In the world of comics, superhero mantles are passed from character to character without a second thought. That’s especially true within the Marvel universe: multiple versions of iconic heroes exist in tandem, sometimes even simultaneously. There are two Hawkeyes, multiple versions of Captain Marvel, and at least 10 characters that have taken on the Captain America name. For the most part, it’s a system that makes sense — but keeping that same energy within Marvel’s Cinematic Universe has been practically impossible.
It’s not easy saying goodbye to the characters that formed the foundations of the MCU: one needn’t look further than Robert Downey Jr’s upcoming return (as Doctor Doom, of all people) to see how fiercely Marvel is clinging to the past. But it’s been five years since Iron Man, Black Widow, Captain America, and more departed in Avengers: Endgame, and the franchise is struggling to move on with new heroes.
