Hayley Atwell recently expressed her dissatisfaction with her role as Captain Carter in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.” Known for her portrayal of Peggy Carter since “Captain America: The First Avenger,” Atwell returned as an alternate version of her character in 2022’s adventure. Although her cameo initially delighted fans, Atwell, in an interview on the Reign with Josh Smith podcast, shared her discontent with her character’s development. She felt Captain Carter was defeated too easily, and lamented the limited screentime devoted to the character.
Reflecting on her experience in “Multiverse of Madness,” Atwell conveyed her frustration at what seemed to be a lost opportunity, stating, “I was doing a cameo in Doctor Strange, as Captain Carter, and it’s like, blink and you’ll miss me.” She was particularly affronted by the scene where Carter, after declaring, “I could do this all day,” meets an untimely demise by her own shield, which Atwell felt undermined the character. “It just got pulled out from her. It’s kind of a funny moment,” she remarked, albeit with a trace of consternation.
After over a decade with Peggy Carter, Atwell was perturbed by the portrayal of her character’s demise as comedic, even within the context of an alternate reality. However, she was cautious not to impose herself too forcefully and endeavored to provide constructive feedback. Despite her careful approach, her input was not well-received, facing resistance and what she perceived as a slight.
Recalling a conversation with a senior team member, Atwell recounted, “I remember going up to, to a very lovely person who was in a very high position there… I was like, ‘Oh, do you think maybe we could…’” Yet, she found herself met with a sarcastic retort, suggesting her feedback might not be properly considered. The exchange concluded on a lighter note, with her colleague quipping, “Don’t worry,” to which Atwell cheekily responded, “You can’t bully me. I’ve got a jetpack on.”
Ultimately, Atwell’s insights may not have significantly influenced the film’s final cut, as Captain Carter’s role remained limited. However, fans and Atwell alike hold out hope that Carter may be more prominently featured in future projects. Having already portrayed Carter in the “What If…?” series, it is evident that the Marvel Cinematic Universe is not yet done with the character.
As Atwell continues to integrate feedback and advocate for her character, the anticipation for more substantial involvement in future Marvel films remains, hinting at the potential for Captain Carter to command a stronger, more central presence the next time she graces the screen.
