Since Chris Evans hung up his Captain America shield in Avengers: Endgame, rumors of his return as Steve Rogers have persisted. He's repeatedly denied them, stating his retirement from the role. However, these rumors are fueled by a key difference between the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and comic books: in comics, nobody truly stays dead.
Death and resurrection are common in comics, and Captain America is no exception. Steve Rogers' assassination in the aftermath of Marvel's 2007 Civil War storyline was a pivotal moment, leading to Bucky Barnes taking up the mantle. However, Rogers' death, like Bucky's tenure, proved temporary. A plot device resurrected Rogers, returning him to his "rightful" place.
Years later, Marvel repeated a similar pattern. Steve's super-soldier serum was neutralized, aging him drastically. This led to Sam Wilson, the Falcon, becoming Captain America—a storyline mirroring Anthony Mackie's ascension in Captain America: Brave New World.
Yet, shortly after Wilson became Captain America in the comics, Steve's aging was reversed, and he resumed his role. Given this history—and similar storylines for characters like Batman, Spider-Man, and Green Lantern—the rumors surrounding Chris Evans' return are understandable. The original always seems to return.
So, is Anthony Mackie's Captain America role secure? "I hope so!" Mackie stated in a recent interview. "I think…the life or span of him being Captain America goes with how well the movie does. So go see the movie!"
Mackie believes audiences will accept Sam Wilson *as* Captain America by the film's end. He's likely to maintain the role longer than Sebastian Stan as Bucky. While Bucky's comic book tenure ended, Steve's most recent return saw him and Sam sharing the mantle. Even if Chris Evans returns in future Avengers films, Mackie's position seems strong.
However, the MCU differs from the comics. The MCU emphasizes permanence; deaths tend to be final. Maliketh, Kaecilius, and Ego are unlikely to return. Steve Rogers' departure appears definitive.
"We're aware it's hard for some to let go of Steve Rogers," says producer Nate Moore. "But by the end, audiences will feel Sam Wilson *is* Captain America, full stop."
When asked if Mackie is the permanent Captain America, Moore confirms: "He is. He is. And we're so happy to have him."
Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson is the MCU's Captain America until his storyline concludes. This permanence alters the MCU's feel; the stakes are higher. Natasha Romanoff, Thanos, and Tony Stark are gone, and Steve Rogers is too old. Director Julius Onah highlights the dramatic impact of permanent change.
"It's going to be exciting to see how he leads the Avengers going forward," Onah says, emphasizing Sam's leadership role.
AnswerSee ResultsBy establishing permanence, Marvel avoids the cyclical nature of the comics. Moore notes that this permanent change differentiates the MCU from earlier phases. Sam is distinct from Steve, potentially leading the Avengers differently. This creates exciting possibilities for future Avengers installments.
With many original Avengers absent, the MCU's next major event will differ from the Infinity War/Endgame era. However, Anthony Mackie will be central, leading the Avengers as the sole Captain America. Marvel's consistent approach suggests no casting surprises are planned.
