The Marvel Cinematic Universe is one of cinema’s biggest multiverses, with numerous popular variants of iconic Marvel Comics heroes introduced within the awe-inspiring superhero franchise. Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness, which has recently been added to Disney Plus, features several new takes on some of Marvel’s mightiest heroes, and one of the most compelling is Captain Carter.
First seen in What If …?, Captain Carter’s strong and stern approach to her vigilante lifestyle has led to a few of the superhero saga’s most memorable lines. Her sarcastic exchanges and inspirational speeches have entertained audiences across her appearances in Marvel Studios’ productions, with many viewers left eager to see more of Peggy Carter’s heroic endeavors.
Human Pin Cushion
“I understand this is not the desired outcome, but I can be more than a human pin cushion.”
The multiverse is full of many possibilities, and “What If Captain Carter Were The First Avenger?” offers fans a glimpse into a universe where Peggy rather than Steve was injected with the super-soldier serum. The SSR Agent receives a somewhat rocky start to her superhero career, however, with Colonel Flynn expressing dismay at the prospect of a woman becoming his “super soldier,” leading Peggy to give a particularly snarky response.
This line from Captain Carter reflects her brazen attitude towards her newfound powers, as she advises Flynn that she can be “more than a human pin cushion.” Although she acknowledges the colonel’s disappointment, Peggy shows little time for his misogynistic attitudes, displaying a willingness to assist Flynn and his troops in their fight against the Nazis.
On Black Bolt
“Be grateful Black Bolt does not engage you in conversation.”
Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness’s Illuminati has impressed many moviegoers since the film’s release in May, leaving viewers hoping to see this bold concept receive a further explanation in the MCU.‘s future releases. Among the most popular members of this superhero ensemble is Captain Carter, who takes a decidedly unimpressed stance towards Doctor Strange’s witty remarks.
Captain Carter gives an amusingly sarcastic retort to the sorcerer’s rude comments, with the ultra-confident super soldier advising Strange that he should “be grateful”. Peggy’s dialogue acts as a direct reference to Black Bolt’s powers, which see him capable of causing immense destruction with the sound of his voice, making a conversation with the Inhuman King somewhat unwise.
The Man Inside
“You’re more than the suit. The suit is nothing without the man inside.”
Peggy and Steve are among the greatest couples within the MCU, with their doomed romance having hooked viewers since the release of Captain America: The First Avenger. The pair’s strong relationship is also present in “What If Captain Carter Were The First Avenger?”, With Peggy offering some words of wisdom for her universe’s Steve.
Peggy’s quote perfectly demonstrates her love for Steve, as she reassures her best friend that she views him as a hero. Captain Carter poses the viewpoint that Steve’s bravery comes from within, rather than the Hydra Stomper he uses to fight the Nazi organization, proposing that Howard Stark’s suit would be nothing without “the man inside.”
Screaming To Be Heard
“The way people view me has changed. I’m no longer screaming to be heard, to be seen, to be in the room.”
As the heroic Captain Carter, Peggy lives a much better life in the multiverse than her main MCU counterpart. Her decision to give herself the super-soldier serum results in a significant improvement in her everyday circumstances, which she discusses with Steve following her first few missions with her powers.
This powerful quote showcases Peggy’s happiness at finally being heard, with the SSR Agent having previously been subjected to the sexist attitudes of the Second World War. Captain Carter speaks positively about how she’s finally being listened to by those around her, despite the gender politics of the time, as she describes her relief at no longer having to “scream” to be heard.
Trust
“You’re the one woman I trust to have my six, including now. There are three people you trust in the universe, and I count myself lucky enough to be one of them.”
Black Widow has developed some of the greatest friendships within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with characters including Hawkeye and the Hulk developing a strong rapport with Natasha. What If …? ‘S final episode, entitled “What If The Watcher Broke His Oath ?,” reveals Peggy to be another close friend of Natasha’s within the “Captain Carter” reality, and their camaraderie forms an important aspect of the show’s season finale, as Peggy meets a Natasha from another universe.
Peggy’s words evoke the clear bond which developed between herself and her world’s Black Widow, describing her buddy as “the one woman I trust.” Her heartfelt speech details her strong feelings towards the former Russian assassin, as she aims to convince this universe’s Natasha that she can be trusted, by describing how she feels “lucky” to be one of “her” Natasha’s closest confidants.
All Day
“I can do this all day.”
With its dark screenplay and colorful roster of characters, Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness has produced some of the best quotes. Among the greatest of these are those uttered by Captain Carter, with Hayley Atwell’s powerful super-soldier delivering an especially powerful pronouncement during her battle with Wanda Maximoff.
This bold statement represents Peggy’s defiant attitude in the face of danger, as she bravely proclaims how she can fight the Scarlet Witch “all day.” Additionally, this line provides a neat call-back to the main timeline of Steve Rogers, who had previously uttered these daring words during many of his adventures within the MCU..
Pushing Buttons
“Don’t tell me the American playboy needs help pushing buttons.”
Howard Stark is one of Peggy’s closest allies, with the playboy billionaire providing valuable assistance in her fights against Hydra during the Second World War. “What If Captain Carter Were The First Avenger?” acts as the ideal showcase of the pair’s working relationship, with Howard aiding Peggy’s battle against a multidimensional creature.
Captain Carter’s cheeky wisecracks towards Howard perfectly demonstrate their sparkling chemistry, with Peggy making light of his struggles with Hydra’s portal machine. The courageous vigilante has developed a playful relationship with the Stark Industries CEO, allowing her to lightly mock Howard during their intense missions, without her friend taking offense.
Promote Me
“Then you’d better promote me. ‘Captain’ has a nice ring to it.”
With her “no-nonsense” attitude and her excellent sense of humor, Captain Carter is arguably better than her MCU version. Her vigilante life poses a new set of challenges for Peggy Carter, with one of her biggest hurdles being Colonel Flynn’s sexist outlook, and his protests that she’s “not qualified for field duty” results in one of her best put-downs.
This witty retort in response to Flynn’s words represents Peggy’s assertive nature, as she boldly requests a promotion. Captain Carter refuses to accept the prejudiced viewpoints of the 1940s, preferring instead to prove her impressive capabilities to her detractors, who fail to see the strong and powerful woman inside.
The World Needs Heroes
“The world needs heroes. We made a difficult choice because we knew what our Strange was capable of. Or perhaps, every Doctor Strange is capable of.”
As a highly-skilled sorcerer, Doctor Strange is one of the MCU‘s most powerful superheroes. His indomitable status also makes him a considerable threat, as Captain Carter herself alludes to, during the Illuminati’s meeting with the MCU.‘s Stephen Strange.
Peggy’s dialogue reflects the superhero team’s fears regarding Strange’s remarkable skill set, as she explains their difficult decision to end their Stephen Strange’s life. Captain Carter voices their belief that every Strange is capable of the same questionable acts as their universe’s version of Stephen, whose decision to read the Darkhold caused many problems for the Illuminati.
Mere Mortals
“We mere mortals only dream of such things.”
The super-soldier serum has piqued the interests of many individuals within the MCU, with the scientific creation boasting some truly impressive capabilities. “What If Captain Carter Were The First Avenger?” features Peggy expressing her amazement at the serum’s incredible potential, labeling the marvelous concoction as a “dream.”
These wondrous words by the soon-to-be Captain Carter signify the serum’s importance within the SSR’s fight against Hydra, as she recognizes the advantage creating a super soldier would bring. Peggy views the super-soldier serum as a gift during their war efforts, foreshadowing her future decision to inject the serum and become the heroic Captain Carter.
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