Summary
Captain America’s shield is typically associated with Steve Rogers in theMCU, but several other Marvel characters have also wielded the famed weapon. Captain America first received the shield inthe MCU timelineinCaptain America: The First Avenger, and has used the weapon in each of his outings since. While typically used by the various Captain America’s in the MCU, several other characters have also used the shield throughout the franchise’s history, and likely inthe MCU’s future.
Captain America’s shield stands as an enduring symbol of heroism and resilience in theMarvel Cinematic Universe movies. Crafted by Tony Stark’s father from Vibranium, the shield is virtually indestructible and serves as both a formidable weapon and a defensive tool. Passed down through generations, the shield embodies the legacy of Captain America and the ideals he represents. Its iconic design and significance to the MCU make it a revered and cherished artifact, evoking a sense of inspiration and hope for both characters and audiences alike.
All Marvel Movies Releasing In 2024
The Marvel movies releasing in 2024 offer a range of film experiences - and some confusion, due to the changed dates of several incoming installments.
Steve Rogers’s Captain America Is The Main Wielder Of The Shield
Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
Captain America’s shield is one of the most iconic elements of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and has been primarily used by Steve Rogers, the original Captain America. Steve first discovered the shield in Howard Stark’s laboratory during World War II inThe First Avenger.He subsequentlyused the weapon throughout the MCUuntil his retirement inAvengers: Endgame’sending,when he passed on the shield to Sam Wilson.
Captain America’s shield is shown to be both a versatile weapon and as providing effective cover to oncoming attacks. Stever Rogers used the shield in the fight against Thanos, wielding it with Thor’s mighty Mjölnir in the climactic final battle inAvengers: Endgame. The shield played a pivotal role in these battles, underscoring its significance andenduring as an emblem of courage and justicein the MCU.
Steve Rogers was last depicted with the shield after returning the Infinity Stones to their correct places in the MCU timeline. By giving the shield to Sam Wilson, Rogers alsopassed on the mantle of Captain Americato him. As a result, both the shield and Captain America will continue to play a key role in the MCU’s future.
Captain America: The First Avenger
Cast
Captain America: The First Avenger follows Steve Rogers, a frail man from Brooklyn transformed into the super-soldier Captain America during World War II. As he aids the war effort, Rogers confronts Red Skull, who seeks world domination through a powerful device for a nefarious organization.
Bucky Barnes Wielded The Shield As A Hero & A Villain
Captain America: The First Avenger, Captain America: The Winter Soldier & Captain America: Civil War
Steve Rogers' faithful friend Bucky Barneshas wielded Captain America’s shield as a weapon more than any other characterin the MCU. Bucky first used the shield to defend himself while battling HYDRA troops on a train inCaptain America: The First Avenger. This occurs moments before he seemingly plummeted to his death.
When Bucky returned inCaptain America: The Winter Soldier, he gained control of the shield while fighting Captain America. As the Winter Soldier, Buckyused the mighty weapon against his friend. Later, during the events ofCaptain America: Civil War, Bucky and Captain America use the shield together to devastating effect while subduing Iron Man.
Bucky Barnes later handled Captain America’s shield inFalcon and the Winter Soldier, primarily while aiding Sam Wilson’s training to become the next Captain America. Bucky’s relationship with Captain America’s shield isrepresentative of his relationship with each Captain America. In the MCU, Bucky has journeyed from friend to villain, to ally, to mentor, and each of his interactions with the shield has reflected this.
James Montgomery Falsworth Hands Captain America The Shield
Captain Aerica: The First Avenger (2011)
DuringCaptain America: The First Avenger, the Howling Commandos aid Steve Rogers on his heroic mission to defeat the Red Skull. Of that group, James Montgomery Falsworth stands as the sole individual depicted tossing Captain America’s shield. This pivotal moment occurred following the Commandos' daring zipline infiltration of Red Skull’s fortress, where theyquickly engaged the Hydra forces in battle.
In the ensuing turmoil, Red Skull, overcome with panic, mistakenly fires upon one of his own soldiers before fleeing in retreat. As the chaos unfolds, a Hydra operative momentarily wields Captain America’s iconic shield before meeting his demise at the hands of the Commandos. Seizing the opportune moment,Falsworth swiftly retrieves the shield from the fallen adversary, then deftly hurls it to Steve Rogers, enabling him to give chase to the fleeing Red Skull.
Montgomery distinguishes himself in this action-packed sequence, showcasing his valor and resourcefulness during the chaos of battle. In Marvel Comics, James Montgomery Falsworth is known as the hero, Union Jack. As a result, this brief scene inCaptain America: The First Avengerissuggestive of his comic book counterpart.
Black Widow Gives Captain America Back His Shield
Avengers: Age Of Ultron (2015)
The MCU’s Black Widow demonstrated her proficiency at wielding Captain America’s shield duringAvengers: Age of Ultron. The first example occurred when Captain America briefly lost the shield while battling Ultron. Natasha Romanoffraced towards it on her motorcycleand tossed it back to him as he engaged the villain in combat.
Later in theAgeof Ultron’s climactic showdown, Captain America threw Black Widow the shield to use while fighting Ultron copies. Natasha used it to defend herself and then destroy several of the villainous robots before returning the shield to Captain America. Her adeptness with the weaponhighlighted her versatility and combat prowess.
