Anthony Mackie: MCU's New 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 repeatedly denying these claims and stating he’s “happily retired,” the persistent rumors are fueled by a fundamental truth of comic books: no one really stays dead.

In the world of comics, death and rebirth are common themes, and Steve Rogers, the original Captain America, has experienced this cycle multiple times. His assassination following Marvel’s 2007 Civil War storyline was a pivotal moment, leading to Bucky Barnes taking up the mantle. However, this was only temporary, and Rogers was eventually brought back to his "rightful" place.

Years later, Marvel introduced another twist when Steve's super-soldier serum was neutralized, turning him into an elderly man unable to wield the shield. This storyline paved the way for Sam Wilson, aka The Falcon, to become the new Captain America, a transition mirrored in the MCU with Anthony Mackie's portrayal in Captain America: Brave New World.

Image credit: Marvel Studios

Despite Sam Wilson taking the helm in the comics, Steve Rogers eventually returned to his youthful vigor and resumed his duties. This pattern of original heroes returning is not unique to Captain America; similar storylines have played out with characters like Batman, Spider-Man, and Green Lantern, fueling speculation about Evans' return. However, Mackie remains optimistic about his role, 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!”

By the end of Brave New World, audiences are expected to fully embrace Sam Wilson as the definitive Captain America. Although Mackie is unsure about his character's future, the collaboration between Steve Rogers and Sam Wilson in recent comics suggests a shared mantle, offering Mackie a strong chance of retaining the title even if Evans were to return in future Avengers films like Doomsday or Secret Wars.

However, the MCU differs significantly from the comics in its approach to permanence. Since its inception in 2008, the MCU has established that when characters die, they usually stay dead, adding a layer of finality not often seen in comics. Villains like Malekith, Kaecilius, and Ego are unlikely to return, suggesting that Steve Rogers' retirement might be permanent.

Nate Moore, a veteran MCU producer, acknowledges the challenge of moving on from Steve Rogers but emphasizes the new direction: “We’re aware that, for some people, it’s hard to let go of Steve Rogers. 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.”

Image credit: Marvel Studios

Moore confirms Mackie's role unequivocally: “He is. He is. And we’re so happy to have him.” From the final episode of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier onward, Mackie's Sam Wilson is established as the MCU's permanent Captain America, a decision that adds a sense of higher stakes and narrative weight to the films.

Julius Onah, director of Captain America: Brave New World, highlights the importance of dramatic storytelling and character development: “When Tony Stark dies, that's a big deal. 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 is excited about Sam Wilson's future leadership role: “It’s going to be exciting to see how he leads the Avengers going forward.”

The MCU's commitment to permanence aims to differentiate itself from the cyclical nature of comic books, ensuring that the narrative feels fresh and impactful. As Moore explains, “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.”

This exploration of new avenues and characters ensures that when the Avengers return, they will be a team worthy of their name, distinct from the Infinity War/Endgame era. With many original Avengers now retired or deceased, the stage is set for a new era led by Anthony Mackie's Captain America, promising a fresh and exciting future for the MCU.