Anthony Mackie’s portrayal of Sam Wilson as Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) was not something the actor anticipated. Reflecting in a Variety interview, Mackie explained that he never imagined taking on the mantle since Chris Evans had firmly established the role over three Captain America films. The shift to Mackie’s Captain America came as Marvel expanded beyond their original plan, which allowed most heroes only three solo movies.
Mackie’s Thoughts on Taking Over the Role
Addressing the transition, Mackie said,
“I never thought I would be playing Captain America because we had a perfectly healthy Captain America,”
referring to Chris Evans’ longstanding tenure. He noted Marvel’s initial approach where
“pretty much everybody was allowed to have three movies… and then they’re done.”
The actor confessed he expected a Falcon-centered film rather than the hybrid Falcon/Captain America project that eventually materialized, signaling Marvel’s evolving vision for its characters.
The Reception and Future of Captain America: Brave New World
The film Captain America: Brave New World debuted earlier this year, receiving a mixed response. While it underperformed at the global box office, earning around $415.1 million, it gained popularity on streaming platforms. Mackie’s portrayal was widely praised for convincingly establishing Sam Wilson’s worthiness to carry the iconic shield. Looking ahead, Mackie is set to reprise the role in upcoming MCU installments including Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, highlighting the character’s critical part in the broader Multiverse Saga.
Mackie’s Vision for His Captain America Role
From doubting his opportunity to play Captain America, Mackie now imagines a long tenure in the role. Before the film’s release, he expressed hopes to continue as the hero for the next decade, aiming for a fifth solo Captain America film along with appearances in Avengers movies and other characters’ projects. The exact direction for Sam Wilson after Secret Wars remains uncertain, but Mackie’s enthusiasm underscores his commitment to the character’s future.
Context Behind Mackie’s Initial Reservations
During the Infinity Saga, Chris Evans was firmly entrenched as Steve Rogers, setting a very high standard as Captain America. Marvel’s story choices in Avengers: Endgame created a natural passing of the torch, with Rogers’ storyline closing on a poignant note as he aged alongside Peggy Carter. This ending was unknown to Mackie beforehand, leaving him to believe he would primarily portray Falcon rather than the new Captain America. With Evans stepping away, Marvel Studios, led by Kevin Feige, embraced Sam Wilson as the rightful successor, opening a new chapter within Earth-616 and beyond.
Sam Wilson’s Emerging Role as a Leader
Although Chris Evans remains a beloved Captain America, many fans look forward to Mackie’s continued leadership. Sam Wilson’s character has evolved significantly, stepping confidently into the role of Captain America and leader. While Valentina Allegra de Fontaine’s New Avengers are active, Sam is independently assembling a team to safeguard Earth-616 and perhaps other dimensions from looming threats such as Doctor Doom. This development signals an exciting period for Mackie’s Captain America to headline stronger, more acclaimed projects in the future, reminiscent of the impact of Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
“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
