Anthony Mackie, known for his role as Sam Wilson, has officially taken on the mantle of Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). However, the actor did not anticipate stepping into this iconic role, especially after Chris Evans had firmly established himself as the original Captain America through a trilogy of films. In a recent Variety interview, Mackie shared his reflections on the unexpected nature of this career milestone.
Mackie explained that Marvel initially followed a pattern where heroes were typically given three solo movies, which contributed to his uncertainty about becoming Captain America. He thought his future within the MCU would be limited to a Falcon-centric story rather than taking on Captain America’s iconic shield and identity.
Anthony Mackie’s Reflection on Playing Captain America
Discussing the transition, Mackie openly acknowledged his initial disbelief at playing Captain America, given Evans’ strong presence in the role. He said:
“I never thought I would be playing Captain America because we had a perfectly healthy Captain America,”
—Anthony Mackie, Actor
“You know, Marvel had this interesting thing where pretty much everybody was allowed to have three movies. Like, everybody have three movies and then they’re done … Thor being the only one with 17 movies … so, I never thought that there would be an opportunity. I was thinking that there would be a Falcon movie. But I never thought it would be Falcon/Captain America movie.”
—Anthony Mackie, Actor
The Reception of Captain America: Brave New World
Captain America: Brave New World, featuring Mackie’s debut as the lead superhero, premiered earlier this year. The film experienced a mixed reaction from audiences and critics, with a moderate success on streaming platforms but a disappointing box office performance, grossing $415.1 million worldwide. Despite this, Mackie’s portrayal of Captain America was widely appreciated, highlighting why Sam Wilson deserves to carry the superhero’s legacy forward.
Looking ahead, the character Sam Wilson will continue to play a significant role in the unfolding Multiverse Saga. Anthony Mackie is set to reprise his role in upcoming major MCU films such as Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, keeping the character front and center in the franchise’s evolving storyline.
Anthony Mackie’s Ambitions for the Future as Captain America
Once skeptical, Mackie now envisions a long-term future as Captain America and has shared hopes to headline the role for up to a decade. Before Brave New World’s release, he expressed a desire to star in at least five Captain America solo movies alongside multiple Avengers ensemble films. He also mentioned the possibility of cameo appearances in other Marvel projects, which he referred to as “random plug-and-plays.” While the precise path forward for Sam Wilson after Avengers: Secret Wars remains unknown, Mackie is optimistic about the character’s growth and significance.
What Changed in the MCU to Allow This Transition?
At the height of the Infinity Saga, Chris Evans was the definitive Captain America, delivering a beloved portrayal over multiple films. However, Avengers: Endgame introduced a major shift by providing Steve Rogers, Evans’ character, with a heartfelt conclusion where he retires as an elderly man alongside Peggy Carter. This transition paved the way for Sam Wilson as the new Captain America, a development that was impossible for Mackie to have foreseen during the filming of Endgame.
Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige and his team deliberately crafted this narrative turn to honor Evans’ legacy and to pass the shield to Mackie’s character. This thoughtful handoff represents a significant moment both on and off-screen, marking a new era in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Sam Wilson’s Evolving Leadership and Upcoming Challenges
Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson has evolved from a supporting character into a leading figure within the MCU. While other groups like Valentina Allegra de Fontaine’s New Avengers remain active, Sam is assembling his own team to defend Earth-616 and possibly other dimensions. His leadership will be tested as he confronts formidable adversaries, including the looming threat of Doctor Doom.
Mackie is seen as the ideal successor to Chris Evans’ Captain America, bringing depth and maturity to the role. Fans and critics alike hope that future projects starring Mackie will receive stronger acclaim, continuing the legacy with films as impactful as Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
