Marvel’s Forgotten Power Broker: Sharon Carter’s Ongoing Absence

Sharon Carter has played a pivotal role in the Captain America saga, not just as a skilled operative but also as a brief romantic interest for Steve Rogers. Yet, it was only towards the end of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier that Emily VanCamp’s portrayal of Carter truly took a darker turn, revealing new layers to her character.

Throughout her appearances, Carter has always been a bit of a rebel. Whether in Captain America: The Winter Soldier or the third instalment, Captain America: Civil War, she’s never been one to simply follow orders. But it was in the second Marvel Cinematic Universe series that her most ruthless side emerged. In the post-credits scene, Carter is seen making a mysterious phone call, clearly waiting for the right buyer.

Missing in Action: Carter and Hydra

This moment hinted at a major storyline for the next Captain America film. However, much to the disappointment of her supporters, Carter was nowhere to be seen in the 2025 release, Captain America: Brave New World, starring Anthony Mackie.

If you’re left scratching your head about her whereabouts, you’re not alone. The post-credits scene in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier revealed Carter as the true Power Broker, a black market operator dealing in stolen tech and government secrets. Now, with her government pardon and access, she’s more influential than ever.

It’s not just Carter who’s been missing from recent Marvel films—Hydra has also been conspicuously absent. Why have these two major players been sidelined? There’s speculation that Hydra is plotting something big, with their sights set on the outcast U.S. Agent. Unlike the comics, where Steve Rogers becomes Captain Hydra, this time it could be John Walker’s super soldier who’s manipulated into taking on the role.

Power Moves and New Threats

There’s a chance Carter isn’t working with Hydra at all, but is instead profiting from the shadows, possibly through the Captain Hydra Project. While both Carter and Hydra have kept their distance from the main heroes, they could resurface in the much-anticipated ensemble, Avengers: Doomsday. It might not just be Dr Victor von Doom causing trouble for the Avengers, but also a new threat in the form of U.S. Agent turned Captain Hydra.

Meanwhile, Carter’s activities in Madripoor have opened up even more possibilities. Madripoor is a notorious location in Marvel lore, once home to Wolverine under the alias Patch. The city’s lawless reputation makes it the perfect setting for Carter’s black market dealings.

Mutants on the Horizon?

With Wolverine’s presence already hinted at in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it’s entirely possible Carter is aware of this mutant, who could play a key role in the upcoming Mutant Saga or a future X-Men versus Avengers showdown. Madripoor’s connection to Wolverine and the X-Men only adds fuel to the fire for fans hoping to see these characters cross paths.

Here’s a quick look at how recent outings have fared with audiences:

Outing	IMDb	Rotten Tomatoes
The Falcon and The Winter Soldier	7.1/10	85% | 80%
Captain America: Brave New World	5.6/10	46% | 75%

Let us know your thoughts on these theories, and keep an eye out for more twists and turns in the Marvel universe.

All MCU entries are available to watch on Disney+.