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 about his potential return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Steve Rogers. Despite Evans repeatedly denying these rumors, claiming he's "happily retired," the speculation persists. This persistence is fueled by a fundamental aspect of comic books: characters rarely stay dead.

Death and rebirth are staples in comic book storytelling, and Steve Rogers, the original Captain America, is no exception. His assassination following Marvel's 2007 Civil War storyline marked a pivotal moment in comic history, leading to Bucky Barnes taking up the mantle. However, this change was temporary, and Steve Rogers was eventually brought back to life and reclaimed his role. A few years later, another twist saw Steve's super-soldier serum neutralized, making him an elderly man unable to wield the shield. This time, Sam Wilson, known as The Falcon, stepped in as the new Captain America, a move that set the stage for Anthony Mackie's portrayal in Captain America: Brave New World.

Despite Sam Wilson's ascension in the comics, Steve Rogers' aging was later reversed, and he returned to his role as Captain America. This recurring theme of the original character's return is a driving force behind the rumors about Chris Evans. Given similar storylines in other comic franchises like Batman, Spider-Man, and Green Lantern, it's understandable why fans speculate about Steve Rogers' comeback. So, is Anthony Mackie's position as Captain America at risk, or is he the MCU's permanent Captain America?

“I hope so!” Mackie said in a recent interview ahead of Brave New World. “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 see Sam Wilson as Captain America unequivocally. While he may not know his character's ultimate fate, Mackie's tenure seems more secure than Bucky Barnes' ever was. In the comics, Steve and Sam eventually shared the Captain America mantle, both wielding shields and wearing the flag. This development suggests that even if Chris Evans returns in future projects like Avengers: Doomsday or Avengers: Secret Wars, Mackie could still retain his title.

However, the MCU differs from its comic book origins in its sense of permanence. When a character dies in the films, they typically stay dead. This approach lends a higher stakes feel to the narrative, distinguishing it from the more cyclical nature of comics. Villains like Malekith, Kaecilius, and Ego are unlikely to return, suggesting that Steve Rogers' farewell might indeed be final.

“We’re aware that, for some people, it’s hard to let go of Steve Rogers,” says Nate Moore, a veteran MCU producer involved with Captain America: Brave New World. “We love Steve Rogers, he’s so fantastic. But I think that by the end of this movie, audiences are going to feel that Sam Wilson is Captain America, full stop.”

When asked if Anthony Mackie is the MCU's permanent Captain America, Moore affirms, “He is. He is. And we’re so happy to have him.”

From the final episode of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier onward, Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson is the MCU's Captain America, with no intention of being replaced. This permanence adds a distinct flavor to the MCU, elevating the stakes and ensuring characters like Natasha Romanoff, Thanos, and Tony Stark remain gone. Steve Rogers, now aged, seems to have truly retired.

“When Tony Stark dies, that's a big deal,” says Julius Onah, director of Captain America: Brave New World. “As a storyteller, you're just looking for the best dramatic playground for your actors to bring these characters to life. So it was a real treat for me to be able to [work with Sam’s role] in the MCU.”

Onah looks forward to seeing how Sam Wilson will lead the Avengers, underscoring the importance of this role for the character.

By instilling a sense of permanence in the films, Marvel aims to differentiate itself from the cyclical nature of comics. “I do think [permanent change] does make the MCU feel different than it did in phase one through three,” says Moore. “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.

“But I think those questions are the questions we have fun with too,” he adds. “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.”

With many original Avengers now out of action, the MCU's next major event will undoubtedly differ from the Infinity War/Endgame era, widely regarded as Marvel Studios' peak. What remains certain is that Anthony Mackie will be leading the charge as the one and only Captain America. After all, Marvel has never intentionally obscured the truth only to reveal a casting surprise later, has it?