The Captain America 4 feature film, starring Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson, was announced last year by the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The Hollywood Reporter stated on July 8, 2022, that the project has found its director, Nigerian-American filmmaker Julius Onah. However, Chris Evans responded to the latest announcement story. In reaction to speculation that he would reprise his role as Steve Rogers, the 41-year-old actor confirmed unequivocally that Anthony Mackie (as Sam Wilson) will play Captain America.
The director’s announcement most likely indicates that the project has entered the pre-production stage. It’s also possible that the fourth episode may arrive during Marvel’s Phase 5. More details about the project are scheduled to be revealed during Marvel Studios’ Hall H presentation at the forthcoming 2022 San Diego Comic-Con.
Chris Evans commented on Anthony Mackie’s Captain America.
As The Hollywood Reporter speculated that Chris Evans would reprise his role as Captain America in the fourth chapter, the actor swiftly responded on Twitter. The Lightyear star wrote in a tweet:
“Sam Wilson is Captain America.”
At the time of writing, the tweet has received over 180,000 likes and 38,000 retweets. Many MCU fans complimented Evans for reiterating that Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson is the current Captain America. Captain Marvel and Ant-Man have previously referred to Sam Wilson as the next Captain America in a leaked MCU video from a Disney trip.
Netizens respond to Chris Evans’ statement on reports of Steve Rogers’ return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Following Evans’ remarks on Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson taking over as Captain America in the MCU, many fans complimented the actor. While some people uploaded images of comic pages depicting the changeover, others stressed that no one can replace Steve Rogers or Evans in the position.
I love the handing off of Steve Rogers to Sam Wilson as the new Cap
I do find it hilarious that Anthony Mackie is older than Chris Evans In real life though https://t.co/TsF3s5zYGv
— Nick Angstadt (@NickVanExit) July 10, 2022
Chris Evans’ earlier remarks on the role
The Boston, Massachusetts native has already discussed the evolution of Sam Wilson taking on the legendary mantle from Steve Rogers in both comics and the MCU. Evans recently chatted with Yahoo Entertainment’s Kevin Polowy about a decade of his acting career as the renowned comic book character, as well as Anthony Mackie’s take on Sam Wilson’s Captain America. He stated:
“There’s no one else who can do it.” He really does honor it. I’m really proud of him, and I’m excited to see what they do in the future.”
In another interview, Evans addressed the criticism surrounding his return to the MCU. Evans revealed the following when appearing on the D23 Inside Disney Podcast:
“The part belongs to Anthony Mackie. So, even if there was a new incarnation, not as Captain America, but as Steve Rogers, that would seem… I’d be extremely careful, just because I like that part of my life professionally and personally. I like what those films achieved, and the prospect of revisiting them and maybe adding to their history would be disappointing if it didn’t work out. So it would need a near-perfect recipe, which may or may not be in the cards.”
With Steve Rogers’ character having aged in the MCU, and the comic-accurate transfer of Cap’s shield to Sam Wilson, Chris Evans’ return to the role seems improbable. However, Marvel Studios may utilize past footage of the character in flashbacks or use Rogers’ photographs as Captain America. Though Steve Rogers may not return to the MCU in person, Sebastian Stan’s Winter Soldier (aka Bucky Barnes) and Sam Wilson may reunite following Disney Plus’ The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.
