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 consistently denied them, claiming retirement. However, these rumors are fueled by a key difference between the MCU and comic books: in comics, death is rarely permanent.

Death and rebirth are common in comics. Steve Rogers' death in the 2007 Civil War storyline was a pivotal moment, leading to Bucky Barnes taking up the mantle. But Rogers' death, like the mantle's passing, proved temporary. He was resurrected, returning to his "rightful" place. Years later, his super-soldier serum was neutralized, making him an elderly man, and Sam Wilson (The Falcon) became Captain America. This storyline mirrors the MCU's transition to Anthony Mackie as Captain America in Captain America: Brave New World.

Yet, shortly after Wilson became Captain America in the comics, Rogers' aging was reversed, and he resumed his role. This, along with similar storylines for characters like Batman and Spider-Man, explains the persistence of rumors about Chris Evans' return. The original always returns, right?

"I hope so!" Mackie said in a recent interview. "I don’t know. I think when you look at Sam Wilson, the span of him being Captain America depends on the movie's success. So go see the movie!"

Mackie might hold the shield longer than Sebastian Stan. While Bucky's time as Captain America ended in the comics, Steve and Sam eventually shared the mantle, both wielding the shield and representing Captain America. Even if Chris Evans returns in future Avengers films, Mackie has a strong chance of retaining the title.

However, the MCU differs from the comics. The MCU emphasizes permanence; villains typically stay dead. Maliketh, Kaecilius, and Ego aren't likely to return. Steve Rogers' farewell seems final.

"We’re aware that letting go of Steve Rogers is hard for some," says Nate Moore, producer of Captain America: Brave New World. "But by the end, audiences will feel Sam Wilson *is* Captain America."

When asked if Mackie is the permanent Captain America, Moore states, "He is. And we’re so happy to have him."

Since The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Sam Wilson is the MCU's Captain America. This permanence gives the MCU a different feel; the stakes are higher. Natasha Romanoff, Thanos, and Tony Stark are gone. Steve Rogers is… retired.

"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 leadership role.

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

"We want to explore every avenue," Moore adds, "and ensure that when the Avengers return, it's a different, yet worthy, team."

With many original Avengers inactive, the MCU's next major event will differ from Infinity War/Endgame. However, Anthony Mackie will be central, leading the Avengers as the sole Captain America. Marvel hasn't employed casting stunts before, so this seems genuine.