Steve Rogers' Possible New MCU Codename Would Completely Change The Meaning Of A Classic Superhero Alter Ego

While discussing Steve Rogers’ highly anticipated return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Anthony Mackie dropped an interesting reference to a key moment in Captain America’s superhero career that could potentially hold implications for his role in Avengers: Doomsday. On the subject of Chris Evans reprising his role as Steve Rogers while Sam Wilson is still Captain America, Mackie name-dropped “Nomad” as the identity that Steve took up in the source material.

There’s more than one way that Mackie’s comments can be interpreted. Steve’s time as Nomad in the 1970s set a precedent for Steve Rogers to exist alongside a different Captain America, as multiple characters attempted to hold the mantle during that storyline. So in that respect, the Nomad arc works as a good example of Steve being relevant to a narrative without necessarily being Captain America.

Steve Rogers in the comic book — There is a comic book. You say you’re a nerd. Read the comic book. Don’t be a nerd by trade, be a nerd by fact. So, in the comic book, Steve Rogers becomes Nomad.

Alternatively, it may really be that the “Nomad” identity specifically will be relevant in some way to Avengers: Doomsday’s story. That is possible, considering that this phase in Steve’s life was on the minds of those involved with the making of Avengers: Infinity War. And looking at the situation itself, the “Nomad” codename being connected to Steve in Doomsday – even if it’s just comes in the form of a quick reference – makes a great deal of sense for the film.

Steve Rogers’ Nomad Identity Explained

In the aftermath of the Watergate scandal in the United States, Marvel Comics attempted to match the mood of the moment by publishing a pointedly political Captain America storyline that saw Steve Rogers uncover corruption at the highest level in the federal government in 1974. Dismayed and disappointed that the American president was behind the criminal organization known as the Secret Empire, Steve gave up being Captain America.

But walking away from the life of a superhero became more difficult than he expected. After struggling to balance his desire to help people with his wish to disassociate himself from the “Captain America” mantle, Steve received some welcome advice from Hawkeye, which helped him realize that he could be a different superhero. To that end, Steve developed the “Nomad” costume and identity. He even had a cape, which, according to Steve, was something that he always wanted but never had as Captain America.

Marvel Comics marketed Captain America’s new alter ago as “The Man Without a Country,” which helped emphasize the meaning of the new codename. It spoke to the idea that Steve Rogers was no longer representing the United States government, or any country for that matter.

The change allowed Steve to reinvent himself as somewhat of a mysterious loner, as the Avengers themselves weren’t initially aware of Nomad’s secret identity. It paved the way for Marvel to enter into unchartered territory with the Captain America character, but it was a short-lived phase.

In 1975, Steve resumed his role as Captain America when the Red Skull began murdering his would-be successors. Red Skull’s actions had convinced Steve that, despite his reservations and issues with the United States government, the country needed him to be Captain America.

“Nomad” Would Likely Have A Different Meaning If Used In Avengers: Doomsday

Steve Rogers Holding Mjolnir in Avengers Doomsday Trailer

If Marvel were to borrow the moniker for Avengers: Doomsday, it could potentially take on a whole new meaning. For now, the circumstances of Steve’s return are unclear, as Endgame ended with him having a happy life with Peggy Carter in the past. Presumably, something will happen to upend that – at least temporarily. The most obvious assumption to make is that he left this timeline to return to Earth 616 to help the Avengers fight Doctor Doom.

Or, the situation may be considerably more complicated; it’s hard to say how much multiversal traveling Steve has done between the events of Endgame and Doomsday. If Steve has been roaming the multiverse for years, it would make some degree of sense for him to be thought of as a nomad of sorts.

Such an interpretation would fit Steve Rogers in ways that the original concept from the comics wouldn’t. Steve used the “Nomad” name for political reasons in the source material, but given the film’s high stakes and focus on fighting Doctor Doom, a similar motivation wouldn’t work here. But Steve being presented as a multiversal wanderer would make for a great way to offer a new take on the Nomad alter ego in Marvel Comics.

As for how deep it would go, that remains to be seen. A Nomad Easter egg may be the extent of the acknowledgment Avengers: Doomsday devotes to the idea, but a full comic-inspired costume shouldn’t be ruled out. Thus far, Marvel has only shown off a plains-clothes look for Steve Rogers, but since it’s surely keeping some surprises under wraps, there’s at least a chance it’ll send Steve into battle in an outfit that’s a bit more superhero-esque.

The MCU Almost Made Steve Rogers Nomad In Avengers: Infinity War

Chris Evans' Steve Rogers stands inside Avengers HQ in Infinity War — Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers stands inside Avengers HQ in Infinity War

Adding credence to the notion that Avengers: Doomsday might head in this direction with Steve is the fact that it was entertained before. After Captain America: Civil War, Marvel had the narrative justification to officially make Steve the MCU’s Nomad; having given up the shield and becoming a fugitive after opposing the Sokovia Accords, “Nomad” would have been an appropriate alter ego for him to adopt in Infinity War.

The connection wasn’t lost on the filmmakers and writers; ahead of the film’s release, the connection between Steve and Nomad was brought up on several occasions, to a point where there was an assumption that Steve’s new look in the film was an MCU take on Nomad. But while the stint did have the essence of Nomad, it was never explicitly stated within the movie itself that Steve had assumed the classic superhero alter ego.

In hindsight, Avengers: Infinity War choosing not to officially brand him as “Nomad” could have its advantages. If it had already defined what the moniker meant in the MCU, it likely wouldn’t have been used as a label for a completely different chapter in Steve Rogers’ story. Now, thanks to Avengers: Doomsday, the MCU has yet another chance for a fun Nomad story for Chris Evans’ character.