Hayley Atwell criticises Captain Carter’s controversial death
Hayley Atwell has shared her disappointment with the way Captain Carter was written out of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, calling the moment unfair to Peggy Carter and her history in the Marvel universe.
The comments came during Atwell’s appearance at the For the Love of Fantasy & Sci-Fi convention in London. Her reaction adds a performer’s perspective to a scene that has already divided viewers and remains a talking point in arcade and gaming news discussions about memorable pop-culture characters.
Peggy Carter first appeared in 2011’s Captain America: The First Avenger. The character was presented as an important figure in the development of the Super Soldier Serum and as one of the founders of S.H.I.E.L.D. In the multiverse setting, Peggy takes on the role of Captain America, wearing the familiar uniform and carrying the shield as Captain Carter.
A brief and brutal defeat
Captain Carter’s appearance in the 2022 film ends almost immediately when she confronts the Scarlet Witch, played by Elizabeth Olsen. Carter throws her shield, but the Scarlet Witch sends it back with enough force to cut Carter in half.
Atwell objected to how little the scene gives the character to do. She described Carter’s fate as being killed by her own shield in a moment that reduces the hero to a quick visual gag rather than allowing her to demonstrate the qualities that made Peggy significant.
The timing also makes the sequence more uncomfortable. Just before her death, Carter echoes Steve Rogers’ familiar line from The First Avenger: “I can do this all day.” The callback draws attention to the difference between Steve’s lasting portrayal as Captain America and Carter’s abrupt defeat.
Was the scene necessary?
Atwell’s criticism is partly about storytelling economy. Doctor Strange, played by Benedict Cumberbatch, has already established the Scarlet Witch’s formidable power earlier in the film. Carter’s death therefore adds little to the audience’s understanding of the villain, while making a major character’s exit feel anticlimactic.
Atwell said she tried to offer suggestions during production, but those ideas were not adopted. She characterised the decision as a “complete disservice” to Carter, arguing that the character deserved a more meaningful moment.
For readers who enjoy comparing different kinds of interactive heroes, the contrast is easy to appreciate: a strong character introduction needs a payoff that matches the promise. That principle applies just as readily to a superhero adaptation as it does when choosing an arcade machine buying guide for a home setup.
Captain Carter’s next chance
There may be an opportunity to revisit Peggy Carter in a more rewarding way. Atwell is confirmed to appear in Avengers: Doomsday, although her role and the circumstances of her return have not been revealed.
That appearance could give Marvel a chance to restore some of the character’s stature after her short-lived showing in Multiverse of Madness. Until more is known, fans will have to wait to see whether Captain Carter receives a better showcase next time.
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