The Marvel Cinematic Universe quietly dropped the first Avengers Doomsday trailer on July 20. A treasure trove of superhero character reprisals and additions,
the latest (and first) trailer of Doomsday also gave fans a glimpse at Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers returning in a spectacular moment he shared with Chris Hemsworth’s Thor. The Marvel Cinematic Universe has never shied away from shocking twists (Rogers’ return was certainly one), but a new fan theory surrounding Doomsday is taking speculation to a spectacular new level. Even since Chris Evans’ surprise return was teased, one conspiracy theory that has been going viral is whether the Steve Rogers we see really Captain America, or is Marvel setting up one of the most controversial comic book storylines ever – Hydra Cap? The theory has gained traction on social media after a page called Marvel Mania shared a post claiming so. While Marvel Studios has remained completely silent on Evans' role, the Twitter handle and eagle-eyed viewers believe there are enough clues to suggest that the Steve Rogers appearing in the film may not be the heroic Avenger audiences have loved for over a decade.
Why Do We Think It's Hydra Cap
One of the biggest talking points is the fact that the Steve Rogers’ appearance in the trailer. Instead of the clean-cut look associated with Captain America, this version sports longer hair. While a hairstyle alone does not prove anything, MCU may have deliberately altered his look to hint that something is off.
The biggest clue, according to believers of the theory, is Thor's reaction. In footage shown so far, Thor appears genuinely stunned upon seeing Steve Rogers. Fans argue that this isn't the joyful reunion one would expect between two longtime Avengers. Instead, his expression has been interpreted as shock.
But Who Is Hydra Cap?
The Hydra Cap storyline comes from Marvel Comics' controversial 2017 Secret Empire event. However, the controversial reveal that Steve Rogers was a deep-cover Hydra agent actually debuted in 2016 in Captain America: Steve Rogers #1. Through cosmic manipulation involving the sentient Cosmic Cube known as Kobik, Steve Rogers' history was rewritten, making him believe he had always been a loyal Hydra operative. Where Captain America has long represented freedom, justice, and resistance against fascism, Hydra Cap manipulated heroes, seized control of the United States, and positioned Hydra as the world's dominant power.
Could Robert Downey Jr’s Doctor Doom Be Working With Hydra?
With Robert Downey Jr set to return to MCU as Doctor Doom, some fans believe Doom may be assembling powerful allies from alternate realities and timelines. In such a context, Hydra Cap could become one of his greatest weapons - a familiar face capable of deceiving Earth's Mightiest Heroes. Rather than confronting the Avengers head-on, Doom could be exploiting their trust by introducing a Steve Rogers who looks almost identical to the original but secretly serves his own agenda. This could work given the multiversal storyline that MCU has been following since Endgame.
The Mjolnir Twist
There is another intriguing possibility. In Secret Empire, Hydra Cap was even able to lift Mjolnir under unique circumstances. While many initially viewed this as impossible, the comic suggested that deception, altered reality, and Odin's enchantment created conditions allowing it to happen. In the trailer of Avengers: Doomsday there is a moment where this mysterious Steve Rogers wields Thor's hammer. If indeed he is Hydra Cap, such a reveal would instantly become one of the MCU's biggest surprises.
Is The Real Steve Rogers Still Out There?
Theories also suggest that the original Captain America - complete with his classic short-haired appearance - will be back for Avengers: Secret Wars. The film is already expected to feature multiple realities colliding, making it the ideal stage for the real Steve Rogers to face his Hydra counterpart.
Avengers Doomsday Trailer
The first trailer of Avengers Doomsday saw returning Avengers including Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Paul Rudd as Ant-Man and Chris Evans as Captain America/ Hydra Cap while Fantastic Four’s Pedro Pascal, X-Men’s Patrick Stewart, Black Panther’s Letitia Wright and Thunderbolts’ Florence Pugh also appear. One also got a glimpse of Ian McKellen's Magneto and Robert Downey Jr's Doctor Doom. Avengers: Doomsday is releasing on 18 December, the same date as Dune: Part Three
