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. 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 aftermath of Marvel's 2007 Civil War storyline was a major event, leading to Bucky Barnes taking up the mantle. But Rogers' return was inevitable. Later, his super-soldier serum was neutralized, making him frail, 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.

Years later, in the comics, Steve Rogers' aging was reversed, and he resumed his role. This cyclical nature, seen also with characters like Batman and Spider-Man, explains the persistent rumors about Chris Evans' return. The original always comes back. But is Anthony Mackie's Captain America permanent?

"I hope so!" Mackie stated in a recent interview. "I think...the life or span of him being Captain America goes with how well the movie does. So go see the movie!"

Mackie has a stronger claim to the shield than Sebastian Stan ever did. While Bucky's tenure ended in the comics, Steve and Sam eventually shared the mantle. Even if Chris Evans returns in future Avengers films, Mackie's position is secure.

However, the MCU differs from the comics. Deaths in the MCU tend to be permanent. Unlike the comics, characters like Malekith, Kaecilius, and Ego are unlikely to return. Steve Rogers' departure seems final.

"We’re aware that, for some people, it’s hard to let go of Steve Rogers," says Nate Moore, producer of Captain America: Brave New World. "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 Mackie is the permanent 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. This permanence adds weight to the MCU's narrative. Natasha Romanoff, Thanos, and Tony Stark are gone, and Steve Rogers is too old. Julius Onah, director of Captain America: Brave New World, emphasizes the dramatic impact of such permanent changes.

"It’s going to be exciting to see how he leads the Avengers going forward," Onah says, highlighting Sam Wilson's crucial role.

The MCU's commitment to permanence distinguishes it from the comics. Moore highlights that Sam Wilson is a distinct Captain America, leading to different Avengers dynamics. The future Avengers will be different, but still worthy of the name.

With many original Avengers absent, the next MCU event will differ from the Infinity Saga. However, Anthony Mackie will be central, leading the Avengers as the sole Captain America. The MCU's consistent narrative avoids casting surprises.