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 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 Steve Rogers was eventually brought back to life, reclaiming his iconic role.
Years later, another twist saw Steve's super-soldier serum neutralized, turning him into a frail old man. This time, Sam Wilson, known as The Falcon, stepped into the role of Captain America. This storyline directly influenced the MCU, leading to Anthony Mackie's portrayal of Sam Wilson as the new Captain America in Captain America: Brave New World.
Despite Sam Wilson's tenure as Captain America in the comics, Steve Rogers eventually returned to his youthful state and resumed his duties. This pattern of the original hero returning is common across various comic book characters, fueling the rumors about Chris Evans' potential comeback. 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 about his role, stating, "I hope so! 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 fully accept Sam Wilson as Captain America.
While Mackie may not know his character's ultimate fate, he has a better chance of retaining the shield than Sebastian Stan's Bucky ever did. In the comics, Steve and Sam eventually agreed to share the Captain America mantle, both wielding shields and wearing the flag. Even if Chris Evans were to return in future films like Avengers: Doomsday or Avengers: Secret Wars, Mackie's position seems secure.
However, the MCU differs from its comic book origins in one crucial way: a greater sense of permanence. When villains die in the movies, they typically stay dead. This suggests that Steve Rogers' farewell in Endgame might indeed be his final goodbye.
Nate Moore, a veteran MCU producer, acknowledges the difficulty some fans have in letting 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."
When asked if Anthony Mackie is the MCU's permanent Captain America, Moore affirmed, "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, until the character's storyline concludes.
This sense of permanence sets the MCU apart from its comic book roots, raising the stakes and ensuring that characters like Natasha Romanoff, Thanos, and Tony Stark remain gone. Steve Rogers, now an elderly man, seems to have truly retired.
Julius Onah, director of Captain America: Brave New World, emphasized the importance of dramatic storytelling, saying, "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. So it was a real treat for me to be able to [work with Sam’s role] in the MCU."
Onah also expressed excitement about Sam Wilson leading the Avengers, highlighting the significant responsibility that comes with the Captain America title.
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 added, "But I think those questions are the questions we have fun with too. Because we want to explore every avenue – much like our fans do – and make sure if and when the time is right for the Avengers to come back, it's an Avengers that feels different, but also is worthy of the Avengers name."
With many original Avengers now retired or deceased, the MCU's next major event will undoubtedly differ from the Infinity War/Endgame era, considered the peak of Marvel Studios' output. One thing is certain: Anthony Mackie will be at the forefront, leading the Avengers as the one and only Captain America. After all, Marvel has never intentionally misled fans about casting only to pull a surprise later, right?
