Avengers writer reveals why Captain America didn't lift Thor's hammer until Endgame

Revelation conflicts with previous comments made by Joss Whedon

The specific reason why Captain America did not lift Thor’s hammer until Avengers: Endgame has been revealed.

Cinemagoers watched on in excitement as Chris Evans’ hero wielded Chris Hemsworth’s character’s powerful weapon, known as Mjölnir, in the 2019 blockbuster’s climactic battle.

The moment prompted an excitable reaction from audiences, with people recently sharing secret videos filmed in cinemas showing off the euphoric crowd reaction in celebration of the film’s first anniversary.

Now, during a Quarantine Watch Party hosted by ComicBook.com, writer Christopher Markus revealed the reason why Steve Rogers did not lift Mjölnir in 2015 Avengers film, Age of Ultron.

It turns out the secret he was keeping about Tony Stark’s parents – that Bucky (Sebastian Stan) was behind their deaths –was weighing on his mind, making him “not completely worthy” of wielding it.

Markus suggested that, after Robert Downey Jr’s character discovered the news in Captain America: Civil War, and with the pair settling their differences following Thanos’ destructive behaviour, Cap was finally ready to lift the weapon during Endgame‘s final battle.

Whether he was worthy or able to lift the hammer, though, are two very different things. Last year, Joe Russo claimed that Captain America had the power to lift Thor’s hammer in Age of Ulton, but pretended he couldn’t to keep Thor happy.

Regardless, Marvel fans are not happy with Markus’ revelation.

Next on the Marvel agenda is Black Widow, which was scheduled to be released on 1 May but has been pushed back to November because of the coronavirus pandemic

Find our ranking of Avengers characters – from worst to best – here.