She noted that Carter's arc in the film amounted to little more than a cameo
Hayley Atwell voiced disappointment during a London fan convention regarding the abrupt end of her character Peggy Carter's storyline in the 2022 Marvel film Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Speaking at the For the Love of Fantasy & Sci-Fi convention, the actress revealed she felt Carter's alternate-universe Captain America role was underutilized and dismissed too quickly, calling it a disservice to the character's potential. Atwell attended the event to engage with fans and discuss her experiences within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, particularly her portrayal of Carter across multiple projects including Agent Carter and What If...?. The actress explained that while she appreciated the opportunity to reprise Carter as a variant Captain America in the multiverse narrative, the character's brief appearance and subsequent demise left her creatively unsatisfied.
Culture picks
Hayden Christensen Wants to Reunite Original Cast for Live-Action Clone Wars Film
Streaming Giants Slow Down Price Hikes Amid Financial Constraints
Marvel's Missed Opportunities: 5 Characters the MCU Overlooked
Netflix's Bigger Budget Fails: 5 Sci-Fi Disasters Ranked by Rotten Tomatoes ScoresShe noted that Carter's arc in the film amounted to little more than a cameo that ended violently, which she described as completely unfairgiven the depth she had brought to the role in previous installments. Atwell emphasized that fans had responded strongly to Carter's leadership and moral complexity, making the character's abrupt exit feel like a missed opportunity to explore her further within the expanding MCU framework. How Did Fans React to Peggy Carter's Limited Role? Atwell shared that audience reactions at conventions and online had consistently shown enthusiasm for Carter's return, especially in her Captain America guise, which fueled her disappointment over the character's minimal impact in Doctor Strange 2. She recounted how fans often approached her expressing hope for more stories featuring Carter, particularly ones that would allow her to interact meaningfully with other established heroes.
This feedback, she said
This feedback, she said, reinforced her belief that the character deserved a more substantial and respectful conclusion than the one she received in the film. What Does Atwell Hope for Peggy Carter's Future? Looking ahead, Atwell expressed openness to revisiting Peggy Carter in future Marvel projects, provided the character is given a storyline that honors her legacy and allows for meaningful development. She stressed that any return should avoid repeating past mistakes where Carter's presence felt tokenistic or served only to advance others' narratives. While no official plans have been announced, Atwell indicated she remains invested in Carter's journey and would consider reprising the role under the right creative conditions. Frequently Asked Questions Why was Hayley Atwell upset about Peggy Carter's role in Doctor Strange 2?
She felt the character's brief appearance and violent end were a disservice to Carter's established legacy and underutilized her potential as a leading figure in the MCU. Did Hayley Atwell rule out returning as Peggy Carter? No, she said she would consider reprising the role if future projects offered Carter a substantial and respectful storyline. What did fans say about Peggy Carter's portrayal at the convention? Attendees expressed strong support for the character and enthusiasm for seeing her return in more prominent roles within the Marvel universe.
