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," these rumors persist, fueled by a fundamental principle of comic books: no one truly stays dead.
In the world of comics, death and rebirth are commonplace, and Steve Rogers is no exception. The assassination of Rogers during Marvel's 2007 Civil War storyline was a pivotal moment, leading to the passing of the Captain America mantle to Bucky Barnes. However, as is often the case in comics, Rogers' death was temporary, and he was eventually brought back to reclaim his iconic role.
Years later, another twist saw Rogers' super-soldier serum neutralized, rendering him an elderly man unable to wield the shield. This paved the way for Sam Wilson, aka The Falcon, to step into the role of Captain America in the comics, a storyline that directly influenced Anthony Mackie's portrayal in the MCU, leading to his starring role in Captain America: Brave New World.
Despite Wilson's tenure as Captain America in the comics, Rogers' aging was eventually reversed, and he resumed his duties. This pattern of character returns is common across various comic book series, from Batman to Spider-Man, which explains the ongoing speculation about Evans' return. Yet, the question remains: is Mackie's position as the MCU's Captain America secure, or is he at risk of being replaced?
In a recent interview, Mackie expressed hope that his role as Captain America would continue, emphasizing that the future of Sam Wilson as Captain America depends on the success of Brave New World. He confidently stated, "I think that by the end of this movie, audiences are going to feel that Sam Wilson is Captain America, full stop."
While Mackie may not know his character's ultimate fate, the comics suggest a shared mantle between Rogers and Wilson, offering a possibility for both to coexist as Captain America. However, the MCU operates differently from its comic book origins, with a greater emphasis on permanence. Villains like Malekith, Kaecilius, and Ego have stayed dead, suggesting that Steve Rogers' farewell in Endgame might be final.
Nate Moore, a seasoned MCU producer, acknowledged the challenge of fans letting go of Rogers but affirmed that by the end of Brave New World, audiences will recognize Sam Wilson as the definitive Captain America. When asked directly about Mackie's permanency in the role, Moore was unequivocal: "He is. He is. And we're so happy to have him."
From the conclusion of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier onward, Mackie's Sam Wilson is established as the MCU's Captain America, with no plans for replacement. This sense of finality sets the MCU apart from its source material, heightening the stakes and ensuring that characters like Natasha Romanoff, Thanos, and Tony Stark remain gone for good.
Julius Onah, director of Captain America: Brave New World, highlighted the importance of this permanence, stating, "When Tony Stark dies, that's a big deal." He expressed excitement about exploring Sam Wilson's leadership role with the Avengers, underscoring the significant responsibilities that come with being Captain America.
The MCU's commitment to avoiding the cyclical nature of comic book storytelling aims to keep the narrative fresh and engaging. Moore noted that Sam Wilson's leadership could result in a different roster of Avengers compared to Rogers' time, offering new dynamics and challenges.
As the MCU moves forward, with many original Avengers sidelined, the focus will be on how the next major event will differ from the Infinity War/Endgame era. One certainty is that Anthony Mackie will lead the Avengers as the undisputed Captain America, ensuring a fresh and exciting chapter for the MCU.
