Captain America’s Funeral: MCU Fans Don’t Want to See It – There’s ‘No Need’
Avengers: Endgame marked the end of the known Marvel Cinematic Universe in its original form. In some ways, this was obvious. After all, the film killed off the man who led the MCU into existence, Tony Stark, in the thrilling final battle.
Another casualty of the film, however, was Captain America. Although he did not die during the film, the last time the audience saw him in the modern-day, he was an older man in his 90s, content with living an everyday life.
With Iron Man getting his proper send-off, some are wondering if Captain America is next.
Death in the MCU
Death is a funny thing in the MCU. With so many movies and television shows under its umbrella, it’s hard to know when a character has moved on, pass away, or is waiting to make a resurrection. The universe’s favorite villain, Loki, has died and reappeared several times in the decade since he first premiered inside the MCU.
Others, like series staple Agent Coulson, passed away only to be brought back in Agents of SHIELD after turning up alive within the universe’s events. Black Widow, who also passed away during Endgame, was brought back thanks to a prequel film currently awaiting release due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
When Tony Stark passed away, however, it seemed definitive. It was a passing of the torch to a new generation.
However, those who paid attention to the headlines surrounding Endgame and the greater MCU know that Chris Evans plans on Endgame being his final MCU project.
Although Captain America doesn’t die in the movie, we see that he chose to lead a normal life instead of spending his time continually trying to save the world.
The aging Captain America passes his iconic shield to Falcon before retiring. Presumably, a man of his age would not have much longer. With the MCU planning on picking up where Endgame left off, some wonder how Captain America’s eventual death will be handled.
Will Captain America get a funeral?
Captain America, at least Steve Rogers’ version, is likely done in the MCU. However, one might think that they would have to recognize that he is still living inside the world of the movies.
After all, even secondary characters like Peggy Carter have gotten a send-off after passing away. The Captain America at the end of Endgame, however, is leading a quiet life and believed to be missing from the current narrative for those not in the know inside the universe.
Should the franchise choose to kill off Steve Rogers overtly, he’d likely get the type of send-off Stark did. However, seeing him in old age, leading the life he never had before, could be viewed as the only send-off people need.
Captain America is done in the MCU, and his death would not hit the same as Stark, who sacrificed his life to save the universe.
Regardless, several fans are curious about how the MCU would handle such a death.
What do fans think about Captain America’s death?
In a thread asking what the fans expect on Marvel’s Reddit page, most fans agreed that Captain America is gone. Thus, there is no need to bring him back. Echoing the sentiment laid down by users such as frankwalsingham, who stated that there was “No need” to bring back Captain America for a funeral, Reddit user 613greysloan summarized why they don’t need another send-off:
“As far as Cap’s story is concerned, it’s finally ended in Endgame. He lived the life Tony was telling him to get. He got the chance to grow old with the only woman he’s ever loved after about a hundred years of fighting wars. That’s as beautiful as any ending could get. Him dying eventually would just be a disservice not just to the character but to the entire MCU.
I don’t get the obsession with death being the only thing that would satisfy fans, especially when it comes to heroes. Can’t a man retire and have his peace after saving the world time and again.”
With Evans likely done with the MCU, this is the most logical conclusion. Still, the existence of such discourse helps show why the MCU is different than other film franchises.
Even if Captain America is just part of a few movies, his impact on that universe will be felt for many years. The MCU is masterful at making every departure seem essential. What this thread helps acknowledge, however, is how those departures don’t always have to end with death.
