In Captain America: Civil War, Sharon Carter delivers an impassioned eulogy for aunt, Agent Margaret “Peggy” Carter. She quotes one of Captain America’s most iconic speeches from the comics: “No, you move.” However, not only did the Marvel Cinematic Universe take the line from Steve Rogers and hand it to a supporting character, but due to the later events of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Captain America’s famous words are placed in the mouth of a villain.
In Civil War, Rogers’ phone buzzes during a tense debate with the Avengers about whether or not they support the Sokovia Accords. When he checks it, Rogers learns that the one true love of his life, Peggy Carter, has died. Then at the funeral, audiences watch as Sharon walks to to the podium and reflects on Peggy’s incredible life. Sharon says her aunt told her the key to doing her job was to compromise on occasion, but when that wasn’t possible, “it is your duty to plant yourself like a tree, look them in the eye, and say no, you move.”
Sharon’s speech is a version of Captain America’s from Amazing Spider-Man #537, “The War at Home: Part 6 of 7.” In the comic, Steve delivers the speech to Spider-Man. Peter Parker asks Steve how he handles going against the nation on the Superhuman Registration Act. Cap tells Peter exactly how he deals with it through his take on an old Mark Twain quote. In its entirety, the speech offers a profound example of exactly what it means to be Captain America. It’s standing upright against the forces of evil and never backing down. It exemplifies his character perfectly and likely inspired the “I can do this all day” line from the films.
While attributing the speech to Agent Carter in the movie isn’t particularly awful, letting a villain speak the words is. After Falcon and the Winter Soldier, fans learn that Sharon Carter is the infamous Power Broker who has been selling Super Soldier Serum on the black market. Once an ally to Captain America, Sharon has completely turned her back on her S.H.I.E.L.D. roots.
Carter’s actions aren’t unfounded. In Civil War, she was cut off from the American government and left to fend for herself. Still, it’s impossible to say that her moral compass points north. Not only has she turned to crime for survival, but Sharon also becomes a crime boss once she establishes herself in Madripoor. Even after the government welcomes her back and pardons her, Carter merely uses the new connections to continue selling secrets and powers to shady clients.
Sharon Carter has decided that something wrong is something right. She believes that her actions are fully justified, and she has compromised her morals. When fans watch Civil War now, the words coming out of her mouth feel wrong.
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