Anthony Mackie: MCU's New Permanent Captain America?

Since Chris Evans hung up his Captain America shield in Avengers: Endgame, rumors have swirled about his potential return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as Steve Rogers. Despite his repeated denials and claims of being "happily retired," the persistence of these rumors is fueled by a fundamental truth in comic books: no one really dies. This cyclical nature of death and rebirth is a hallmark of comic book storytelling, and Steve Rogers, the original Captain America, is no exception.

In the aftermath of Marvel's 2007 Civil War storyline, Steve Rogers was assassinated, marking a pivotal moment in modern comic history. This led to the passing of the mantle to Bucky Barnes, who became the new Captain America. However, this was a temporary change, as Steve Rogers was eventually brought back to life and reassumed his iconic role. Years later, another twist saw Steve's super-soldier serum neutralized, rendering him an elderly man unable to wield the shield. This paved the way for Sam Wilson, known as The Falcon, to step into the role of Captain America, a transition that directly influenced the MCU's narrative, culminating in Anthony Mackie's portrayal in Captain America: Brave New World.

Image credit: Marvel Studios

Despite Sam Wilson taking on the role of Captain America in the comics, Steve Rogers eventually returned to his superhero duties, reigniting speculation about Chris Evans' potential comeback. However, the MCU has demonstrated a greater sense of permanence compared to its comic book origins. When characters die in the films, they typically stay dead, adding higher stakes to the narrative. This sense of finality suggests that Steve Rogers may have indeed said his final goodbye.

Anthony Mackie, who portrays Sam Wilson, expressed hope about his ongoing role as Captain America, emphasizing that the character's future depends on the success of Brave New World. He believes that by the film's end, audiences will fully accept Sam Wilson as the definitive Captain America. This sentiment is echoed by Nate Moore, a veteran MCU producer, who confidently states that Mackie is the MCU's permanent Captain America.

Image credit: Marvel Studios

The MCU's approach to character permanence is a deliberate choice to differentiate itself from the cyclical nature of comic books. Julius Onah, director of Captain America: Brave New World, highlights the importance of dramatic stakes in storytelling, appreciating the opportunity to explore Sam Wilson's role within this framework. As the MCU moves forward, particularly with upcoming Avengers films, Sam Wilson's leadership will be central, promising a fresh yet worthy continuation of the Avengers legacy.

By embracing this sense of permanence, the MCU not only raises the stakes but also invites fans to explore new avenues and anticipate how the Avengers will evolve without the original lineup. With Anthony Mackie firmly established as Captain America, fans can look forward to seeing him lead the team in future epic confrontations.