In these scenes, Natasha Romanoff truly demonstrated her deadly capabilities. This sequence underscored Black Widow’s invaluable contribution to the team and her adaptability in utilizing iconic weaponry in battle. It also allowed for a lot of dynamic action sequences with Captain America,demonstrating their impressive teamwork.
Avengers: Age of Ultron
Avengers: Age of Ultron, released in 2015, follows Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, including Iron Man and Captain America, as they contend with Ultron, a rogue AI with plans for global annihilation. This Marvel sequel sees The Avengers form uneasy alliances and embark on a perilous global adventure to thwart Ultron’s schemes.
Hawkeye Throws Captain America His Shield
Hawkeye has only used Captain America’s shield once in the MCU, duringAvengers: Age of Ultron.While the Avengers partied in the Avengers Tower near the beginning of the movie, theteam was caught off-guard when Ultron attacked. With Captain America out of reach of his iconic shield, the situation appears dire.
However, Hawkeye proved to be a crucial ally in this moment of crisis. Reacting swiftly to the unfolding chaos, he seized Captain America’s shield andexpertly hurled it across the room to Steve Rogers. This timely intervention allows Captain America to regain his most trusted weapon, enabling him to swiftly join the fray and confront the formidable threat posed by Ultron inAvengers: Age of Ultron.
Hawkeye’s actions underscored his unwavering commitment to his teammates and his ability to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances. It revealed his quick thinking and resourcefulness whiledemonstrating his impressive accuracy and fighting skills. Though extremely brief, this scene inAge of Ultrontruly reflected Hawkeye’s importance as a pivotal member of the Avengers team.
Sam Wilson Is Bestowed The Captain America Shield
Avengers: Endgame, Falcon And The Winter Soldier & Captain America Brave New World
Sam Wilson’s journey with Captain America’s shield is a compelling narrative arc in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, symbolizing legacy, responsibility, and the evolution of heroism. First introduced as the Falcon, Sam becomes the inheritor of the at the conclusion ofAvengers: Endgame. This moment was botha passing of the torch and recognition of Sam’s heroic qualities.
InThe Falcon and The Winter Soldier, Sam grappled with the weight of this legacy, initially feeling unworthy of wielding the shield. His journey is marked by a deep internal struggle and an understanding of what the shield truly represents. By the series' end, Sam fully embraces his new identity as Captain America, demonstrating that the true power of the shield lies not in its Vibranium composition, but inthe values and determination of the person wielding it.
Sam’s use of the shield combined his agility and aerial combat abilities with the shield’s defensive and offensive capabilities. This combination revitalized the shield’s role,merging the legacy of Captain America with Sam’s distinctive fighting style. The symbolically representedSam Wilson’s evolution in the MCUinto the next Captain America.
John Walker Becomes The New Captain America
Falcon And The Winter Soldier (2021)
John Walker, also known as US Agent, made his MCU debut as a complex character inThe Falcon and The Winter Soldier.Walker is notable forwavering between villainy and antiheroism in the MCU, especially following his controversial use of Captain America’s shield. Walker was introduced as theUS Government’s choice as the next Captain America, leading to the surprising decision to hand Captain America’s shield to him early in the series.
ThroughoutFalcon and the Winter Soldier, Walkergrappled with the weight of the mantle he’s been given. Overwhelmed with pressure and emotion, Walker uses the shield to violently murder somebody in broad daylight. This finally led him to lose both the Captain America shield and the title to Sam Wilson, a more deserving successor to the Captain America legacy.
Walker’s arc inThe Falcon and The Winter Soldierserved as a compellingexploration of the complexities of heroism and the consequences of wielding power. However, Walker’s story is far from over. Valentina Allegra de Fontaine recruited him for a mysterious endeavor and will appear in the MCU’sThunderbolts.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
Set after the events of Avengers: Endgame, this series follows Sam Wilson (Falcon) and Bucky Barnes (Winter Soldier) as they embark on a global adventure. The duo faces new and old threats, testing their abilities and patience while navigating their roles in a post-blip world.
Captain Carter Wields Her Captain America Shield Variant
Doctor Strange And The Multiverse Of Madness (2022)
Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness, includes a British variant of Captain America, Captain Carter. Based on the MCU’s Agent Carter being bestowed the supersoldier serum. As such,Captain Carter boasts her own equivalent of the shield, emblazoned with the UK’s Union Jack flag.
As the stakes escalated, Captain Carter valiantly attempted to wield her shield against the Scarlet Witch, only to face an unforeseen consequence. Scarlet Witch expertly deflected the shield, resulting in a tragic turn of events that led to Captain Carter’s demise. Despite this, Captain Carter and her iconic shieldcontinue to resonate throughout the multiverse.
Carter reappears later in Marvel’sWhat If…?series, during which she wields the mighty shield. This ongoing legacy serves as a testament toCaptain Carter’s unwavering heroism and the enduring symbol of hoperepresented by her shield. While not technically the same shield asCaptain America, Captain Carter’s usage of the iconic weapon is one of the most notable in the MCU.
Doctor Strange In the Multiverse of Madness
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness follows Doctor Strange as he navigates diverse and perilous alternate realities in the Multiverse with the aid of mystical allies. Directed by Sam Raimi, this installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe introduces a mysterious new adversary.
