Marvel’s Overlooked Power Broker: Sharon Carter’s Vanishing Act

Sharon Carter has long played a pivotal role in the Captain America saga, not merely as a skilled operative but also, for a time, as Steve Rogers’ romantic interest. Yet, it was only towards the conclusion of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier that Emily VanCamp’s portrayal of Carter truly came into its own, revealing a far more complex and morally ambiguous character than audiences had previously seen.

The Power Broker Emerges

Throughout her appearances, Carter has consistently demonstrated a rebellious streak—whether in Captain America: The Winter Soldier or the third instalment, Captain America: Civil War. However, her most striking transformation occurred in the second Marvel Cinematic Universe series, where she was unmasked as the Power Broker, a clandestine dealer in stolen technology and government secrets. The post-credits scene, in which Carter makes a cryptic phone call to an unknown party, hinted at a much larger scheme in the works.

This tantalising development seemed to set the stage for Carter’s return in the next Captain America film. Yet, to the disappointment of her supporters, she was nowhere to be found in the 2025 release, Captain America: Brave New World, starring Anthony Mackie. Her absence has left many wondering about her fate and the direction of her storyline.

Hydra’s Shadow and the Captain Hydra Theory

With Carter’s new-found government access and a pardon for her previous actions, her influence has only grown. The question remains: why have both Carter and Hydra, two significant forces, been conspicuously missing from recent Marvel outings? Some have speculated that Hydra is quietly orchestrating a major plot, with their sights set on the outcast U.S. Agent. Unlike the comics, where Steve Rogers dons the mantle of Captain Hydra, this theory suggests John Walker could be manipulated into assuming the role instead.

It’s plausible that Carter, rather than aligning herself with Hydra, is simply capitalising on the chaos for personal gain—perhaps profiting from the so-called Captain Hydra Project. As these shadowy figures keep their distance from the main heroes, there’s speculation they could resurface in the much-anticipated ensemble, Avengers: Doomsday. Here, the threat may not be limited to Dr Victor von Doom, but could also include a transformed U.S. Agent as Captain Hydra.

Madripoor, Mutants, and the X-Men Connection

Another layer to Carter’s story is her control over Madripoor’s black market, a location steeped in Marvel lore. Madripoor is famously where Wolverine once sought refuge under the alias Patch, operating in the city’s underbelly during the 1980s. The Marvel Cinematic Universe has already alluded to Wolverine’s existence, notably in She-Hulk, raising the possibility that Carter is already aware of this mutant’s presence.

With the MCU’s Mutant Saga on the horizon, or perhaps a future X-Men versus Avengers event, Carter’s connections in Madripoor could prove significant. Her dealings may well serve as a bridge to the introduction of the 616 X-Men, further intertwining her fate with the broader narrative.

Critical Reception and Fan Theories

For those keeping score, The Falcon and The Winter Soldier holds a 7.1/10 rating on IMDb and an 85% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, while Captain America: Brave New World sits at 5.6/10 and 46% respectively. These figures reflect the mixed reception to recent developments, with many fans eager for answers regarding Carter’s future and the unresolved plot threads she represents.

All MCU entries are available to watch on Disney+.