Marvel Reinforces Controversial Phase 4 Narrative Three Years Later

Marvel Studios’ hit animated series What If…? season 3 has once again brought attention to a controversial storyline involving Sharon Carter, a character played by Emily VanCamp. Originally introduced in the 2014 film Captain America: The Winter Soldier as Peggy Carter’s niece, Sharon became embroiled in an unexpected romantic entanglement with Steve Rogers, complicating her character arc in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). After her notable role in Civil War, where she assisted Steve and Sam Wilson, Sharon’s sudden disappearance left fans wondering about her fate until her shocking return in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.

In The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, audiences learned that Sharon Carter had become a fugitive after aiding heroes during the events of Civil War. She relocated to the murky underbelly of Madripoor, where she reinvented herself as an art and antiquities dealer. However, what shocked many was her revelation as the nefarious Power Broker—a twist that left fans puzzled and disappointed. While Emily VanCamp’s participation in future MCU live-action projects remains unconfirmed, her reprisal as Sharon in What If…? reinforces the notion of her character’s villainous trajectory.

Sharon Carter Returns in What If…? Season 3: Embracing the Dark Side

Brief Appearance in What If…? Season 3, Episode 5

Sharon Carter as the Power Broker in What If...? season 3

In the fifth episode of season 3, titled “What If… the Emergence Destroyed the Earth?”, Sharon Carter’s character remains rooted in villainy. The episode presents a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by the emergence of the Celestial Tiamut, alongside a conflict instigated by a nanite-enhanced Mysterio and his malevolent Iron Federation, featuring a corrupted White Vision. In this bleak reality, Sharon reaffirms her identity as the Power Broker, presenting young hero Riri Williams with a seemingly innocuous easy-bake oven—a tool she transforms into a weapon.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAeV0cRDMG4

What If…? Season 3 | The Vision Attacks | Disney+ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAeV0cRDMG4)

Sharon Carter’s continued portrayal as the Power Broker—three years post-reveal—signals Marvel’s commitment to this storyline. Speculation suggests that Emily VanCamp could reprise her role in live-action, potentially expanding her character’s villainous arc in future projects, such as Captain America: Brave New World. However, this direction may provoke further backlash among fans.

The Controversy Surrounding Sharon Carter’s Villainous Turn

Sharon Carter’s Transformation into the Power Broker

The significant backlash regarding Sharon Carter’s turn as the Power Broker stems from her established character history. She was consistently portrayed as a loyal hero, aligned with the ideals of SHIELD and trusted by figures like Nick Fury to safeguard Steve Rogers during tumultuous times. This image starkly contrasts with her role as a criminal overlord in Madripoor.

Audiences were left without a clear explanation for Sharon’s drastic change, heightening frustration. Many fans feel that the lack of detail regarding her transformation into the Power Broker, alongside the absence of discourse on the implications for the Carter family’s legacy, is a serious oversight. Numerous viewers express hopes that Marvel Studios might redeem her character arc in the future, perhaps positioning her as a double agent still aligned with Nick Fury. However, the events of What If…? suggest that her villainous identity will persist, complicating potential redemption in future live-action narratives.

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