This theory suggests Steve Rogers could return as a villain in the MCU

Steve Rogers has always been the embodiment of heroic integrity in the MCU, but recent chatter suggests Marvel might flip the script—and cast our beloved Cap as a genuine villain. This theory leans on loose threads from Avengers: Infinity War, the eerie fate of the Soul Stone, and the bombshell Secret Empire storyline from the comics.

In that arc, an older Rogers is deceived by a Cosmic Cube into believing he serves HYDRA, turning America’s ideal hero into its darkest threat. As Marvel gears up for its next big showdown, a corrupted Captain America could be the ultimate curveball, forcing familiar faces to reckon with the soul of their greatest symbol.

Explaining the theory: Steve Rogers as a possible villain

At the heart of this idea is Red Skull’s unexpected survival on Vormir—now the keeper of the Soul Stone—hinting he’s far from finished with his schemes. Fans speculate that he could bend the stone’s power to forge a twisted version of Steve Rogers, one who truly believes he’s acting for the greater good by advancing HYDRA’s cause. In the Secret Empire comics, Rogers is literally brainwashed by the Cube, his sense of duty hijacked to serve a tyrannical regime.

Marvel insiders have teased that scrapped concepts—like Steve’s Soul Stone embodiment—could reemerge in fresh form, paying homage to those scrapped ideas while delivering a gut‑punch betrayal. With the Multiverse Saga already playing with alternate timelines, a villainous Cap wouldn’t feel out of place—it’d be a logical, if brutal, extension of everything we’ve seen so far.

How Steve Rogers' villain arc might play out in the MCU

Looking ahead to Avengers: Doomsday, it makes narrative sense for Marvel to lean into shock value. After the Thunderbolts mercifully spared their villainous ranks, the door is open for a darker turn, and nothing shocks quite like Captain America turning his shield inward. Some theorists have pointed out that Kang’s fall could leave a vacuum—one Doctor Doom will happily fill, perhaps recruiting a HYDRA‑aligned Rogers as his ace in the hole.

Recent Marvel livestreams promised major surprises and revealed an enormous roster, suggesting there’s room for a “villain Cap” twist alongside familiar heroes and new faces. If Red Skull’s influence warps Rogers into the MCU’s newest antagonist, Doomsday could redefine heroism, pitting former allies against the symbol they trusted most.

Whether driven by Soul Stone manipulation or cosmic brainwashing, the idea of Steve Rogers as a villain would be Marvel’s boldest gamble yet. As Doomsday approaches, audiences will be poised for a return that redefines our hero—and tests everything we’ve come to believe about Captain America.

Jasmine is a journalist for Primetimer

She graduated with a B.A. in English Literature from Sophia College in Mumbai, where she had the unique opportunity to publish research in social science and media.

Jasmine holds more than three years of experience including an ex-Founder's role at a digital marketing agency called 'Very Weird'. Additionally, she also had stints as a journalist at GrowMeOrganic and Scatter Content. She also worked in the Social Media Management team for beauty and wellness brands, Green Maven and Yoga House Mumbai.

Jasmine is a strict follower of ethics in journalism and stays updated with industry developments in order to improve her craft. She is committed to presenting diverse perspectives, which enriches her storytelling and enhances the relevance of her articles in today’s dynamic media landscape.