Is Anthony Mackie the MCU's Permanent Captain America?

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. Yet, these rumors are fueled by 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 aftermath of Marvel's 2007 Civil War storyline was a pivotal moment, leading to Bucky Barnes taking up the mantle. But Rogers' death, like Bucky's Captain America tenure, proved temporary. He was resurrected and reinstated. Years later, Steve's super-soldier serum was neutralized, aging him drastically, and Sam Wilson (The Falcon) became Captain America. This storyline mirrors Anthony Mackie's ascension in Captain America: Brave New World.

However, in the comics, Steve's aging was reversed, and he resumed his role. This cyclical nature, seen with characters like Batman and Spider-Man, explains the persistent rumors about Chris Evans' return. The original always seems to come back. So, is Anthony Mackie's Captain America role secure?

"I hope so!" Mackie stated in a recent interview. "I think the life span of Sam Wilson as Captain America depends on the movie's success. So go see the movie!"

Mackie has a stronger claim than Sebastian Stan ever did. While Bucky's comic book tenure ended, Steve and Sam eventually shared the mantle in the comics. Both wield the shield; both are Captain America. Even if Chris Evans returns in Avengers: Doomsday or Avengers: Secret Wars, Mackie's position is secure.

But the MCU differs from the comics. Since 2008, the MCU has prioritized permanence. Villains generally stay dead. Maliketh, Kaecilius, and Ego aren't returning anytime soon. Steve Rogers' farewell seems final.

"For some, letting go of Steve Rogers is hard," says MCU producer Nate Moore. "But by the end, audiences will feel Sam Wilson *is* Captain America." 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 until his storyline concludes. This permanence gives the MCU a distinct feel; the stakes are higher. Natasha Romanoff, Thanos, and Tony Stark are gone, and Steve Rogers is too old.

"When Tony Stark dies, it's a big deal," says Julius Onah, director of Captain America: Brave New World. "It was a treat to work with Sam's role in the MCU."

"It's exciting to see how he leads the Avengers," Onah adds, referencing Captain America's crucial role.

By establishing permanence, Marvel avoids the cyclical nature of the comics. "Sam is Captain America, not Steve Rogers," Moore explains. "He's a different person. His Avengers team might differ from Steve's."

With many original Avengers inactive, the MCU's next major event will differ from the Infinity War/Endgame era. Anthony Mackie will lead the Avengers as the sole Captain America. Marvel isn't known for casting stunts, so this seems definitive.