Anthony Mackie Discusses His Future as Captain America Post-Brave New World: “A 60-Year-Old Captain America Would Be Challenging.”

In a recent announcement, Anthony Mackie shared his vision of becoming a 60-year-old Captain America while discussing his future with the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) following the much-anticipated Captain America: Brave New World. Set to hit theaters on February 14, this film marks Sam Wilson’s inaugural lead appearance as Captain America, making it a pivotal moment for Mackie within the MCU. He has indicated that this debut could pave the way for numerous future appearances, especially with films like Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars on the horizon. However, the fate of characters, including Mackie’s portrayal, remains uncertain as these major events unfold.

At present, Mackie is 46, which means he could be 56 when he wraps up his decade-long commitment to the role. His plans hinge on how events transpire in Avengers: Secret Wars. In his own words:

Liam Crowley: You said recently that you want to play Captain America for a solid 10 years. I’d love to just get a clarification on that timeline because technically you took on the mantle in 2021. So do we have six years left or is the 10 years starting today?

Anthony Mackie: No, no, no. The 10 years start on the 14th. That’s it. After the 14th I got a 10-year run. I’m not trying to be a 60-year-old Captain America. That’ll hurt.

Liam Crowley: And is there an ambition to make it a full trilogy? Do you want to lead more movies, or would we ever go back to streaming?

Anthony Mackie: I think there’s something in the idea of Captain America being, people love the nature of these movies, the attitude, the realness, the groundedness of these movies. It just works in a cinematic base that I think movies, Captain America deserves to be on the big screen because people love Captain America and that’s where they want to see him.

Implications of Anthony Mackie’s Comments on Sam Wilson’s Captain America Journey

As we look forward to the release of Avengers: Secret Wars, rumors about a soft reboot within the MCU loom large, impacting several established characters. Mackie’s optimism regarding Sam Wilson’s survival post-movie highlights his confidence in the character’s ongoing significance within the franchise.

This sentiment is echoed by the film’s director, Julius Onah, who responded thoughtfully when asked about Mackie’s comments on a 10-year timeline:

Liam Crowley: I just talked with Anthony. He said he wants to play Captain America for another 10 years, and that was 10 years starting on February 14th. It’s clear that that character can’t just hop to Avengers, hop to a The Falcon & The Winter Soldier Season 2, the character is made for the big screen. When Captain America, 5, 6, 7, whatever come around, is that a property that you want to continue with?

Julius Onah: Look, I am so grateful for the opportunity to make this. I would definitely welcome that. Right now, my heart and soul and my focus is in getting this movie out in the world. I love the fact that this is the first event movie of 2025. The people across the world can experience at one time. Movies for me are about community and that’s why that theme of empathy was so important. And I’m just so happy and so proud of Anthony and this entire cast. So that’s what I’m looking forward to the most right now.

Liam Crowley: You don’t have to tell me specifics, but have you started to conceptualize a little more Serpent Society? A little more Red Hulk?

Julius Onah: You know, what’s great about Captain America is that he’s a global figure. I think there’s some really, this is already a geopolitical story that has global implications. I think there’s more great global storytelling to be told. Putting Sam Wilson out there in the world.

While both Mackie and Onah have refrained from making definite statements about future projects, their comments suggest that Sam Wilson is destined to thrive as a global protector, much like his predecessor, Steve Rogers. Clarity regarding Sam Wilson’s future in the MCU will likely emerge following the release of Captain America: Brave New World.

Our Perspective on Anthony Mackie’s Comments Regarding Captain America

Enthusiasm for Sam Wilson’s Captain America Legacy

I resonate with Anthony Mackie’s aspirations for Sam Wilson to thrive as Captain America over the next decade. It is clear that both Mackie and Wilson have a profound understanding of what it means to embody this iconic role. I believe that Captain America: Brave New World will validate Steve Rogers’ choice to pass down the shield and legacy to Sam. As Mackie approaches his mid-fifties, it is reasonable to anticipate that he may adopt a supporting role as a mentor after Avengers: Secret Wars.