Ever 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 Evans repeatedly denying these claims and stating that he's "happily retired," the speculation persists, fueled by a fundamental truth of comic books: no one really stays dead.
In the world of comics, death and rebirth are commonplace, and Steve Rogers, the original Captain America, is no exception. His assassination following Marvel's 2007 Civil War storyline was a pivotal moment, leading to the mantle being passed to Bucky Barnes. Yet, like many comic book resurrections, Rogers' death was temporary, and he eventually reclaimed his iconic role.
Years later, another twist saw Steve's super-soldier serum neutralized, turning him into a frail old man unable to wield the shield. This time, Sam Wilson, known as The Falcon, stepped up to become the new Captain America. This storyline directly influenced the MCU, setting the stage for Anthony Mackie's portrayal of Captain America in Captain America: Brave New World.
However, just a few years after Wilson took on the role in the comics, Steve's aging was reversed, and he returned to his shield-wielding duties. This recurring theme of the original hero's return fuels the rumors about Evans' potential comeback. Yet, is Mackie's position as Captain America at risk, or is he the MCU's permanent Captain America?
"I hope so!" Mackie said in a recent interview before the release of Brave New World. "I think when you look at Sam Wilson, the life or the span of him being Captain America goes with how well the movie does. So go see the movie!"
Mackie's confidence in his role as Captain America is backed by the storyline where Steve and Sam agreed to share the mantle, both wearing the flag and wielding a shield. Even if Chris Evans were to return in future films like Avengers: Doomsday or Avengers: Secret Wars, Mackie stands a strong chance of retaining his title.
However, the MCU operates differently from the comics. Since its inception in 2008, the MCU has emphasized greater permanence. Villains like Malekith, Kaecilius, and Ego typically stay dead, suggesting that Steve Rogers' farewell 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 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 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."
From the final episode of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier onward, Mackie's Sam Wilson is firmly established as the MCU's Captain America. This sense of permanence adds a different flavor to the MCU compared to its comic book counterpart, raising the stakes and ensuring that characters like Natasha Romanoff, Thanos, and Tony Stark remain gone.
"When Tony Stark dies, that's a big deal," says Julius Onah, director of Captain America: Brave New World. "As a storyteller, you're just looking for the best dramatic playground for your actors to bring these characters to life. So it was a real treat for me to be able to [work with Sam’s role] in the MCU."
"It’s going to be exciting to see how he leads the Avengers going forward," Onah adds, highlighting the pivotal role Captain America plays in leading the Avengers.
By instilling a sense of permanence in the films, Marvel aims to differentiate the MCU from the cyclical nature of comics, ensuring fresh storytelling and meaningful change. "I do think [permanent change] does make the MCU feel different than it did in phase one through three," says Moore. "Sam is Captain America, not Steve Rogers. He's a different person. And I think if you ask Sam who would be on the Avengers, it might be a different collection of people than Steve [would suggest]. So the way Sam might go about it could be completely different."
"But I think those questions are the questions we have fun with too," he adds. "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 retired or deceased, the MCU's next major event will undoubtedly differ from the Infinity War/Endgame era. Yet, one thing remains clear: Anthony Mackie will lead the charge as the MCU's definitive Captain America, ensuring a new era for the Avengers.
