Ever since Chris Evans hung up his Captain America shield in Avengers: Endgame, rumors have swirled that he might return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as Steve Rogers. Despite his repeated denials and claims of being "happily retired," the speculation persists. This is largely fueled by the comic book tradition where characters often experience death and rebirth, a cycle that Steve Rogers himself has undergone multiple times.
In the comics, Steve Rogers was famously assassinated following the 2007 Civil War storyline, leading to Bucky Barnes taking up the mantle of Captain America. However, Rogers' death was temporary, and he eventually returned to his iconic role. Later, Steve's super-soldier serum was neutralized, turning him into an elderly man, and Sam Wilson, known as The Falcon, stepped into the role of Captain America. This storyline directly influenced the MCU, leading to Anthony Mackie's character, Sam Wilson, becoming the star of Captain America: Brave New World.
Image credit: Marvel Studios
Despite Sam Wilson taking on the role of Captain America in the comics, Steve Rogers eventually returned to his duties. This recurring pattern in comic books, where the original hero often reclaims their role, fuels the ongoing rumors about Chris Evans' potential return. However, Anthony Mackie remains optimistic about his character's future, stating, "I hope so!" in reference to his continued tenure as Captain America. He emphasized that the success of his role depends on the performance of Brave New World at the box office.
Mackie's portrayal of Sam Wilson as Captain America is set to continue, with the comics showing both Steve Rogers and Sam Wilson sharing the mantle. Even if Chris Evans were to return in future MCU films like Avengers: Doomsday or Avengers: Secret Wars, Mackie is poised to retain his title.
Image credit: Marvel Studios
The MCU, however, operates differently from its comic book origins, with a greater emphasis on permanence. Once characters like villains die in the movies, they typically stay dead, adding a sense of finality that differs from the cyclical nature of comic books. This approach suggests that Steve Rogers' farewell in Endgame might indeed be his last.
Nate Moore, a veteran MCU producer, acknowledges the challenge of moving on from Steve Rogers but is confident that audiences will fully embrace Sam Wilson as the definitive Captain America by the end of Brave New World. Moore firmly states, "He is. He is. And we're so happy to have him," affirming Mackie's permanent role as Captain America in the MCU.
This sense of permanence elevates the stakes in the MCU, as seen with the definitive deaths of characters like Natasha Romanoff, Thanos, and Tony Stark. Julius Onah, director of Captain America: Brave New World, highlights the dramatic potential of Sam Wilson's role, expressing excitement about how he will lead the Avengers moving forward.
With many original Avengers now retired or deceased, the MCU's next major event promises to be distinct from the Infinity War/Endgame era. One thing is certain: Anthony Mackie will be at the forefront, leading the Avengers as the MCU's sole Captain America.
