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New Avengers: Doomsday footage has Marvel fans speculating Loki has replaced Steve Rogers, and I’m convinced
A new *Avengers: Doomsday* TV spot has prompted fans to speculate that Loki may be impersonating Steve Rogers. The theory matters because Steve’s return and his role in the film remain unexplained, amid hints that the story could involve threats to the wider Marvel universe.
Fans point to Steve turning when Scott Lang calls him “Cap”, despite Sam Wilson having taken on the name, and to a smile that recalls Loki’s expression towards Thor. Loki has impersonated Steve before, briefly appearing as Captain America in *Thor: The Dark World*, but the theory is unconfirmed. The film is due in cinemas on 18 December, with *Avengers: Secret Wars* scheduled for 2027.
In short
- Fans think Loki may be posing as Steve Rogers.
- A brief TV spot fuels the theory with two clues.
- *Doomsday* arrives on 18 December.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The theory fits Loki’s established ability to impersonate others, including his brief appearance as Captain America, and fans see suggestive details in Steve’s turn and smile. If the film is setting up a threat to the wider Marvel universe, a disguised Loki could help explain Steve’s unexplained return while giving the story a familiar source of intrigue.
The case against
The clues are ambiguous: a turn and a smile are not strong evidence of impersonation, and Scott calling Steve “Cap” could simply reflect their history. Steve’s role remains unexplained, so the footage may be withholding information rather than hinting at Loki; until the film confirms it, the theory is speculation.
Explained simply
Steve Rogers, also known as Captain America, was a central figure in earlier Avengers films. He passed the Captain America role to Sam Wilson, another former ally, while Loki is Thor’s adopted brother and a trickster who can change his appearance.
Loki has briefly impersonated Steve in an earlier Marvel film, which is why some viewers see a resemblance in the new footage. The suggestion remains unconfirmed, and Steve’s place in the story is still unclear. The film is part of Marvel’s larger Avengers storyline, which is due to continue with a follow-up in 2027.