Civil War: Why Steve Rogers Really Kissed Sharon Carter

Steve Rogers kissing Sharon Carter in Captain America: Civil War earned a lot of raised eyebrows as it’s mostly interpreted as a betrayal to his commitment to Peggy Carter. It didn’t help that the two ladies are blood relatives as aunt and great-niece, with Agent 13 speaking at the S.H.I.E.L.D. founder’s funeral. Marvel Studios didn’t offer clear reasoning behind Steve’s decision, but looking back at where he was at that point in time, there’s a subtle explanation for his bizarre move.

Introduced in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Sharon was an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., but her relation to Peggy was never really announced as she didn’t want it to put unnecessary pressure on her in the organization that her great-aunt co-founded. Tasked as an undercover operative disguised as a nurse to keep an eye on Steve who was still getting used to his new life in the modern world, Sharon quickly established herself as an ally. After S.H.I.E.L.D’s fall, she joined the CIA and was subsequently assigned at the Joint Counter-Terrorism Centre, effectively involving in the events of Civil War. During this time, she proved her loyalty by going against protocol and handing back Captain America and Sam Wilson/Falcon’s confiscated shield and wings as they continued to oppose the Sokovia Accords. It was also at this point where she and Steve locked lips — something that neither of them seemed to regret.

There were already hints that a romance might be in the cards for Sharon and Steve, but this particular moment crystallized the idea; it was also one of Captain America’s most controversial moves in the MCU. While it’s possible that his affection for Sharon was amplified because she’s consistently been with him, there’s also another factor that contributed to his decision. At the end of Avengers: Age of Ultron, Tony Stark floated the idea that quiet family life is still in the cards for Steve; the super soldier denied it, claiming that he’s at home in the Avengers HQ training a new batch of heroes. He added that his initial aspirations to settle down were long gone since he chose to sacrifice himself in Captain America: The First Avenger decades ago. Avengers: Endgame, however, proved that this wasn’t exactly the case as he took the opportunity to go back in time to reunite with Peggy and retire from his superhero gig. This implies that, deep down, Steve was still longing for that simple life, but before the idea of time traveling was established in the MCU he had no way of making it possible for himself given Peggy’s old age and family at that time.

All of this goes back to his brief dalliance with Sharon. Peggy’s death eliminated the idea that there’s no chance of living that ideal life he wanted with her, prompting him to reluctantly move on. Steve may have seen Sharon as the closest person to his first love but the fact they were related is not the most important aspect. Both women were strong-willed; they proved time again that they have solid moral values, and they’re not willing to compromise regardless of how difficult the circumstances are. Considering that this is also Captain America’s signature trait, it made sense for him to be drawn to the women as he particularly respects these traits. Aside from Sharon’s familial relation to Peggy making things a little weird, given all the above, it’s not outside the realm of possibility that Steve was genuinely attracted to her. The realization that Peggy is truly gone meant Steve finally let himself consider other options, and realize his dreams of one day retiring and settling down.

Unfortunately, the potential pairing between Steve and Sharon was received poorly and it’s never been revisited in the MCU. A version of Avengers: Infinity War almost had them continue their romance, but that was scrapped following the reaction from Captain America: Civil War. This worked for the best as Steve ultimately found his way back to Peggy.

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