Anthony Mackie Confirmed as MCU's Permanent Captain America

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 as Steve Rogers. Despite his consistent denials and claims of being "happily retired," these rumors persist, fueled by a fundamental truth of comic books: no one really stays dead.

In the world of comics, death and rebirth are common themes, and Steve Rogers is no exception. His assassination following the 2007 Civil War storyline was a pivotal moment, leading to Bucky Barnes taking up the mantle of Captain America. However, this change was temporary, and Rogers was eventually brought back, reclaiming his position.

Years later, Marvel introduced another twist when Steve's super-soldier serum was neutralized, turning him into an elderly man unable to wield the shield. This opened the door for Sam Wilson, aka The Falcon, to become the new Captain America—a storyline that directly influenced Anthony Mackie's portrayal in Captain America: Brave New World.

Despite Sam Wilson taking on the role in the comics, Steve Rogers' aging was reversed, and he resumed his duties as Captain America. This pattern of returning heroes, seen across characters like Batman, Spider-Man, and Green Lantern, fuels the speculation about Evans' return. However, is Anthony Mackie's position as Captain America at risk, or is he the MCU's permanent Captain America?

In a recent interview, Mackie expressed hope that his tenure as Captain America would be long-lasting, saying, "I think when you look at Sam Wilson, I guess the life or the span of him being Captain America goes with how well the movie does. So go see the movie!" He believes that by the end of Brave New World, audiences will see Sam Wilson as Captain America unequivocally.

While Mackie may not know his character's ultimate fate, the MCU's approach to storytelling suggests he has a strong chance of retaining the shield longer than his predecessor, Bucky Barnes. In the comics, Steve and Sam eventually worked together, both wielding the shield and sharing the Captain America title. Even if Chris Evans were to return in future films like Avengers: Doomsday or Avengers: Secret Wars, Mackie could still hold onto the title.

However, it's crucial to remember that the MCU is distinct from its comic book origins. Since its inception in 2008, the MCU has embraced a sense of permanence that is less common in comics. When villains die in the films, they typically stay dead, suggesting that Steve Rogers' departure might indeed be final.

Nate Moore, a veteran MCU producer, acknowledges the challenge fans face in letting go of Steve Rogers but emphasizes the MCU's commitment to Sam Wilson as the new Captain America. He states, "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 firmly responds, "He is. He is. And we’re so happy to have him." This statement solidifies Mackie's role as Captain America from the final episode of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier onward, emphasizing a sense of finality and higher stakes in the MCU.

Julius Onah, director of Captain America: Brave New World, highlights the impact of permanent changes in the MCU, noting, "When Tony Stark dies, that's a big deal. As a storyteller, you're just looking for the best dramatic playground for your actors to bring these characters to life." He looks forward to exploring how Sam Wilson will lead the Avengers in future narratives.

With many original Avengers now out of the picture, the MCU's next major event will undoubtedly differ from the Infinity War/Endgame era. Yet, one thing remains clear: Anthony Mackie will be at the forefront, leading the Avengers as the definitive Captain America. Marvel has always been straightforward about its casting decisions, ensuring fans can trust in the permanence of its storytelling.