Captain Americais one ofMarvel’s most enduring symbols of heroism, with numerous characters taking on the title in movies and TV shows. While Steve Rogers is the iconic original, modern adaptations have introduced new versions who reflect the evolving nature of what the star-spangled hero represents. From 1940s series tothe MCU timeline, each version adds depth to the character’s evolving legacy.
Captain America has been a pop culture since his comic book debut in 1941. His first live-action depiction happened soon after, and since then has appeared in swathes of movies and television series. While Steve Rogers has dominated these initial appearances, miniversal variants, spiritual successors, and hidden figures from the Super Soldier Program have since emerged, expanding the scope of what (and whom) Captain America represents. With Sam Wilson officially the MCU’s new Captain America, it’s worth noting the other established in movies and television.
9Steve Rogers
Captain America (1979), Captain America II: Death Too Soon (1979), Captain America (1990) & The MCU
Steve Rogers has been portrayed by several actors, but it’sChris Evans’ MCU version that redefined the character for a generation. Before that, Steve first appeared in two made-for-TV movies in 1979, portrayed by Reb Brown. These films modernized the character for that era, giving him a motorcycle and a transparent shield, but lacked comic book fidelity. In 1990, Matt Salinger played Rogers in a low-budget theatrical film that struggled with direction and was ultimately shelved in many regions.
The true renaissance came with the MCU’sCaptain America: The First Avenger(2011), where Evans’ performance as a morally steadfast soldier transformed Rogers into a global icon. Appearing in multiple MCU films, Rogers' arc concluded inAvengers: Endgamewhen he passed the shield to Sam Wilson. Evans’ Cap was not just a super-soldier, butthe heart of the Marvel Universe.
8Sam Wilson
The Marvel Cinematic Universe
Introduced inCaptain America: The Winter Soldier(2014), Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) began as the Falcon, a loyal friend and skilled Air Force veteran whobrought grounded humanity to the Avengers. Initially serving as Steve Rogers' right-hand man, Sam was known for his tactical aerial combat skills and unwavering moral compass. His reluctant acceptance of the Captain America mantle inThe Falcon and the Winter Soldier(2021) marked a major shift in the character’s journey.
The series explored what it means for a Black man to carry the shield, diving into systemic injustice and personal responsibility. Sam’s transformation from sidekick to symbol continued inCaptain America: Brave New World(2025), where he served as the MCU’s new Cap. Sam redefines the role not by replicating Steve Rogers, but bybringing his own voice and valuesto the iconic identity.
7John Walker
The Falcon And The Winter Soldier & Thunderbolts*
John Walker (Wyatt Russell) debuted inThe Falcon and the Winter Soldieras the U.S. government’s chosen successor to Steve Rogers. A decorated soldier with an impressive résumé, Walkerstruggled with the immense pressureof living up to the Captain America name. Unlike Steve, his decisions were often impulsive and morally gray, culminating in a shocking act of public violence that stained the shield’s legacy. Though stripped of the title, Walker’s story didn’t end there.
Walker was later recruited by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine and assumed the mantle of U.S. Agent – a darker counterpart to Captain America. Walker’s character highlights theconflict between governmental authority and moral leadership. His subsequent return inThunderbolts(2025), explored redemption, loyalty, or deeper disillusionment. Walker remains one of the most controversial and layered iterations of Captain America, standing in stark contrast to his predecessors.
6Isaiah Bradley
The Falcon And The Winter Soldier & Captain America: Brave New World
Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly) made his powerful live-action debut inThe Falcon and the Winter Soldier, revealing a hidden chapter of the super-soldier program. A Black soldier experimented on without consent, Isaiah became a forgotten Captain America – imprisoned and erased from history after his service. His story brought asobering, emotional depthto the MCU, highlighting the racial injustices that came with the shield’s legacy.
While he initially discouraged Sam Wilson from taking on the mantle, Isaiah’s perspective ultimately helped shape Sam’s understanding of what kind of Captain America the world needed. Bradley’s return inCaptain America: Brave New World, continued exploring his story and the historical weight of discrimination. His character adds a critical layer to the Captain America mythos, serving as both a tragic cautionary tale and a source of strength for the future of the mantle.
