Avengers 4: Why Captain America NEEDS To Be Sent Back To The '40s

2. The Chance Of A Happy Ending

With all of the original Avengers, they're driven by one inherent thing: Hulk needs to find balance with Banner, Tony Stark needs to make sure the Earth is protected (or die trying), Black Widow wants to atone for her past sins, Hawkeye is just purely selfless and Thor needs to be "worthy" and prove himself capable of replacing his father. On the surface, Cap's drive might seem to be his need to stand up to bullies, but even if he did that endlessly, he wouldn't find peace.

His tragedy as a man ripped from his own story is that when he says he could "do this all day" (ie standing up to threats), he's admitting what his curse is. He's saving a world that isn't his and will never feel like his home. That's why he sought to save Bucky so enthusiastically - his friend was a little slice of home - an anchor to his heart.

Because Steve had to sacrifice himself just as he was beginning to realise his happy ending with Peggy Carter, he was robbed of any sort of satisfying closure. His book would remain open even after his own death, and while there is nobility in his continued duty to heroism, there's also profound tragedy. Him being sent back to his own time would be the only way he'd ever achieve the happy ending he so richly deserves.

And, of course, keeping Cap alive somewhen else means Marvel COULD theoretically continue his story.