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MCU's Captain America: Anthony Mackie's Role Explored

Author:Kristen Update:Feb 24,2025

Rumors of Chris Evans' return as Steve Rogers in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) persist, fueled by the comic book trope of death and rebirth. Steve Rogers' death and subsequent revivals in the comics, mirroring similar storylines for other iconic heroes, make the idea of Evans' return plausible. However, the MCU operates differently.

The MCU prioritizes permanence; deaths tend to be final. This contrasts sharply with the cyclical nature of comic book narratives where characters frequently return from the dead or have their mantles passed on. While Steve Rogers' role was temporarily filled by Bucky Barnes and then Sam Wilson in the comics, the MCU seems committed to Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) as the definitive Captain America.

Image credit: Marvel Studios

Anthony Mackie, in interviews promoting Captain America: Brave New World, expresses hope for Sam Wilson's continued tenure as Captain America, emphasizing the film's importance in solidifying his role. MCU producers and the director of Brave New World explicitly confirm Sam Wilson is the current and ongoing Captain America, highlighting the MCU's commitment to lasting character changes.

Image credit: Marvel Studios

This permanence raises the stakes in the MCU, unlike the comic books where resurrections and mantle shifts are common. The deaths of significant characters like Natasha Romanoff and Tony Stark underscore this commitment to irreversible consequences. Steve Rogers' age, effectively ending his active superhero career, further reinforces this narrative shift.

The MCU's future Avengers lineup will likely differ significantly from previous iterations, reflecting Sam Wilson's unique leadership style. This departure from past storylines promises a fresh and compelling direction for the MCU's next major event, with Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson at its helm as the sole Captain America. The studio's consistent messaging regarding casting choices suggests no hidden agendas or future reversals are planned.

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