Anthony Mackie Confirmed as MCU's Permanent Captain America

Ever since Chris Evans hung up his Captain America shield in Avengers: Endgame, rumors have swirled that he might return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as Steve Rogers. Despite Evans repeatedly denying these rumors and stating that he's "happily retired," the speculation persists. This is largely due to the comic book tradition where characters often return from the dead.

In the comics, death and rebirth are commonplace. Steve Rogers, the original Captain America, was famously assassinated post-Civil War in 2007, leading to Bucky Barnes taking up the mantle. However, Steve's return was inevitable, reversing his death and reclaiming his role. A few years later, Steve's super-soldier serum was neutralized, turning him into an elderly man, and Sam Wilson, also known as The Falcon, stepped up as the new Captain America. This storyline inspired the MCU's transition to Anthony Mackie's portrayal of Captain America in Captain America: Brave New World.

Image credit: Marvel Studios

Despite Sam Wilson taking the helm as Captain America in the comics, Steve Rogers eventually returned to his iconic role. This pattern of the original hero reclaiming their position fuels the rumors about Evans' potential return. However, Mackie remains optimistic about his tenure as Captain America, stating, "I hope so! I think when you look at Sam Wilson, I guess the life or the span of him being Captain America goes with how well the movie does. So go see the movie!"

Mackie believes that by the end of Brave New World, audiences will unequivocally accept Sam Wilson as Captain America. While Mackie may not know the full extent of his character's future, the comics' recent developments—where Steve and Sam share the Captain America mantle—suggest that even if Evans returns, Mackie could continue to hold the title.

Image credit: Marvel Studios

The MCU, however, operates with a different ethos compared to the comics. Since its inception in 2008, the MCU has emphasized a greater sense of permanence. Villains like Malekith, Kaecilius, and Ego typically remain dead, suggesting that Steve Rogers' departure might be final. Nate Moore, an MCU producer, acknowledges the difficulty fans face in letting go of Steve Rogers but affirms, "By the end of this movie, audiences are going to feel that Sam Wilson is Captain America, full stop."

When asked about Mackie's permanence as Captain America, Moore is unequivocal: "He is. He is. And we're so happy to have him." From the conclusion of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier onward, Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson is established as the MCU's Captain America, with no plans for replacement. This sense of finality distinguishes the MCU from its comic book origins, heightening the stakes and the impact of character arcs.

Julius Onah, director of Captain America: Brave New World, emphasizes the significance of Tony Stark's death and the dramatic potential it offers for storytelling. He is excited about exploring Sam Wilson's leadership role with the Avengers, indicating a fresh direction for the MCU.

With many original Avengers now retired or deceased, the MCU's next major event promises to be distinct from the Infinity War/Endgame saga. One thing is certain: Anthony Mackie will be at the forefront, leading the Avengers as the definitive Captain America.

By instilling a sense of permanence in its films, Marvel aims to differentiate the MCU from the cyclical nature of the comic medium. As Nate Moore notes, "Sam is Captain America, not Steve Rogers. He's a different person. And I think if you ask Sam who would be on the Avengers, it might be a different collection of people than Steve [would suggest]. So the way Sam might go about it could be completely different."

Moore adds, "But I think those questions are the questions we have fun with too. Because we want to explore every avenue – much like our fans do – and make sure if and when the time is right for the Avengers to come back, it's an Avengers that feels different, but also is worthy of the Avengers name."

As the MCU evolves, the focus on Sam Wilson as Captain America signals a new era, promising fresh narratives and a distinct Avengers team.