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. Yet, these rumors are fueled by a key difference between the MCU and comic books: in comics, no one truly stays dead.

Death and rebirth are common in comics. Steve Rogers' death in the 2007 Civil War storyline was monumental, leading to Bucky Barnes taking up the mantle. However, Rogers' return was inevitable, a plot device used to restore him to his "rightful" place. Years later, Marvel repeated this, temporarily aging Rogers into an elderly man, paving the way for Sam Wilson (The Falcon) to become Captain America—a storyline mirroring Anthony Mackie's MCU ascension in Captain America: Brave New World.

But shortly after Wilson's comic book reign, Steve's aging was reversed, and he resumed his role. This cyclical nature, mirrored in stories featuring Batman, Spider-Man, and others, explains the persistent rumors about Chris Evans' return. The original always seems to come back.

Asked about his future as Captain America, Anthony Mackie stated, "I hope so! I think…the span of him being Captain America goes with how well the movie does. So go see the movie!" He believes audiences will accept Sam Wilson *as* Captain America.

Mackie's position seems more secure than Sebastian Stan's ever was. While Bucky's comic book tenure ended, Steve and Sam's recent collaboration in the comics saw them sharing the mantle. Even if Chris Evans returns in future Avengers films, Mackie's hold on the title is strong.

However, the MCU differs from the comics. The MCU emphasizes permanence; deaths tend to be final. Unlike the comics, characters like Malekith, Kaecilius, and Ego aren't likely to return. Steve Rogers' departure seems definitive.

MCU producer Nate Moore confirms, "Sam is Captain America, not Steve Rogers. He's a different person." Director Julius Onah adds, "When Tony Stark dies, that's a big deal… it was a real treat…to be able to \[work with Sam’s role\] in the MCU." Onah anticipates Sam's leadership of the Avengers.

The MCU's commitment to permanence avoids the cyclical nature of the comics. Moore emphasizes Sam Wilson's unique approach, suggesting a different Avengers team and leadership style. This permanent change makes the MCU distinct from its earlier phases.

With many original Avengers inactive, the MCU's future will be different from the Infinity War/Endgame era. However, Anthony Mackie will be central, leading the Avengers as the sole Captain America. The MCU’s commitment to its narrative choices suggests that this is unlikely to change.