One way that Marvel Studios can have its "reboot" and its continuity too is by passing on the mantles of its marquee characters. Captain America: New World Order is both a continuation and a reboot of the franchise. So, while this is a great idea, there is still room for both Chris Evans and Anthony Mackie as Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Chris Evans' last outing as Captain America was 2019's Avengers: Endgame. Since then, he's been able to take on different roles, playing characters who wear fewer spangly outfits. Earlier this year, Evans said he wouldn't reprise his Steve Rogers role, worrying his return could hurt Anthony Mackie's story. Still, he recently told an interviewer he missed playing Captain America and the experience of making the films. Thanks to the Multiverse, there is room for both versions of Captain America in the MCU. Just like Peter Parker and Miles Morales, Steve and Sam complement each other. Being Captain America is not like being the Highlander. There can be more than one.
Forget the Multiverse, the MCU Is Big Enough for More Than One Captain America
A recent Marvel Comics series, The United States of Captain America, was all about how a character with that name should look like America. This would be a perfect story to adapt for the movies. Chris Evans could return to the MCU while still being respectful to Steve Rogers' best friend. (Sorry, Bucky, Sam never tried to kill him.) He left the role, in part, because the dietary restrictions became more severe and the workouts more difficult. It's not because he was tired of the character.
In the book, Steve Rogers and Sam Wilson chase thieves who stole the shield. Along the way, they encounter other Captain Americas. A gay man, a Black woman and others also call themselves "Captain America," helping out their communities. Chris Evans' return doesn't mean he'd have to "take over" as Cap, but rather he could be there to support Sam and vice versa. Steve and Sam could see how important the legacy of Captain America is to everyday folks. At the very least, Evans should return as "Old Man Steve" for a cameo, just to juice the gross.
It would be unfair if Marvel Studios brought back Chris Evans before Anthony Mackie's movie debuted. Still, it would be equally unfair for Sam Wilson not to at least share the screen with his best pal in his first solo movie.
Chris Evans Could Return as Captain America, but Only as a 'Guest Star'
For what it's worth, Anthony Mackie is all for Chris Evans returning because he enjoys working with the actor he shared the screen with for four films. In fact, given the incredible number of projects in the works at Marvel Studios, Team Cap is being spread thin. Sebastian Stan is, for now, not in Captain America: New World Order because Bucky's busy being part of the Thunderbolts. As the road to Avengers: Secret Wars narrows, Marvel Studios producers could use another Captain America or two. He could appear much in the way Robert Downey, Jr. did in Spider-Man: Homecoming, less than a week of work. He could do other projects and pop in here and there as Steve until everyone is ready to really finish the story.
One of the reasons fans want Evans to return is because Steve Rogers defied all expectations and did not die fighting Thanos. Harrison Ford wanted Han Solo to die in Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi, not because he "hated the character" or anything silly like that. He thought Han should have to make that sacrifice to complete his heroic narrative. He came back, and he got his wish. Evans could do a second round of MCU appearances, and just when fans get comfortable, Steve could die a shocking and heroic death. Just like Harrison Ford will probably do as Thunderbolt Ross.
It's a testament to Chris Evans' character that he wants to make sure Anthony Mackie gets to shine as the Captain America of the MCU. Still, if he wants to revisit that role, there is plenty of space for Steve Rogers (at any age) in the stories that lie ahead.
Captain America: New World Order debuts in theaters May 3, 2024.