Steve Rogers has led an exciting life in the MCU. But his time-traveling exploits could lead to a continuation of his legacy and a new Nomad.
After Thanos’ end in Avengers: Endgame, the Marvel Cinematic Universe went through a major reconstruction period in Phase Four. In that time, roles were changed as Bruce Banner became a mentor to his cousin, and Clint Barton trained Kate Bishop as another Hawkeye. Meanwhile, other legacies were passed down, such as Shuri becoming the new Black Panther and Steve Rogers giving Sam Wilson his shield to be the next Captain America. But even though it seemed like there was no more room for surprises, time travel may have other plans for certain heroes.
When Steve Rogers went to return the Infinity Stones to their respective points in time, he finished his mission but never returned to the present. Instead, he chose to live a life with Peggy Carter, likely living out his years with her and timing his return naturally, hence why he was now an old man. But when Sam pressed him for even small details on his life, Steve had none to give, leaving the door open for anything to be revealed. Thus, his venture through time may offer one more surprise besides a new shield: a son named Ian Rogers to carry on the name of Rogers and the title of Nomad.
Ian Rogers Has a Wild Comic Book History
Ian Rogers was introduced in Captain America #1 (by Rick Remender and John Romita Jr.) and was raised by Steve Rogers in a world created by Armin Zola called Dimension Z. Time moved differently in this world, and there Steve raised him with the same values he had and watched Ian grow into a true hero. With the same powers as Steve, Ian could hold his own and did so even after Steve left the dimension. Since then, he’s grown into a young adult and has worked with Sam Wilson during missions and built a loose friendship with him.
Unlike Steve, Ian has made a living doing more covert missions as Nomad after protecting the denizens of Dimension Z. In many ways, he’s like Steve regarding how well he can work with others almost instinctively. The most recent example of this was in Captain America: Symbol of Truth (by Tochi Onyebuchi and R.B. Silva), where he joined Sam Wilson to stop the White Wolf from hatching a scheme to destabilize a nation. While he’s an exceptional fighter, it’s clear that all of Ian’s judgment came from the fatherly guidance he got from Steve. That same sentiment could help to push him into the MCU with a strong foundation like in the comics.
Steve Rogers’ Biggest Choice Could Create a New Nomad
When Steve Rogers chose to remain with Peggy, he did so without any plans for the future, aside from giving Sam his shield. As a result, anything that could’ve happened between then and the present day is more a mystery than anything else. Now with Steve “gone” without context as to where or if he died, it’s left more questions than answers as to what he did with his second chance at a life.
Starting a life was likely on the table, and considering Zola was already defeated, it would make the most sense that Ian was Steve’s true son rather than an interdimensional creation. If he’s to exist in the MCU, his secrecy from Steve’s friends could tie to his title as Nomad — a hero with no name, no face, and no home — meaning he could always have been on the sidelines protecting lives in his own way.
Steve’s Nomad title also didn’t last long as it was when he was on the run with Sam and Natasha following the Sokovia Accords. Nevertheless, with Captain America already taken, it would be a great way for Ian to honor his father’s legacy. In the end, Ian Rogers could be the missing link to properly acknowledging Steve Roger’s legacy, with Bucky keeping his memory alive, Sam, Steve’s ideals, and Ian the name of Rogers. As a result, thanks to Steve’s impromptu time-traveling adventure, he may have kept his legacy alive thanks to a family he always wanted.
