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 his repeated denials and claims of being "happily retired," the speculation persists, fueled by a fundamental aspect of comic books: no one really stays dead.
Death and rebirth are staples in the world of comics, and Steve Rogers is no exception. His assassination following the 2007 Civil War storyline marked a pivotal moment in comic book history, leading to Bucky Barnes taking up the mantle as the new Captain America. However, this was only temporary, and Steve Rogers was eventually brought back to life, resuming his iconic role.
Years later, Marvel introduced another twist when Steve's super-soldier serum was neutralized, rendering him an elderly man unable to wield the shield. This opened the door for Sam Wilson, aka The Falcon, to step into the role of Captain America—a storyline that directly influenced the MCU's transition seen in Captain America: Brave New World, where Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson becomes the new star.
Despite Sam Wilson's tenure as Captain America in the comics being relatively short-lived before Steve's return, the MCU operates differently. The MCU emphasizes a greater sense of permanence compared to its comic book counterpart. When villains like Malekith, Kaecilius, or Ego die in the films, they typically stay dead. This suggests that Steve Rogers' retirement might indeed be final.
Anthony Mackie, when asked about his role's longevity, expressed hope that his portrayal of Sam Wilson as Captain America would depend on the success 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!" he encouraged fans.
Veteran MCU producer Nate Moore also affirmed Mackie's role, stating, "We’re aware that, for some people, it’s hard to let go of Steve Rogers. 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."
Moore further emphasized Mackie's permanence in the role, saying, "He is. He is. And we’re so happy to have him." This clarity suggests that from the final episode of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier onward, Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson is the MCU's Captain America until his storyline concludes.
The MCU's approach to permanence adds higher stakes and a different flavor compared to the comics. Characters like Natasha Romanoff, Thanos, and Tony Stark have met definitive ends, and Steve Rogers seems to have joined their ranks as someone who has moved on. Julius Onah, director of Captain America: Brave New World, highlighted the dramatic significance of these permanent changes, noting how they enrich the storytelling and character development.
Onah also looked forward to seeing how Sam Wilson would lead the Avengers, indicating a significant shift in the team's direction under his command. As the MCU evolves, with many original Avengers stepping away, the next major event will undoubtedly showcase a different dynamic, with Anthony Mackie's Captain America at the forefront.
AnswerSee ResultsBy instilling a sense of permanence in the films, Marvel aims to differentiate the MCU from the cyclical nature of comic books. Nate Moore noted, "I do think [permanent change] does make the MCU feel different than it did in phase one through three. 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."
Moore also highlighted the fun in exploring these changes, ensuring that if and when the Avengers return, they will feel fresh yet worthy of their legacy. As the MCU moves forward, Anthony Mackie's Captain America will lead the charge, bringing a new era to the franchise.
