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Marvel Studios’ current Captain America just speculated how Avengers: Doomsday is bringing Steve Rogers back
Can you bring Steve Rogers back without replacing Sam Wilson’s Captain America? Marvel Studios has a plan – straight from Marvel Comics
NewsbyGraeme McMillan, Editor
Published on Sun Jul 26 2026
Popverse’s coverage of Comic-Con International: San Diego 2026 is brought to you byDark Horse Comics.
Just because Steve Rogers is coming back to the Marvel Cinematic Universe doesn’t mean that he’s going to be asking for his shield back.
In an interview with Variety following Marvel Studios’ Hall H panel at San Diego Comic-Con 2026, current MCU Captain America Anthony Mackie teased that Steve Rogers will have an all-new identity when he returns in December’s Avengers: Doomsday. Well, all-new unless you’re a fan of comic book Captain America stories, that is.
When asked, “Steve Rogers is returning, not Captain America,” Mackie responded, “Steve Rogers in the comic book — there is a comic book, you say you’re a nerd, read the comic book. Don’t be a nerd by trade, be a nerd by fact. So, in the comic book, Steve Rogers becomes Nomad.”
Pressed on whether or not that could happen in the MCU, he jokes, “I don’t know! I don’t even watch movies!”
In Marvel comic book lore, Nomad is the costumed identity Steve Rogers adopts after quitting as Captain America in the wake of discovering that the President of the United States of America was the head of the villainous organization the Secret Empire. (This was written, drawn, and published in the immediate aftermath of the Watergate scandal, not coincidentally.) Disillusioned by the establishment, Steve quits as Captain America and, eventually, adopts the identity of Nomad, the “man without a country,” as he called himself.
Steve’s comic book Nomad career only lasted months, as he reclaimed the Captain America identity after the death of his replacement. Here’s hoping that particular detail won’t repeat itself onscreen, whether in Avengers: Doomsday or 2027’s Avengers: Secret Wars.
Avengers: Doomsday will be released December 18, 2026.
Consider this a meta post-credits scene for Marvel fans – the four key articles you need to read next to continue the thrills:
- How to watch the Marvel Cinematic Universe in release or chronological order
- The best Marvel Comics stories of all time
- All the MCU movies ranked from best to worst
About Comic-Con International: San Diego
Comic-Con is the premier event for all things comics and related popular art, including movies, television, gaming, interactive multimedia, and so much more! Enjoy cosplay galore and take part in unique programming, exclusive previews, and presentations, not to mention the expansive and diverse Exhibit Hall featuring merchandise and displays representing all fandoms.
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Graeme McMillan: Popverse Editor Graeme McMillan (he/him) has been writing about comics, culture, and comics culture on the internet for close to two decades at this point, which is terrifying to admit. He completely understands if you have problems understanding his accent.
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