Since Chris Evans hung up his Captain America shield in Avengers: Endgame, rumors of his return as Steve Rogers have persisted. He's consistently denied them, claiming a happy retirement. However, these rumors are fueled by a key difference between the MCU and the comics: in comics, nobody truly stays dead.
Death and rebirth are common in comics. Steve Rogers' assassination in the 2007 Civil War storyline was a pivotal moment, leading to Bucky Barnes taking up the mantle. But Rogers' death, like Bucky's Captain America tenure, proved temporary. A plot device resurrected Rogers. Years later, Marvel again neutralized his super-soldier serum, aging him. This led to Sam Wilson (The Falcon) becoming Captain America, a storyline mirroring Anthony Mackie's MCU ascension in Captain America: Brave New World. Yet, even *this* proved temporary in the comics, with Steve's rejuvenation and return to his role.
Similar cycles exist for characters like Batman, Spider-Man, and Green Lantern, explaining the persistent rumors about Chris Evans' return. The original always seems to come back. But 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 the movie's success. So go see the movie!"
Mackie, while seemingly uncertain, has a stronger claim than Sebastian Stan ever did. While Bucky's comic book run ended, Steve's most recent return saw him and Sam sharing the mantle. Both wield the shield, wear the uniform; both *are* Captain America. Even if Chris Evans returns in Avengers: Doomsday or Avengers: Secret Wars, Mackie's position is strong.
However, the MCU differs from the comics. Since 2008, the MCU has prioritized permanence. Villains usually stay dead. Maliketh, Kaecilius, and Ego aren't likely returning. Steve Rogers' farewell seems final.
“We’re aware that, for some people, it’s hard to let go of Steve Rogers,” says Nate Moore, a producer on Captain America: Brave New World. “But I think by the end of this movie, audiences will feel that Sam Wilson *is* Captain America, full stop.”
When asked if Mackie is the permanent Captain America, Moore affirms: “He is. He is. And we’re so happy to have him.”
Since The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson is the MCU's Captain America. This permanence alters the MCU's feel; the stakes are higher. Natasha Romanoff, Thanos, and Tony Stark are gone. Steve Rogers is… retired.
“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.”
Onah anticipates excitement seeing Mackie lead the Avengers.
The MCU's permanence avoids the cyclical nature of comics. “I think \[permanent change\] makes the MCU feel different,” Moore explains. “Sam is Captain America, not Steve Rogers. He might assemble a different Avengers team. His approach might be entirely different.”
Moore adds, “We want to explore every avenue and ensure that when the Avengers return, it's a different but worthy team.”
With many original Avengers inactive, 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 isn't known for casting stunts, and this seems clear.
