Marvel’s 2026 calendar just got a little less heroic. Fans who had been counting down the days for Captain America’s grand return are in for disappointment, as the long-anticipated comeback has officially been cut from next year’s lineup. The change wasn’t announced with much fanfare—it slipped quietly through an update that left many wondering what happened to one of Marvel’s most beloved heroes.For those keeping track, 2026 was supposed to be a big year for Steve Rogers’ revival across multiple projects. After all, it’s been years since audiences saw him in action, and anticipation for his next major appearance had been building fast. Now, it seems Marvel’s most patriotic Avenger will have to sit out a little longer than expected.Credit: Marvel StudiosWhere We Last Saw the Star-Spangled HeroIt’s hard to talk about Captain America (Chris Evans) without thinking back to Avengers: Endgame (2019)—the emotional swan song that marked the end of an era. In that film, Steve Rogers passed the iconic shield to Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie), officially naming him the new Captain America. It was a fitting farewell, but for many fans, it didn’t feel like goodbye.For years, Marvel enthusiasts have speculated about when and how the original Cap might return. Rumors of cameos, flashbacks, and voice appearances have swirled, fueling excitement that the star-spangled man would once again step into the spotlight. When Marvel’s 2026 roadmap initially pointed to his comeback, fans thought their patience had finally paid off.That hope, however, just took a hit. The comeback fans were counting on is now delayed, forcing them to wait a little longer to see Steve Rogers in action again.Credit: Marvel StudiosA Heroic Duo That Had Fans BuzzingEveryone’s favorite shield-slinger was supposed to return in early 2026 as part of Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra, a highly anticipated action-adventure title developed by Skydance Games and directed by Amy Hennig—the creative mind behind Uncharted. The game promised to pair Captain America with none other than Black Panther, uniting two iconic heroes to battle Hydra forces in the midst of World War II.The premise alone had fans hooked. It was being described as a cinematic experience rooted in Marvel’s legacy of storytelling and character depth. Early previews suggested a rich, narrative-driven adventure with a focus on teamwork and moral conflict. Hennig herself said the project was designed to blend the thrill of blockbuster action with emotional storytelling—a perfect match for the complex character of Steve Rogers.Credit: Marvel StudiosThe 2026 Window ClosesInitially, Marvel’s 1943: Rise of Hydra was scheduled for release in early 2026. But according to the development team, that’s no longer the case. In a recent statement, Skydance announced that the game has been delayed to a later date in the year, hopefully.“We’re dedicated to ensuring this project meets the level of quality our players and fans deserve,” the studio wrote on social media. “To fully bring our vision to life, we’ve made the difficult decision to move beyond our early 2026 release window.”While the update didn’t specify how long the delay might be, it was enough to spark an online conversation. For many, it’s not the delay itself that’s disappointing—it’s the lack of clarity that stings the most. Fans have waited years to see Captain America headline something new, and any setback feels personal.Credit: Marvel StudiosA Long Journey From Announcement to ReleaseMarvel 1943: Rise of Hydra was first revealed in September 2022, marking a new chapter in Marvel’s video game expansion. Development reportedly began as far back as 2019, making this a project nearly six years in the making.Earlier this year, actor Khary Payton, who voices Azzuri—the Black Panther featured in the story—hinted that the game was progressing quickly and could arrive by the end of 2025. That prediction now appears overly optimistic. So far, fans have only been treated to one full trailer released in March 2024 and a brief snippet of gameplay shown behind closed doors at the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco that same year.The trailer alone was enough to fuel endless theories and analysis online. Fans loved seeing Steve Rogers back in his prime, squaring off against Hydra troops with cinematic flair. The reveal promised an experience that felt both familiar and fresh—Marvel storytelling meets World War II intrigue.Credit: Sony Pictures/Marvel StudiosWhy the Delay Might Be a Blessing in DisguiseAs frustrating as it is for fans eager to see Cap’s return, the delay could actually be good news. Skydance emphasized that the team simply wants more time to polish the experience, ensuring it meets expectations.Delays like this are increasingly common in the gaming world, especially for titles aiming for cinematic scope. And while some feared the worst when “2026” disappeared from the timeline, the studio made it clear—this is not a cancellation, just a pause.Credit: Marvel StudiosIf anything, Rise of Hydra might now be positioned for a smarter release window. The second half of 2026 is expected to be crowded with major launches, from Marvel’s Wolverine to Grand Theft Auto VI. Avoiding those heavy hitters could give Rise of Hydra room to breathe and shine on its own. A summer release might make the most sense—close enough to keep fans’ excitement alive, but far enough from competing blockbusters.Beyond gaming, Captain America will also have a presence on the big screen in Avengers: Doomsday, set for 2026. That film will see Anthony Mackie’s version of Cap teaming up with Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. There are also ongoing whispers that Chris Evans could return in some capacity as Steve Rogers, maybe from another Multiverse or a flashback sequence. So, while the delay stings, 2026 could still end up being a monumental year for the character.Credit: Marvel StudiosWhen Captain America Finally ReturnsWhen Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra finally arrives, it will mark the first release from Amy Hennig’s team at Skydance Games. The title is being described as a narrative-driven action-adventure set within the Marvel Universe, giving players control of both Steve Rogers’ Captain America and Azzuri, the Black Panther of that era.Set in Nazi-occupied Europe, the story will follow the unlikely duo as they battle Hydra’s forces while uncovering secrets that test their loyalty and ideals. The game is expected to feature cinematic storytelling, dynamic combat, and moral choices—elements that reflect Hennig’s signature approach to character and narrative design.While official platforms haven’t been confirmed, Rise of Hydra is expected to launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. And when it does, fans will finally get the chance to step into the boots of a hero who hasn’t taken the field in years.Credit: Marvel StudiosThe Wait for America’s Hero ContinuesCaptain America’s comeback may not arrive as soon as fans hoped, but it’s far from gone. The delay of Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra only pushes back the inevitable—Steve Rogers’ triumphant return.For now, fans will just have to keep their shields raised and their patience strong. After all, if there’s one thing Captain America has taught us, it’s that doing what’s right often takes time. And when he finally does return, you can bet the wait will have been worth it.The post Captain America Cut From 2026 Marvel Plans in Major Update appeared first on Inside the Magic.