Ever since Chris Evans hung up his Captain America shield in Avengers: Endgame, rumors have swirled about his potential return as Steve Rogers. Despite his repeated denials and claims of being "happily retired," the persistence of these rumors can be attributed to a fundamental truth in comics: no one stays dead forever.
Death and rebirth are staples in the comic book world, and Steve Rogers, the original Captain America, is no exception. His assassination following Marvel's 2007 Civil War storyline marked a significant moment in modern comic history, leading to the mantle of Captain America being passed to Bucky Barnes. However, this change was temporary, and Steve Rogers was eventually brought back to life, reclaiming his iconic role.
Years later, Marvel introduced another twist when Steve's super-soldier serum was neutralized, rendering him an elderly man unable to wield the shield. This paved the way for Sam Wilson, known as The Falcon, to take up the mantle of Captain America. This storyline directly influenced the MCU, culminating in Anthony Mackie's portrayal of Sam Wilson as the star of Captain America: Brave New World.
Despite Sam Wilson's ascension, Steve Rogers' aging was later reversed in the comics, allowing him to return to his shield-slinging duties. This pattern of legacy characters returning is common in comics, fueling speculation about Chris Evans' potential comeback. However, the question remains: is Anthony Mackie's position as Captain America in jeopardy, or is he the MCU's permanent Captain America?
"I hope so!" Mackie exclaimed in a recent interview before the release of Brave New World. "I think when you look at Sam Wilson, the longevity of him being Captain America depends on how well the movie does. So, go see the movie!"
Mackie's confidence in his role is bolstered by the fact that, in the comics, Steve Rogers and Sam Wilson eventually agreed to share the Captain America mantle. This collaborative approach suggests that even if Chris Evans were to return in future films like Avengers: Doomsday or Avengers: Secret Wars, Mackie could still retain his title.
Yet, the MCU differs from its comic book origins in one crucial way: a greater sense of permanence. When characters die in the films, they typically stay dead, adding weight to their stories. This approach suggests that Steve Rogers' farewell in Endgame 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 fantastic. But by the end of this movie, audiences will feel that Sam Wilson is Captain America, full stop."
When asked if Anthony Mackie is the MCU's permanent Captain America, Moore firmly states, "He is. He is. And we're so happy to have him."
This declaration solidifies Mackie's role as Captain America from the conclusion of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier onward. The MCU's commitment to permanence enhances the stakes and distinguishes it from its source material, where characters like Natasha Romanoff, Thanos, and Tony Stark have met irreversible fates.
"When Tony Stark dies, that's a big deal," says Julius Onah, director of Captain America: Brave New World. "As a storyteller, you're looking for the best dramatic playground for your actors to bring these characters to life. It was a real treat for me to work with Sam's role in the MCU."
Onah is excited about how Mackie's Captain America will lead the Avengers in future stories, highlighting the importance of this role within the MCU.
By instilling a sense of permanence in its films, Marvel aims to break away from the cyclical nature of comics. "I do think [permanent change] does make the MCU feel different than it did in phases one through three," says Moore. "Sam is Captain America, not Steve Rogers. He's a different person. And if you ask Sam who would be on the Avengers, it might be a different group 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."
With many original Avengers now out of action, the MCU's next major event promises to be a departure from the Infinity War/Endgame era, widely regarded as Marvel Studios' peak. What remains clear is that Anthony Mackie will be at the forefront, leading the Avengers as the one and only Captain America. After all, Marvel has never intentionally obscured the truth only to pull off a casting surprise later, has it?
