Anthony Mackie’s Future as Captain America: Where Does the Star-Spangled Hero Go from Here?

The Shield Has Changed Hands, But What’s Next?

Ever since Avengers: Endgame, when Steve Rogers handed his shield to Sam Wilson, fans knew a new era of Captain America was coming. But let’s be honest—Sam’s journey to embracing the role wasn’t easy. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier showed just how complicated stepping into Cap’s boots could be, especially when the world still clings to the idea of Steve Rogers as the one and only.

But now, Anthony Mackie is officially Captain America, and his upcoming solo film, Captain America: Brave New World, will give us our first real taste of what his version of the character will look like on the big screen. So, what can we expect? Will he lead the Avengers? Will he struggle to gain the world’s trust? And most importantly—how will his Captain America be different from what came before? Let’s dive in.

Why Sam Wilson’s Captain America Feels So Different

Let’s get one thing straight—Sam Wilson is NOT Steve Rogers. And that’s exactly why his take on Captain America is so interesting.

Steve was the perfect super soldier—literally. He had enhanced strength, speed, endurance, and an unshakable moral compass. Sam, on the other hand, doesn’t have a single drop of super-soldier serum in his veins. He’s just a highly skilled fighter with a strong sense of justice and a willingness to stand up for the little guy.

That makes him a very different kind of hero. He can’t just punch his way out of problems. He has to rely on strategy, teamwork, and a whole lot of grit. That makes for some incredible storytelling opportunities, and Brave New World could lean into that in a big way.

What We Know About Captain America: Brave New World

Marvel is keeping most plot details under wraps, but here’s what’s confirmed so far:

• Harrison Ford Joins as Thunderbolt Ross – Yes, THE Harrison Ford. He’s taking over the role from the late William Hurt, and in the comics, Ross eventually becomes the Red Hulk. Could that happen here? Maybe, maybe not—but his presence definitely signals some political drama ahead.
• Liv Tyler Returns as Betty Ross – The last time we saw her was The Incredible Hulk (2008). Her return could hint at more Hulk-related storylines down the road.
• A Political Thriller Vibe – Word on the street is that Brave New World will have a Captain America: The Winter Soldier-style tone, meaning government conspiracies, espionage, and tough moral choices.

One thing’s for sure—this isn’t going to be a simple “good vs. evil” superhero flick. It’s going to get messy, and that’s exactly what makes it exciting.

Will Sam Wilson Lead the Avengers?

Right now, the Avengers are kind of... in limbo. Tony Stark is gone, Steve Rogers is out of the picture, Thor is off doing his own thing, and the team as we knew it hasn’t really been active since Endgame. So, who’s stepping up?

In the comics, Sam has led the Avengers before, so it wouldn’t be shocking if he took on that role in the MCU too. But let’s be real—he’s not stepping into a fully formed team. If he’s going to lead, he’ll have to build something from scratch.

That means working with heroes like:

• Shang-Chi – He’s got the power, but does he have the leadership skills?
• Doctor Strange – A wildcard who might be too busy dealing with multiversal chaos.
• Spider-Man – Still young, but learning fast. Could Sam become a mentor to Peter?

The Avengers need a leader, and Sam Wilson might be the best guy for the job. But if Brave New World teaches us anything, it’ll probably be that leadership isn’t just about carrying a shield—it’s about earning the world’s trust.

Possible Team-Ups and Future Storylines

One of the coolest things about Sam being Captain America is that it opens up a ton of possibilities for new team-ups and crossovers. Here are a few we’d love to see:

1. A Spider-Man & Captain America Dynamic

Peter Parker is flying solo after the events of No Way Home, and he could really use some guidance. Imagine Sam stepping in as a mentor figure, helping Peter navigate the complexities of being a hero while also teaching him a thing or two about responsibility.

2. A Tense Relationship with the Thunderbolts

With Thunderbolts coming up, it’s very possible Sam will have to deal with a government-backed team of anti-heroes, including Bucky Barnes and John Walker (US Agent). That could create some serious conflict, especially if Sam doesn’t agree with their methods.

3. Facing Off Against Kang the Conqueror

We already know Kang is the MCU’s next big villain, and the Avengers will need all hands on deck to stop him. Sam may not have superpowers, but he’s got experience fighting against impossible odds (cough Thanos cough). He could play a critical role in the battle to come.

The Challenges Ahead

Taking over as Captain America isn’t just about throwing the shield—it’s about proving you deserve it.

Let’s be real, there will always be people (both in the MCU and in real life) who see Steve Rogers as the Captain America. Sam’s journey isn’t about replacing Steve—it’s about carving out his own identity.

That’s why his story is so compelling. He’s not a perfect super soldier. He’s not the guy who can throw a tank across a battlefield. But he is the guy who refuses to back down, no matter how tough things get. And that’s what makes him a true Captain America.

Final Thoughts: The Future is Bright for Mackie’s Cap

Anthony Mackie’s Captain America is just getting started, and Brave New World is going to be a major turning point for the character. Whether he ends up leading the Avengers, taking on Kang, or dealing with political turmoil, one thing is clear—he’s here to stay.

Sam Wilson isn’t just carrying a shield. He’s carrying a legacy. And if Brave New World delivers the way fans are hoping, he’s going to prove once and for all why he deserves that shield.

The next era of Captain America is here. And honestly? It’s looking pretty damn exciting.