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In spite of everything he's stood for in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Steve Rogers has arguably generated more suspicion among fans than any other hero in Avengers: Doomsday. Ever since it was confirmed that Evans would be returning to the MCU for the movie, there's been heavy speculation that this Steve Rogers isn't who he presents himself to be. Rather, the prevailing theory is that he is an impostor or a traitor.
As for how reveal of that nature would be explained within the story, theories on that subject vary. One of the most talked-about possibilities pertains to the 2016 Marvel Comics storyline that introduced "HydraCap." The concept of "HydraCap" is built on the idea that a change to the timeline resulted in the creation of an evil Steve Rogers. Given how Avengers: Endgame used time travel to end Steve's story, Avengers: Doomsday doing its own take on "HydraCap" is hardly implausible.
There's also the matter of what the movie has done with Robert Downey Jr. and the notion that Steve's story was supposedly over after Endgame. Unless the MCU truly is planning to undo the finality of that story, it may be that it's introducing a different, more sinister version of Captain America. That approach could go hand-in-hand with Doomsday's Doctor Doom having the same face as one of the other founding Avengers. Theoretically, both the MCU's Iron Man and Captain America actors may be playing villains now.
That said, the full trailer for Avengers: Doomsday reveals nothing to indicate that Chris Evans' character harbors any ill intentions. In fact, the trailer appeared to assure viewers that this is the real Steve by having him hold Mjolnir. But perhaps by openly selling him as such, the movie has only reinforced theories that Avengers: Doomsday is hiding a massive twist about his real loyalties.
So whether he can wield Mjolnir or not, Evans' character in the upcoming Phase 6 film will continue to be a major source of suspicion. And that may help Avengers: Doomsday distract from another betrayal it may very well be setting up. After all, there's another major character in the cast who would otherwise be an obvious choice for the part of a traitor.
Namor Is A Frequent Ally To Doctor Doom In Marvel Comics
ultimate doctor doom vs namor
It's important to note that one of Doctor Doom's most important partners-in-crime in Marvel Comics happens to have a role in Avengers: Doomsday. Tenoch Huerta will reprise his role as Namor from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in the movie. Considering his recent alliance with Shuri, it stands to reason that in spite of his villainous role in Wakanda Forever, he'll be on the side of the heroes working against Doctor Doom.
Or, at least, that may be how Namor's role is initially perceived. In the classic comics, Namor was someone Doctor Doom would often seek out help from when he felt he needed an ally. For the most part, their alliances stemmed from their shared animosity of the Fantastic Four. During the 1960s, Namor - much like Doom himself - was a key member of the Fantastic Four's rogues' gallery. Namor agreed to join forces with Doom for the first time in Fantastic Four #6, but the latter ultimately betrayed him, forcing Namor to reluctantly help the heroes.
The story laid the foundation for a long-running pattern. In the years that followed, Doctor Doom and Namor found various reasons to partner up, only for their alliances to end with one betraying the other. Their relationship became so prominent that it even became the subject of its own Marvel Comics series, as the 1970s title, Marvel Super Villain Team-Up, was originally written as a story about Doctor Doom and Namor trying to pursue a common goal.
Why Doctor Doom Could Team Up With Namor In Avengers: Doomsday
While their ties were born from their mutual dislike of the Fantastic Four in Marvel Comics, the same obviously can't be true of their MCU counterparts. The MCU's Namor has yet to build a connection to the team, but that's not to say he'd have no motive for allying with Doom. Another of Namor's top priorities in the source material - and one that's certainly shared by the MCU character - is his devotion to his kingdom. Notably, this was the basis of their alliance in Marvel Super Villain Team Up.
In the comic book series, Namor turned to Doctor Doom when the people of Atlantis fell into a coma-like state. Quite predictably, Doom used Namor's predicament to his advantage. It's possible that, perhaps behind the scenes, Doom weaponizes Namor's obligations to Talokan to coerce him into doing his bidding. If an alliance was made in secret (and offscreen), Namor suddenly turning on the heroes could be used to serve as one of Avengers: Doomsday's biggest twists.
Developing a dynamic for Namor and Doom could make a great deal of sense for the movie, for many of the same reasons that it worked so well in the comic books. As ambitious rulers of their own kingdoms and people seen as outsiders to the rest of civilization, Namor and Doom were easily able to find common ground. Plus, there's the matter of the forces at Namor's command. It's not clear yet how much manpower Doom will have at his disposal going into the movie, so it may be that he'll recognize Talokan as a valuable asset.
Namor Is The Biggest Wild Card In Avengers: Doomsday
Namor in Black Panther Wakanda Forever
Namor's role in Marvel Comics is extremely nuanced, as he's so much more than just a hero or a villain. He's been an Avenger, a Defender, an X-Man, as well as a member of both the Illuminati and their evil counterpart, the Cabal. His many shifts can be attributed largely to his complex moral compass. Traditionally, Namor is depicted as a man with a strong sense of honor, a deep love for his people, and loyalty to his allies. But at the same time, he's also arrogant, distrusting of others (particularly humans), and prone to flying off the handle.
These aspects of his personality have allowed Marvel Comics tremendous flexibility when it comes to his roles in its stories. And for the most part, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever offered an accurate portrayal of the character, so it's not difficult to imagine further MCU appearances - such as his upcoming part in Avengers: Doomsday - inventing a scenario where Namor finds himself on the same side as Doctor Doom, even if it ends as soon as one decides to betray the other.
Release Date December 18, 2026
Runtime 165 Minutes
Vanessa Kirby
Sue Storm / Invisible Woman
Johnny Storm / Human Torch
Ebon Moss-Bachrach
Ben Grimm / The Thing