5Captain Carter
What If…? & Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness
Captain Carter isa multiversal twist on the Captain America legend, introduced inWhat If…?(2021). In this alternate timeline, Peggy Carter receives the super-soldier serum instead of Steve Rogers, becoming Britain’s own shield-wielding hero. Voiced by Hayley Atwell – who also portrayed Peggy inThe First Avenger,Agent Carter, andAvengers:Endgame– this version maintains Peggy’s core bravery while adding the physical power of a super-soldier.
Captain Carter later appeared in live-action inDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness(2022) as part of the Illuminati, only to be quickly killed by the Scarlet Witch. Despite her short screen time, Carter’s take on the role hasgained widespread support and was quickly introduced into the comics. As the MCU explores more timelines, Captain Carter remains a standout example of how legacy and identity are fluid across the multiverse.
4Zombie Rogers
What If…?&Marvel Zombies
Zombie Captain America debuted inWhat If…?episode 5, “What If… Zombies?!” – one of the MCU’s darkest alternate realities. After a quantum virus infects the Avengers, Steve Rogers is among the first heroes to fall, becominga grotesque version of his iconic self. While still wielding his shield and possessing super-soldier strength, this undead Cap loses all humanity. Despite his terrifying appearance, the story preserves Steve’s recognizable silhouette and fighting style, turning his heroic image into a nightmarish one.
The character made a brutal impression, slicing through former allies and posing a major threat to the surviving heroes. He’s expected to return inMarvel Zombies, an animated spin-off series that expands the horror-centric timeline. Zombie Cap offersa grim inversion of the character’s ideals– once a symbol of hope, now a monster – showing just how far the MCU’s multiverse can bend its heroes.
3Rogers Hood
What If…? Season 2, Episode 3 “What If… The Avengers Assembled in 1602?”
Rogers Hood appears inWhat If…?season 2, episode 3, which blends the Robin Hood mythos with Marvel characters in a medieval-inspired alternate universe. In this version, Steve Rogers is recast as “Rogers of the Hood,” a vigilante fighting against tyrannical forces in King Thor’s kingdom. Still with his Super Soldier powers, hesimilarly embodies Steve’s innate sense of justice, bravery, and rebellion.
His weapon of choice remains his famed shield, but it is beautifully redesigned in a Medieval style. Though more of a fun tribute than a central storyline, Rogers Hood showcases how the essence of Steve’s moralitycan exist outside traditional superhero tropes. The episode plays with archetypes in a fantasy setting, further emphasizing that Captain America is less about powers and more about standing for the oppressed – no matter the world or era.
2HYDRA Stomper
3 Episodes Of What If…?
The HYDRA Stomper isWhat If…?’s alternate take on Steve Rogers when Peggy Carter becomes Captain Carter. In this timeline, Steve – still a skinny but determined young man – fights alongside Peggy in a massive suit of armor built by Howard Stark. Dubbed the HYDRA Stomper, the suit resembles a proto-Iron Man design andallows Steve to remain a hero despite lacking the serum.
Steve and Peggy form a battle-hardened duo, reversing their traditional MCU roles. Later episodes tease a tragic fate, showing the Stomper reawakened in the future under possible mind control. The idea of a powerless Steve fighting from inside a machine adds a compelling layer to his character,preserving his courage while reimagining his means. It’s a clever nod to both the Iron Man legacy and Steve’s core heroism, showing he doesn’t need powers to be a symbol of resistance.
1Grant Gardner
1944 Captain America Serial
Long before the MCU, Captain America first appeared in a 15-part serial in 1944 – though not as Steve Rogers. Instead, he was Grant Gardner, a district attorney who donned the costume to fight crime in his city. Played by Dick Purcell, this version had no super-soldier serum, no vibranium shield, andlittle resemblance to his comic book counterpart. Gardner wielded a gun and tackled mobsters and mad scientists in a noir-style setting.
The serial was made during World War II, intendedmore as patriotic propaganda than comic book accuracy. Though now largely forgotten or viewed as a curiosity, this serial marked the first live-action appearance of Captain America on screen. While it strayed far from the source material, it paved the way for future adaptations, proving that even in its earliest form, the idea ofCaptain Americacould capture the public imagination.
