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, stating his 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' death in the aftermath of Marvel's 2007 Civil War storyline was a major event, leading to Bucky Barnes taking up the mantle. However, Rogers' return was inevitable, explained away in later storylines. Similarly, after his super-soldier serum was neutralized, making him an elderly man, 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, along with similar storylines for characters like Batman and Spider-Man, explains the persistent rumors about Chris Evans' return. The original always comes back, right?
Anthony Mackie, in a recent interview, expressed hope that he remains Captain America, stating his tenure depends on the film's success. He believes audiences will ultimately accept Sam Wilson as Captain America.
Mackie's position is arguably more secure than Sebastian Stan's ever was as Bucky. While Bucky's time as Captain America ended in the comics, Steve Rogers' return saw them sharing the mantle. Even if Chris Evans returns in future Avengers films, Mackie's continued presence as Captain America is highly likely.
However, the MCU differs from the comics. The MCU emphasizes permanence; deaths tend to be permanent. This contrasts with the cyclical nature of comic book deaths and resurrections. Therefore, Steve Rogers' departure seems final.
MCU producer Nate Moore confirms Anthony Mackie *is* the MCU's Captain America, stating they are happy with his portrayal. This permanence adds weight to the MCU narrative, raising the stakes. Characters like Natasha Romanoff and Tony Stark remain deceased, reinforcing this approach. Steve Rogers, simply put, is too old for the role.
Director Julius Onah of Captain America: Brave New World highlights the dramatic impact of permanent change, emphasizing the opportunity to explore Sam Wilson's role. Onah anticipates Sam Wilson's leadership of the Avengers in future films.
By establishing permanence, the MCU aims to avoid the cyclical nature of its comic counterpart. Moore emphasizes that Sam Wilson is a distinct Captain America from Steve Rogers, leading to different Avengers team dynamics and storylines. This difference is intended to make future Avengers installments feel fresh and unique.
With many original Avengers absent, the MCU's next major event will differ 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 this narrative suggests no casting surprises are planned.
