Chris Evans revealed that he was the one who informed Anthony Mackie about his next big role — becoming the new Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
“I inadvertently was the one who got to tell him that he was going to be Captain America. I didn’t know that he didn’t know,” Evans, 43, said in a story by Esquire, published Thursday.
Evans, who portrayed Captain America across 11 Marvel films, revealed that he broke the news to Mackie during a gathering at his home while filming Avengers: Endgame in 2019.
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“I said, ‘Man, isn’t that scene so beautiful? I love it so much and I’m so happy for you,’” Evans recalled, referring to the moment in “Endgame” where the elderly Steve Rogers gives Mackie’s Sam Wilson Captain America’s shield.
Evans recalled running upstairs to grab the Avengers: Endgame script and handing it to Mackie, revealing his friend’s future as Captain America.
“I got to sit there and watch him read it,” Evans shared. “And he was just so happy.”
Mackie later recounted the memorable moment during an interview with Fandango.
“Being black, I’m like, ‘I’ma die, damn. They’re getting rid of me, man. I don’t even cause no trouble. I stand in the back, like I don’t bother nobody,’” Mackie said, explaining that he thought the script was going to reveal Sam’s death.
Mackie continued, “He gets the new script. He goes to like the last 10 pages, and he goes, ‘Read it!’ So I’m thinking they killed me off … I get to the part … I’m reading the scene between us, and it goes, ‘He hands him the shield.’ I’m like, ‘So why did you give me the shield?’ He’s like, ‘Because you’re f–king Captain America.’”
“We hug, we jump up and down,” the “Falcon and the Winter Soldier” star recalled. “It was hilarious.”
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Mackie is the first Black actor to take up the mantle of Captain America, with his journey beginning in Captain America: Brave New World, set for a February 14 release.
Speaking to Esquire, Mackie also commented on speculation about Evans potentially returning to the MCU for the rumored 2026 film Avengers: Doomsday.
“I didn’t know!” said Mackie. “I talked to Chris a few weeks ago and it wasn’t on the table then. At least, he didn’t tell me it was on the table, because I asked him. I was like, ‘You know, they said they’re bringing everyone back for the movie. Are you coming back?’ He goes, ‘Oh, you know, I’m happily retired.’”
“I learned that right there,” Mackie added. “My manager showed me. He’s like, ‘Oh, so I guess Chris is coming back.’ That’s all I know. I haven’t seen a script.”
Evans told Esquire the report about his MCU comeback is “not true.”
“This always happens. I mean, it happens every couple years — ever since ‘Endgame.’ I’ve just stopped responding to it. Yeah, no — happily retired!” he confirmed.
While promoting his upcoming Marvel film in Rome, Mackie stirred controversy by stating that he doesn’t believe Captain America “represents” America.
“For me, Captain America represents a lot of different things and I don’t think the term, you know, ‘America’ should be one of those representations,” the actor said to the audience. “It’s about a man who keeps his word, who has honor, dignity and integrity. Someone who is trustworthy and dependable.”
Following online backlash, Mackie addressed his earlier comments about Captain America’s symbolism. He posted a clarification on his Instagram Stories.
“Let me be clear about this, I’m a proud American and taking on the shield of a hero like CAP is the honor of a lifetime,” the star wrote.
“I have the utmost respect for those who serve and have served our country. CAP has universal characteristics that people all over the world can relate to,” he added.
