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, no one truly stays dead.
Death and rebirth are common in comics. Steve Rogers' assassination in the 2007 Civil War storyline was a major event, leading to Bucky Barnes taking up the mantle. However, Rogers' return was inevitable. Later, his super-soldier serum was neutralized, making him an elderly man, prompting Sam Wilson (The Falcon) to become 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. But is Anthony Mackie's Captain America permanent?
Mackie, in a recent interview, expressed hope for his continued tenure, stating it depends on the film's success. 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 time as Captain America ended in the comics, Steve and Sam eventually shared the mantle. Even if Chris Evans returns in future Avengers films, Mackie’s role remains strong.
However, the MCU differs from the comics. The MCU emphasizes permanence; deaths generally remain permanent. This suggests Steve Rogers' departure is final.
MCU producer Nate Moore confirms Anthony Mackie *is* the permanent Captain America. This permanence elevates the stakes; there's no easy reversal. The deaths of Natasha Romanoff, Thanos, and Tony Stark are irreversible, and Steve Rogers is simply too old.
Director Julius Onah of Captain America: Brave New World highlights the dramatic impact of permanent change and the opportunity to explore Sam Wilson's leadership. He anticipates Sam's exciting role leading the Avengers.
The MCU's emphasis on permanence avoids the cyclical nature of the comics. Moore emphasizes Sam Wilson's unique approach to the role, creating a distinct Avengers team. The future Avengers will be different, but still worthy of the name.
With many original Avengers inactive, the next major MCU event will differ from the Infinity War/Endgame era. However, Anthony Mackie will lead the Avengers as the sole Captain America. The MCU's commitment to this narrative suggests no casting surprises are planned.
