Is Anthony Mackie the 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 his repeated denials and claims of being "happily retired," these rumors persist, fueled by a fundamental principle in comic books: no one truly dies forever.

In the world of comics, death and rebirth are common occurrences, and Steve Rogers, the original Captain America, is no exception. A pivotal moment came after Marvel's 2007 Civil War storyline when Steve was assassinated. This event led to the passing of the mantle to Bucky Barnes, who became the new Captain America. However, this change was temporary, and Steve Rogers was eventually brought back, reclaiming his iconic role.

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 led to Sam Wilson, also known as The Falcon, stepping into the role of Captain America. This transition in the comics directly influenced the MCU, leading to Anthony Mackie's portrayal of Sam Wilson as the new Captain America in Captain America: Brave New World.

Image credit: Marvel Studios

Despite Sam Wilson taking up the mantle, Steve Rogers' return to active duty in the comics has fueled speculation about Chris Evans' potential comeback. However, the MCU operates differently from its comic book counterparts, offering a greater sense of permanence. When characters die in the films, they typically stay dead, as seen with villains like Malekith, Kaecilius, and Ego. This approach suggests that Steve Rogers' farewell might indeed be final.

Anthony Mackie, in an interview before the release of Brave New World, expressed hope that his tenure as Captain America would last, suggesting that the success of the movie could determine the longevity of his character's role. He stated, "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

Nate Moore, a veteran MCU producer, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the permanence of Sam Wilson's role. He said, "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." When directly asked if Anthony Mackie is the MCU’s permanent Captain America, Moore affirmed, "He is. He is. And we’re so happy to have him."

This commitment to permanence sets the MCU apart from the cyclical nature of comic books. The death of characters like Natasha Romanoff, Thanos, and Tony Stark carries significant weight, and the same appears to be true for Steve Rogers' retirement. Julius Onah, the director of Captain America: Brave New World, highlighted the importance of this narrative approach, stating, "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."

Looking forward, the MCU's next major event will undoubtedly differ from the Infinity War/Endgame era, with Anthony Mackie leading the Avengers as the sole Captain America. This new direction promises fresh narratives and a different team dynamic, reflecting the unique challenges and opportunities that Sam Wilson brings to the role. As Marvel continues to evolve its storytelling, the focus remains on creating a distinct and engaging cinematic universe that honors its comic book roots while forging its own path.