Marvel Studios' Sharon Carter and Steve Rogers, whose long-lost love was Sharon's aunt, the former SHIELD agent mysteriously disappeared from the MCU, but returned with a twist in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier revealed that, after becoming a fugitive by aiding Steve Rogers and Sam Wilson in Civil War, Sharon Carter relocated to Madripoor and became an art and antiquities dealer. More than that, however, Sharon Carter was also outed as the Sharon Carter's recent appearance in What If...? doubled-down on this unfortunate turn of events.
Sharon Carter Returned In What If…? Season 3 & She’s Still A Villain
Sharon Carter Briefly Appeared In What If...? Season 3, Episode 5
Despite only making a brief appearance, What If...? season 3, episode 5, "What If... the Emergence Destroyed the Earth?," revealed that Sharon Carter remains a villain in the MCU. In a world ravaged by the emergence of the Celestial Tiamut and a war brought on by a nanite-empowered Mysterio and his Iron Federation, led by an evil White Vision, Sharon Carter still became the Power Broker. She is approached by Riri Williams in the episode's opening moments and gives the young hero an easy-bake oven, which she forges into a weapon.
The fact that Sharon Carter is still depicted as the Power Broker even three years after The Falcon and the Winter Soldier's reveal caused a stir means Marvel Studios is not shying away from this revelation. Carter's reappearance in What If...? implies that Emily VanCamp might soon bring her MCU character back into live-action, perhaps developing her Captain America: Brave New World or another street-level project. Continuing this story would surely just cause more controversy, however.
Why Sharon Carter’s Villainous Turn Is So Controversial
Sharon Carter Becoming The Power Broker Caused A Stir
The biggest reason that Sharon Carter being revealed to be the Power Broker was so controversial was simply because it didn't make much sense. Sharon Carter had always been depicted as a steadfast hero with a strong moral com, someone Nick Fury trusted to keep eyes on Steve Rogers in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and someone willing to lay down her life to protect SHIELD's ideals during HYDRA's resurgence. This was a far cry from her becoming the crime lord of a seedy underworld in Madripoor.
The MCU Can Repeat A Controversial Villain Twist To Finally Solve An Awkward Phase 4 Cliffhanger
Marvel Studios' Phase 4 featured many cliffhangers, but one was quite confusing, though the MCU has an easy fix in Captain America: Brave New World.
There has been no explanation as to how Sharon Carter became the Power Broker, and the fact that this was brushed off quickly with no comment as to how this would impact the Carter family legacy is seriously insulting. There are many who hope Marvel Studios will undo this twist, perhaps revealing Sharon Carter to be a double agent, possibly even still working for Nick Fury. What If...? may make this difficult, however, as, even in the worst of times, Sharon Carter is still the villainous Power Broker, so this will likely still be the case in live-action, too.
What If...?
- Release Date
- 2021 - 2024
- Showrunner
- Ashley Bradley
- Directors
- Bryan Andrews
Cast
Stanley Tucci
WHERE TO WATCH
What If… ? is an animated anthology series set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe which features fan-favorite characters, including Peggy Carter, T’Challa, Doctor Strange, Killmonger, Thor, and more. The new series, directed by Bryan Andrews with AC Bradley as head writer, features signature MCU action with a curious twist. The show sees Uatu the Watcher, an omnipotent being that observes the events of multiple universes from afar as they unfold, unable to interfere. However, things shift when an entity peers beyond the veil, jeopardizing the multiverse.
- Writers
- Ashley Bradley, Matthew Chauncey
- Seasons
- 3
Your comment has not been saved