Anthony Mackie, who portrays Sam Wilson, the successor to Captain America, shared a touching personal anecdote about how he learned of his pivotal role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Mackie revealed that Chris Evans, who originated the role of Captain America, shared the script for Avengers: Endgame with him early, allowing Mackie to discover how his character would take on the mantle of Captain America from a close friend.
This revelation came about during a private moment at Evans' home. Mackie described how Evans, as Captain America, received script pages ahead of others and decided to share them with Mackie. "He takes me down…and he gave me the script and let me read it," Mackie recounted. He found the experience to be "really great and really emotional to learn it from a friend." Mackie expressed appreciation for Evans' gesture, noting that "I don’t know a lot of actors who would have appreciated or celebrated that moment with a fellow actor in that way because I was taking his job for all intents and purposes."
Chris Evans' tenure as Captain America concluded with Avengers: Endgame, marking the end of an extensive eight-year arc that solidified his portrayal as the definitive Captain America for many fans. Mackie officially adopted the shield and the role in the film's closing moments, receiving it from an aged Steve Rogers. However, thanks to his friendship with Evans, Mackie was privy to this significant development long before it was revealed to the wider cast, crew, and audience.
Mackie has since continued his journey as Captain America in the Disney+ series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. He also starred in the recent film Captain America: Brave New World. Both Mackie and Evans are slated to return to the MCU for Avengers: Doomsday, scheduled for release on December 18, 2026. Recent theatrical re-releases of Avengers: Endgame offered audiences a glimpse of what to expect, featuring new scenes that connect to the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday.