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Anthony Mackie Confirmed as MCU's Permanent Captain America

By GeorgeMay 14,2025

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 Evans' firm stance on being "happily retired," these rumors persist, fueled by a fundamental principle of comic books: characters often return from the dead.

In the world of comics, death and rebirth are common themes. Steve Rogers, the original Captain America, has experienced this cycle multiple times. A notable instance was his assassination following the 2007 Civil War storyline, which led to Bucky Barnes taking up the mantle. However, Steve's death was temporary, and he eventually returned to his iconic role.

Years later, another twist saw Steve's super-soldier serum neutralized, turning him into an elderly man unable to wield the shield. This paved the way for Sam Wilson, also known as The Falcon, to step into the role of Captain America. This transition is mirrored in the MCU, where Anthony Mackie's portrayal of Sam Wilson in Captain America: Brave New World continues this legacy.

Image credit: Marvel Studios

Yet, just as in the comics, Steve Rogers' aging was eventually reversed, allowing him to reclaim his position. This recurring cycle of characters returning to their roles fuels speculation about Evans' potential comeback. However, the MCU has established a greater sense of permanence compared to its comic book roots. Villains like Malekith, Kaecilius, and Ego remain dead, suggesting that Steve Rogers' retirement might indeed be final.

Anthony Mackie, in a recent interview, expressed hope that his portrayal of Sam Wilson as Captain America would be well-received, suggesting that his tenure could depend on the success of Brave New World. "I think that by the end of this movie, audiences are going to feel that Sam Wilson is Captain America, full stop," Mackie stated confidently.

Image credit: Marvel Studios

Nate Moore, a veteran MCU producer, reinforced this sentiment, emphasizing the permanence of Sam Wilson's role. "He is. He is. And we're so happy to have him," Moore affirmed, indicating that Mackie's Captain America is here to stay until the character's storyline concludes.

The MCU's approach to character permanence adds a unique flavor to its storytelling, heightening the stakes. Characters like Natasha Romanoff, Thanos, and Tony Stark have met their definitive ends, suggesting a departure from the cyclical nature of comic books. Julius Onah, director of Captain America: Brave New World, highlighted the dramatic potential of this approach, particularly in exploring Sam Wilson's leadership of the Avengers.

With many original Avengers now retired or deceased, the MCU is set to evolve, and Anthony Mackie's Captain America will be at the forefront of this new era. As the MCU navigates its next major events, fans can look forward to seeing how Sam Wilson leads the Avengers, marking a new chapter in the Marvel saga.

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