It’s undeniable that Steve Rogers as Captain America is one of the most important heroes in the MCU, but the franchise actually failed him in a very subtle way. Introduced in 2011’s Captain America: The First Avenger, the MCU’s adaptation of the hero was everything he was supposed to be: strong, compassionate, and heroic. It seemed to be a solid start for an iconic hero.
However, the character’s second appearance in 2012’s The Avengers was ultimately where the problems began. In the MCU’s first team-up movie, Captain America was featured alongside Thor, Hulk, Iron Man, Hawkeye, and Black Widow. However, despite being a founding member of the team, there was an issue with Captain America’s role in The Avengers.
The team dynamic established in the film is one of relative equality. Each hero brings something key to the table, and they’re all given roughly equal screen time. However, though it’s initially easy to miss, the film secretly failed to establish a Captain America quality, and subsequent MCU movies continued to overlook him. The MCU simply seems to forget that Captain America is supposed to be a leader.
The MCU Failed Captain America By Not Making Him The Leader He Should Be
The character’s arc indicates exactly why he’s an excellent leader. He carefully considers his actions, and does what he believes is right even when things seem morally cloudy. He’s confident and above moral reproach, making him the clear candidate to lead the Avengers of the MCU. Sadly, the franchise gave this role to a less responsible hero.
Tony Stark is the other main hero in the MCU’s early stages, particularly as he invents much of the tech used by the Avengers. Between this and Robert Downey Jr.’s charismatic portrayal of the hero, Iron Man becomes the leader of the Avengers, eventually sacrificing himself to stop Thanos. But this prevents Steve Rogers from ever truly stepping up to be the leader he deserves to be.
Comparing the character traits of Rogers and Stark highlights exactly how the MCU failed Captain America. Steve Rogers is a born hero and a natural leader, leading by example and with unflinching compassion. Stark leads by arrogance and overconfidence (even when he’s wrong), and though it’s all too easy to miss, it’s clear that their leadership roles would have been better had they been reversed.