The MCU is about to change thanks to Avengers: Infinity War, and it may leave Captain America unprepared for what comes after. The First Avenger has cut a particularly dynamic figure in the trailers and TV spots for the culminating chapter in Marvel’s shared cinematic universe. As one of the founding figures of Marvel and Disney’s 14 billion dollar franchise, Cap is certain to be drastically altered by the battle with Thanos in Infinity War - though how, exactly, remains to be seen.

The sentinel of liberty has faced many challenges over the years, especially once the Russo Brothers started directing his movies. While things have settled down a bit for Steve Rogers since the events of Captain America: Civil War, Infinity War looks to put the character in a precarious position. The Russos previously indicated that Steve has essentially become Nomad by the time Infinity War picks up, and his status as a scruffy fugitive from justice may force him to confront some hard truths in the film.

When Screen Rant visited the set of Infinity War, we learned that Steve’s story will be taking a very interesting turn in the film. The character has been at the heart of the most dramatic developments in the MCU so far, from the revelation that Hydra had infiltrated S.H.I.E.L.D. to the schism that tore the Avengers apart. Because Steve has played such a pivotal role in the MCU, Infinity War writer Christopher Markus says he will be challenged more than any other MCU superhero in the film. For related reasons, the writer doesn’t really view Infinity War and Avengers 4 as an epilogue to Steve’s personal journey either:

I think no, I wouldn’t call them epilogue and say this is the this is the hardest fight he’s ever had and he might be facing some truths he isn’t preparing for.

With Chris Evans set to leave the MCU soon, Infinity War and Avengers 4 will have to bring some form of closure to Steve’s personal journey. However, with the future of the Captain America mantle in the MCU up in the air, it’s not clear what “closure” will mean for the Steve Rogers character. The writing is on the wall either way, the only thing that’s left to reveal now is how, exactly, Steve will make his exit.

As Marvel Studios moves into planning Phase 4 of the MCU, it’s probably a good time for Captain America to be leaving the stage anyway. Newly-introduced MCU players are taking over the spotlight now, with characters like Shuri and Black Panther being the most obvious examples. With projects like Moon Knight and an Eternals movie also in the pipeline at the moment, the future MCU is shaping up to be very different than the world of superheroes that Steve Rogers existed in.

That doesn’t mean that Steve needs to go out in a hard fashion (read: dying in a tragic way). Nothing has been easy for him since he became Captain America and he’s arguably already paid the price that comes with being a true hero. Even so, based on what Markus had to say, Steve will have (at least) one more major challenge to overcome before he’s allowed to permanently retire his shield.

MORE: Marvel Really is Holding Back Phase 4 Details Until Avengers 4

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