Hayley Atwell Disappointed with Captain Carter's Brief Role

Hayley Atwell Not Sold on Captain Carter's "Doctor Strange 2" Cameo

Marvel/MCU: Hayley Atwell, known for bringing Peggy Carter to life in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), recently opened up about her disappointment with Captain Carter's role in "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness."

Atwell's Captain Carter appeared in a blink-and-you'll-miss-it scene. The super soldier confidently declared she could fight "all day," only to be swiftly defeated by the Scarlet Witch. This anticlimactic portrayal left Atwell feeling frustrated.

In an interview on the "Happy Sad Confused" podcast, Atwell expressed her preference for Captain Carter's arc in the animated series "What If...?" There, Captain Carter received a more substantial role, showcasing her strength and heroism.

"I felt like I had much more to do in the 'What If...?' series," Atwell said. "So it felt like a frustrating moment in 'Doctor Strange' because you're like, 'This is it…' " Her voice trailed off, mimicking the abrupt end to Captain Carter's appearance.

Atwell jokingly addressed the fan response to Captain Carter's quick demise. "I get so much slack [from fans]," she said. "It wasn't my choice!" She playfully referenced the scene where Captain Carter boasts about fighting all day, then gets sliced in half. "'And the audience is like, 'She can't do it all day. Apparently you can't, so egg on your face,'" Atwell said, imitating the viewers' reaction.

While the film might not have delivered the Captain Carter story Atwell envisioned, she acknowledged the fun aspect of voice acting in the animated series. "Any actor will tell you, being able to go into a booth and do an animation is great fun," she said. "You're focused on your voice as the instrument and your main performative tool."

This isn't the first time Atwell has hinted at wanting more from Peggy Carter. In a previous interview, she spoke about the character's potential return. "It depends on what Marvel and what the audiences want," she said. "I'm a custodian of her."

Fans have grown fond of Peggy Carter, a strong and resourceful woman who paved the way for future generations of heroes. Atwell's portrayal has resonated with audiences, making Captain Carter's wasted potential in "Doctor Strange 2" sting a little more.

However, there's always a chance for Captain Carter to return in a more prominent role. The MCU is known for its interconnected stories and surprise appearances. Perhaps fans haven't seen the last of this valiant super soldier.

One thing's for certain: Hayley Atwell remains a champion of Peggy Carter's legacy. Whether on the big screen or through animation, she continues to breathe life into this beloved character.