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. However, these rumors stem from a key difference between the MCU and comic books: in comics, no one truly stays dead.
Death and rebirth are common in comics. Steve Rogers' death in the 2007 Civil War storyline led to Bucky Barnes taking up the mantle, a temporary arrangement. Rogers' eventual return, and a later storyline where his super-soldier serum was neutralized, leading to Sam Wilson (The Falcon) becoming Captain America, further fuels the speculation. This storyline directly influenced the MCU's Captain America: Brave New World, starring Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson.
Years later, even in comics, Steve Rogers' aging was reversed, and he resumed his role. This cyclical nature of comic book characters explains the persistent rumors about Chris Evans' return. But 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 has a stronger claim to the shield than Sebastian Stan (Bucky Barnes) ever did. While Bucky's time as Captain America ended in the comics, Steve Rogers' comeback saw him and Sam Wilson sharing the mantle. They both wield the shield, represent the flag – they are both Captain America. Even if Chris Evans returns in future Avengers films, Mackie's position seems secure.
However, the MCU differs from the comics. The MCU generally maintains a higher level of permanence in character deaths. Maliketh, Kaecilius, and Ego aren't likely to return. Steve Rogers' departure seems final.
"We’re aware that, for some people, it’s hard to let go of Steve Rogers," says Nate Moore, producer of Captain America: Brave New World. "But I think that by the end of this movie, audiences are going to feel that Sam Wilson *is* Captain America, full stop."
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, a permanent fixture until his storyline concludes. This permanence elevates the stakes; there's no easy comeback. Natasha Romanoff, Thanos, and Tony Stark are gone, and Steve Rogers is simply too old.
"When Tony Stark dies, that's a big deal," says Julius Onah, director of Captain America: Brave New World. "It was a real treat to work with Sam’s role in the MCU."
Onah anticipates Mackie's leadership of the Avengers. The MCU's commitment to permanence avoids the cyclical nature of its comic book counterpart. It's not about repeating the same stories.
Moore notes that Sam Wilson's Captain America will be different from Steve Rogers', potentially leading to a different Avengers team. With many original Avengers gone, the future of the MCU's Avengers events will be unique. Anthony Mackie will lead the charge as the one and only Captain America. Marvel's consistent messaging suggests no casting surprises are planned.
