Since Chris Evans hung up his Captain America shield in Avengers: Endgame, rumors have swirled about his potential return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as Steve Rogers. Despite his repeated denials and claims of being "happily retired," these rumors persist, fueled by a fundamental truth of comic books: no one really stays dead.
In the world of comics, death and rebirth are common themes, and Steve Rogers is no exception. His assassination following the 2007 Civil War storyline was a pivotal moment, leading to Bucky Barnes taking up the mantle of Captain America. However, this was only temporary, as Steve Rogers was eventually brought back to life and resumed his iconic role.
Years later, another twist saw Steve's super-soldier serum neutralized, rendering him an elderly man unable to wield the shield. This opened the door for Sam Wilson, aka The Falcon, to become the new Captain America. This storyline directly influenced the MCU, leading to Anthony Mackie's portrayal of Sam Wilson as the star of Captain America: Brave New World.
Image credit: Marvel Studios
Despite Sam Wilson's rise to the role of Captain America in the comics, Steve Rogers eventually returned to his youthful state and resumed his duties. This pattern of legacy characters stepping in and out of the role is common in comics, fueling speculation about Chris Evans' potential return. However, the MCU operates differently, with a greater sense of permanence. When characters die, they typically stay dead, suggesting that Steve Rogers' farewell might indeed be final.
Anthony Mackie, in a recent interview, expressed hope that his tenure as Captain America would be long-lasting, emphasizing that the success of Brave New World could determine his character's future. "I think that by the end of this movie, audiences are going to feel that Sam Wilson is Captain America, full stop," Mackie stated confidently.
Image credit: Marvel Studios
Nate Moore, a veteran MCU producer, reinforced this sentiment, affirming that Sam Wilson is the MCU's permanent Captain America. "He is. He is. And we're so happy to have him," Moore declared, underscoring the MCU's commitment to this new era.
The MCU's approach to character permanence adds a different flavor to its storytelling compared to the comics. The deaths of characters like Natasha Romanoff, Thanos, and Tony Stark are final, raising the stakes and making each narrative arc more impactful. Julius Onah, director of Captain America: Brave New World, highlighted the importance of this dramatic playground, expressing excitement about Sam Wilson's leadership role within the Avengers.
As the MCU moves forward, with many original Avengers now out of action, the focus will be on how this new era differs from the Infinity War/Endgame years. One thing is certain: Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson will be at the forefront, leading the Avengers as the definitive Captain America. Marvel's commitment to this new direction suggests that there will be no casting surprises or reversals, ensuring that Sam Wilson's journey as Captain America is here to stay.
