Mackie's Captain America: A Permanent MCU Role?

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, claiming retirement. Yet, these rumors are fueled by a key difference between the MCU and comic books: in comics, nobody truly stays dead.

Death and rebirth are common in comics. Steve Rogers' death in the aftermath of Marvel's 2007 Civil War storyline was monumental, leading to Bucky Barnes taking up the mantle. However, Rogers' return was inevitable, explained away, and he resumed his role. Years later, a similar scenario played out with Steve's super-soldier serum being neutralized, making way for Sam Wilson (The Falcon) as Captain America. This storyline set the stage for Anthony Mackie's Captain America in Brave New World.

But shortly after Wilson became Captain America in the comics, Steve's aging was reversed, and he returned. Given similar storylines for characters like Batman and Spider-Man, the persistence of rumors about Chris Evans' return is understandable. The original always seems to come back. So, is Anthony Mackie's Captain America role secure?

"I hope so!" Mackie stated in a recent interview. "I think the life span of Sam Wilson as Captain America depends on how well the movie does. So go see the movie!"

Mackie has a better chance of a longer tenure than Sebastian Stan (Bucky Barnes). While Bucky's run as Captain America ended in the comics, Steve Rogers' return saw him and Sam sharing the mantle. They both wield the shield; they both represent the flag; they are both Captain America. Even if Chris Evans returns in Avengers: Doomsday or Avengers: Secret Wars, Mackie likely retains the title.

However, the MCU differs from the comics. The MCU emphasizes permanence. Villains who die generally stay dead. Steve Rogers' farewell seems final.

"We're aware it's hard for some to let go of Steve Rogers," says Nate Moore, producer of Captain America: Brave New World. "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 Captain America until his storyline concludes. This permanence gives the MCU a distinct feel; the stakes are higher. Natasha Romanoff, Thanos, and Tony Stark are gone, and Steve Rogers is too old.

"When Tony Stark dies, that's a big deal," says Julius Onah, director of Captain America: Brave New World. "It was a treat to work with Sam's role in the MCU."

"It's exciting to see how he leads the Avengers going forward," Onah adds, referring to the crucial role of Captain America.

By establishing permanence, Marvel aims to avoid the cyclical nature of the comics. "Sam is Captain America, not Steve Rogers. He's a different person," Moore explains. "The way Sam might lead the Avengers could be completely different."

With many original Avengers out of the picture, the MCU's next major event will differ from the Infinity War/Endgame era. But Anthony Mackie will be at the forefront, leading the Avengers as the one and only Captain America. Marvel isn't known for casting stunts.