Chris Evans didn’t even want to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the first place, rejecting the role of Captain America three times before finally signing on. From there, he went on to establish Steve Rogers as the heart of the entire mythology, turning a relatively bland character on paper into one of cinema’s most popular figures.
The final moments of Avengers: Endgame marked a near-perfect swansong for his time as the star spangled superhero, but rumors almost instantly started swirling over a return. Less than two years later, the actor was reported to be in talks for at least one future MCU project, although he’s since cast doubt on the story by claiming he doesn’t know anything about it.
The news turned out to be surprisingly divisive among fans, though, many of whom feel a comeback would dilute the impact of Endgame‘s finale, and now there are others wondering what it might mean for Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson. Of course, Cap’s close buddy was handed the shield, and one of the major driving forces behind The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is set to be him wrestling with the weight of what it means to be Captain America, but as you can see from the reactions below, people are concerned that Steve returning to the fold may lead to Sam being pushed to the sidelines.
Respect to Chris Evans, but the streets want Anthony Mackie as Captain America. Capt'n Falcon, Bird Nygga or whatever the fck yall wanna call him.
— Roy Wood Jr- Ex Jedi (@roywoodjr) January 14, 2021
friendly reminder that Sam wilson/Anthony mackie is captain America pic.twitter.com/OC1OZo5Ebu
— ♡ (@frumosseb) January 14, 2021
WHY IS CHRIS EVANS RUMORED TO BE COMING BACK WHEN ANTHONY MACKIE IS RIGHT THERE ‼️
— CLUBBUTLER (@M4RGOTROBBIES) January 14, 2021
I swear to fuck if y'all bring back Chris Evans as Cap before Anthony Mackie even gets to take up the mantle on the big screen, I will fucking RIOT.
— 🇵🇸MackMacTalksBack 🇵🇸 (@MackMacTlksBack) January 15, 2021
As much as I love Chris Evans as Captain American, I wanna see Anthony Mackie be the new cap. I think it would be great for a black actor to play the character.
— Prince☁️ 🍉 (@Pijama_Prince) January 14, 2021
i totally agree that we could always use more Chris Evans content but can Anthony Mackie have the fucking shield guys
— Sandra (@sandra_marie_f) January 14, 2021
chris evans step down from captain america challenge. you had your time to shine , rich white boy. it’s anthony mackie’s turn , baby.
— marceline. 🔪 (@marcelinerenee) January 14, 2021
Why do y'all hate Anthony Mackie again? I remember he said something stupid, but ever since that day y'all turned on him. He married a Black woman and everything.
Anyway. Anthony can absolutely carry a movie if Chris Evans can. 🙄
Anthony is formally trained!
ADOS— tyrese sanders (@tysandsnyc2acc) January 14, 2021
Obviously, there’s every chance that we might never see them interact directly given that Evans could realistically show up anywhere from Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness to Secret Invasion. And besides, knowing that Kevin Feige plans each of the MCU’s major story points out years in advance, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier advancing Sam’s journey towards becoming Captain America likely hasn’t been affected in the long run.