For five years, Anthony Mackie and Chris Evans collaborated on Marvel films, portraying Sam Wilson/Falcon and Steve Rogers/Captain America. In the film “Avengers: Endgame” from 2019, Steve gave the Captain America shield to Sam, as their characters shared a close friendship. That choice achieves its maximum impact in Marvel’s forthcoming “Captain America: Brave New World,” where Mackie now takes on the title role of the heroic liberator. What was Mackie’s reaction to the unexpected announcement that Evans will be back with Marvel in 2026’s “Avengers: Doomsday“?
“I was unaware!” Mackie shared with Esquire magazine for a new cover feature. “I spoke with Chris a couple of weeks back and it wasn’t being considered at that time.” At least, he didn’t mention that it was on the table when I inquired. I thought, ‘You know, they mentioned that everyone is returning for the film. Are you returning? He says, ‘Oh, you know, I’m content in my retirement.’”
“I discovered that right there,” he proceeded. “My supervisor demonstrated it to me.” He’s saying, ‘Oh, I suppose Chris is returning.’ That’s everything I’m aware of. “I have not come across a script.”
Nevertheless, Evans also conversed with Esquire for the magazine’s Mackie cover piece and challenged the claim that he will return for the upcoming “Avengers” film. Although the actor’s most recent portrayal of Captain America was in “Endgame,” he did surprise fans with a cameo last year in “Deadpool & Wolverine” as Johnny Storm/Human Torch, a role he previously played in 2005’s “Fantastic Four” and 2007’s “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer.”
“That’s not accurate, however,” Evans stated regarding the report suggesting he is returning to Marvel once more. “This occurs all the time.” I’m saying, it occurs every few years — ever since ‘Endgame.’ I’ve simply ceased reacting to it. “Absolutely not — enjoying my retirement!”
Certainly, Evans might be fabricating the truth (consider Andrew Garfield, who spent months denying he would reprise his Spider-Man role before appearing in “Spider-Man: No Way Home”), but at this moment, the actor is asserting he has no part in “Avengers: Doomsday.” The Russo Bros. are directing the film, which will feature Robert Downey Jr. making his Marvel debut as the evil Doctor Doom. Mackie is anticipated to lead in the upcoming “Avengers” films as the new Captain America of the MCU.
“What you should avoid is ‘Infinity War’ and ‘Endgame’ 2.0,” Mackie commented about the forthcoming blockbuster. “The Russos are incredibly intelligent, and they possess a strong grasp of this universe along with its history and comic books, so I’m confident they have a vision.” I hope they have some sort of idea. “I’m unsure how you manage to assemble all those individuals on screen and make it successful.”
Regarding Mackie’s prospects as Captain America, the actor remarked, “I’d say a solid 10 years,” clarifying: “There are the two Avengers films, potentially another Captain America, and then some unexpected appearances: Oh, Spider-Man!” Oh, Marvel’s Fantastic Four! What brings you here? However, you can never be certain. “I don’t want to be Captain America at the age of 60.”
“Captain America: Brave New World” hits theaters on February 14 from Disney and Marvel. Visit Esquire’s website to read the full article of Mackie’s cover story.
