Why Captain Carter Is In Doctor Strange 2 (Is What If Canon?)
It appears that Captain Carter (Hayley Atwell) will have a presence in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Though she wasn’t in the trailer, evidence for her inclusion in the movie has emerged. Captain Carter’s shield has been spotted on a new Doctor Strange 2 poster.
Doctor Strange 2 would be a curious choice for Captain Carter’s live-action debut. Introduced in Marvel’s What If…? series premiere, this alternate universe version of Steve Rogers’ 1940s love interest established her own superhero career by receiving the vibranium shield and the super soldier serum. It would seem that after helping a team of heroes from the multiverse fight Evil Doctor Strange at the end of What If…? season 1, the character will return for another adventure. Her coming back was no surprise, as it was already confirmed that Captain Carter would be in at least one episode of Marvel’s What If…? season 2. However, her apparent role in Doctor Strange 2 was kept a well-guarded secret for quite a while.
The idea that Captain Carter will appear in Doctor Strange 2 raises questions about why she would be in the movie and exactly how What If…? fits into the equation. First of all, Captain Carter being in the movie would confirm that the show’s greatest marketing promise was true all along. It was said from the beginning that What If…? was vital to the MCU’s overarching story and its future. Considering that the show is an animated series, there were some lingering doubts about its significance. However, footage for Doctor Strange 2 hints that What If…? was much bigger than originally thought.
It looks like at least two of its main character will play roles in the movie. An evil version of Doctor Strange was seen in the first trailer. It was thought at the time that he may be the same one featured in What If…? – and Captain Carter’s shield on the poster further reinforces that connection. There's also the matter of Shuma-Gorath, who Captain Carter fought in the first episode. From the looks of things, Doctor Strange 2’s story has strong ties to the events and characters from What If…? season 1. When taking into consideration how important the concept of the multiverse was to the story, that does make a great deal of sense. Doctor Strange 2 is poised to continue the Disney+ show’s exploration of the multiverse, how it works, and perhaps even Uatu the Watcher himself, especially since he’s associated with both Captain Carter and Evil Doctor Strange.
Captain Carter’s role in Marvel’s What If…? may have set her up as a potential ally to Strange, Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen), and America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez). The battle with Evil Doctor Strange transformed her from a World War II superhero into a champion of the Watcher who can be counted on when the multiverse is in danger. It’s possible that what transpires in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness will result in her teaming up with the movie’s heroes against its villain.