Wilson, formerly the Falcon, took up the shield in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. John Walker briefly held the title before becoming a complex anti-hero. And Steve? He’s the original, now an elderly man living out his days with Peggy Carter—or so we thought. Three Captain Americas in one movie? It’s a recipe for narrative chaos.
But wait, it gets worse. What if Peggy Carter, potentially the mother of Steve’s child, also returns? Or what if Captain Carter, her multiversal counterpart, shows up? While these additions might excite some fans, they risk oversaturating the film and diluting Sam’s already fragile position as the new Captain America. Is Sam Wilson destined to be forever in the shadow of Steve Rogers?
Sam’s journey to becoming Captain America hasn’t been easy. He initially accepted the shield from Steve, only to relinquish it to the government, which led to John Walker’s controversial tenure. Sam eventually reclaimed the shield and the title, but he’s had just one solo film, Brave New World, to establish himself. In Doomsday, he’s competing not just with John and Steve, but also with the MCU’s holy trinity: Iron Man (now Doctor Doom), Captain America (Steve), and Thor. Can Sam truly lead the Avengers when he’s constantly compared to his predecessors?
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Is the MCU doing Sam Wilson a disservice by bringing back Steve Rogers? Some might argue that Steve’s return is necessary for fan service, while others believe it undermines Sam’s growth. What do you think? Is Avengers: Doomsday setting Sam up for success or failure? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, with a star-studded cast including Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm, Avengers: Doomsday is set to hit theaters on December 18, 2026. Whether it soars or stumbles, one thing is certain: the MCU will never be the same.
