Marvel Keeps Undoing Perfect MCU Endings: Will Captain America’s Legacy Be Tainted?

It’s well known that the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been revisiting and changing some of its previously satisfying conclusions. This makes me especially worried about how one hero will ultimately be remembered.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe became known for its complex, ongoing stories where actions truly mattered. The culmination of the ‘Infinity Saga’ in the 2019 film Avengers: Endgame felt like a real ending, especially for characters like Iron Man and Captain America, who received incredibly satisfying conclusions to their journeys. But now, Marvel is revisiting stories and characters once thought to be finished, potentially undoing past resolutions.

Marvel Studios Has Been Actively Undoing Some Of The Most Perfect Endings

Though produced by 20th Century Fox, few superhero movie endings have been as impactful as Wolverine’s fate in the 2017 film, Logan.

Hugh Jackman’s portrayal of Wolverine ended with the poignant film Logan, giving the character a fitting and honorable conclusion after 17 years. It seemed impossible he’d ever reprise the role. But surprisingly, Jackman returned as Wolverine in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Deadpool & Wolverine, demonstrating Marvel’s willingness to revisit even its most definitive superhero endings.

Just like the initial shock of Iron Man’s death in Avengers: Endgame, many fans believed that moment would be permanent. However, the upcoming 2026 film, Avengers: Doomsday, is bringing Robert Downey Jr. back as Doctor Doom, leading most people to expect some link to his former character, Tony Stark.

The initial trailer for Doomsday has revealed that Chris Evans will reprise his role as Steve Rogers, even though his character received what many considered a definitive and satisfying conclusion in the main Marvel Cinematic Universe storyline.

Instead of making the ultimate sacrifice, Rogers chose to go back to his own time after successfully returning the Infinity Stones. He was then able to live a life with Peggy Carter and, later in life, passed on the Captain America shield and title to Sam Wilson.

Despite previously concluding storylines, Marvel Studios continues to revisit familiar characters and events within the Multiverse Saga. It’s evident they’re leveraging the popularity and emotional connection audiences have with Steve Rogers and the iconic role he played as Captain America.

Hugh Jackman’s return as Wolverine was a success, showing us fresh perspectives on the character after 24 years, and finally delivering on long-awaited fan requests, even after the satisfying conclusion of Logan. However, revisiting such a definitive superhero ending isn’t without its downsides and carries a significant risk.

I’m Desperately Hoping Steve Rogers’ Avengers: Doomsday Return Will Be Worth It

In all honesty, Steve Rogers’ return in Avengers: Doomsday worries the most.

The recent teaser reveals that Steve Rogers, formerly Captain America, now has a child. This hints that his need to protect his family will be what motivates him to rejoin the Avengers in the current Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, bringing him back is a gamble – a poorly handled return could damage his reputation and legacy.

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There’s reason to be optimistic about Steve Rogers’ potential return to the MCU, largely because the Russo Brothers will be directing the films. They’ve consistently portrayed Captain America exceptionally well, and arguably have a deeper understanding of the character than anyone else in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. They’ve been shaping his story ever since Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

Bringing Steve Rogers back to the screen needs to have a real impact, going beyond just fan service or a complicated multiverse storyline. While Marvel Studios can change established endings, fans hope that doing so will ultimately create something just as satisfying for these well-loved characters.

Avengers: Doomsday is set to release on December 18th, 2026 from Marvel Studios.

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2025-12-21 01:48