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The Shield's Legacy: Who Plays Captain America Now? (And The Shocking Return Of The Original Star)

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The answer to "Who plays Captain America?" is more complex and exciting than ever before, as of December 2025. The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has officially passed the iconic vibranium shield, cementing a new actor in the lead role, while persistent and recent reports suggest the original star is preparing for an unprecedented comeback in the next phase of the *Avengers* saga. This dual-legacy narrative is driving fan curiosity and shaping the future of one of Marvel's most beloved heroes, moving past the emotional conclusion of the Infinity Saga into a 'Brave New World.' The current era is defined by a new man wielding the shield, but the shadow of the founding Avenger looms large.

The mantle of Captain America is no longer held by a single person, but by two major actors whose careers have been indelibly linked to the Sentinel of Liberty. The current, officially recognized Captain America is Sam Wilson, played by Anthony Mackie, who will headline the highly anticipated 2025 film *Captain America: Brave New World*. Simultaneously, Chris Evans is reportedly set to reprise his role as Steve Rogers, the original Captain America, in upcoming major crossover events, creating a fascinating dynamic of two heroes carrying the same title.

The Dual Legacy: Full Biographies of the MCU's Captains America

To fully appreciate the significance of the role, it’s essential to know the two actors who have defined Captain America for a generation of fans. Both Anthony Mackie and Chris Evans bring distinct backgrounds and filmographies to the role, cementing their status as global superstars.

Anthony Mackie (Sam Wilson / Captain America)

  • Full Name: Anthony Dwane Mackie
  • Born: September 23, 1978, in New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
  • Education: Graduated from the Juilliard School’s Drama Division (Group 30).
  • Major Roles Before MCU: Known for critically acclaimed performances in *8 Mile* (2002), *The Hurt Locker* (2008), *Million Dollar Baby* (2004), and *We Are Marshall* (2006).
  • MCU Debut: Sam Wilson / Falcon in *Captain America: The Winter Soldier* (2014).
  • Becoming Captain America: Officially took on the mantle at the end of *Avengers: Endgame* (2019) and fully embraced the title in the Disney+ series *The Falcon and the Winter Soldier* (2021).
  • Current Status: Headlining the 2025 film *Captain America: Brave New World*.
  • Awards & Nominations: Nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead for *Brother to Brother* (2004).

Chris Evans (Steve Rogers / Captain America)

  • Full Name: Christopher Robert Evans
  • Born: June 13, 1981, in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
  • Education: Attended the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute.
  • Major Roles Before MCU: Gained early fame playing Johnny Storm / Human Torch in the *Fantastic Four* films (2005, 2007) and roles in *Not Another Teen Movie* (2001) and *Scott Pilgrim vs. the World* (2010).
  • MCU Debut: Steve Rogers / Captain America in *Captain America: The First Avenger* (2011).
  • Defining MCU Role: Starred in 11 MCU films, including three *Captain America* solos and four *Avengers* films, concluding his run in *Avengers: Endgame* (2019).
  • Post-MCU Roles: Has starred in films like *Knives Out* (2019), *The Gray Man* (2022), and *Ghosted* (2023).
  • Current Status: Widely rumored and reported to be returning as Steve Rogers in the upcoming *Avengers: Doomsday* film.

Anthony Mackie: The New Captain America and the Brave New World

The official passing of the shield from a time-traveling, elderly Steve Rogers to Sam Wilson in *Avengers: Endgame* was one of the most poignant moments in MCU history. This transition wasn't immediate or easy, however. The Disney+ series *The Falcon and the Winter Soldier* (2021) explored Sam Wilson's internal struggle with the weight of the legacy, the historical significance of a Black man taking on the mantle, and the political implications of becoming America's hero.

Anthony Mackie’s portrayal of Sam Wilson as Captain America is fundamentally different from Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers. Where Steve was the super-soldier, a man out of time and a symbol of old-fashioned idealism, Sam is a modern-day veteran, a former pararescueman, and a man grappling with contemporary issues of race, class, and government trust.

The next major chapter for the character is the feature film, *Captain America: Brave New World*, scheduled for release in 2025. This film will mark Mackie’s true debut as the lead Captain America on the big screen, following his co-starring role in the Disney+ series. The movie is set to feature a new dynamic with Harrison Ford joining the cast as Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, and is expected to further explore Sam Wilson's unique brand of leadership and heroism in a post-Blip world.

The Return of the Sentinel of Liberty: Will Chris Evans Wield the Shield Again?

For a decade, Chris Evans was the definitive cinematic Captain America, portraying Steve Rogers from *The First Avenger* (2011) through to *Endgame* (2019). His emotional farewell, choosing to live a full life with Peggy Carter, seemed to close the book on his character.

However, recent updates have sent shockwaves through the fan community. Multiple reports and industry insiders have strongly indicated that Chris Evans is set to return as Steve Rogers in the MCU. While the exact details are kept under wraps, the consensus points to a major role in the upcoming *Avengers: Doomsday* film, potentially as a central figure.

This potential return raises fascinating questions about the MCU's future narrative. Will he return as the elderly Steve Rogers who passed the shield? Or will he return as a younger, time-displaced Captain America from a different timeline, perhaps to deal with the threat of Kang the Conqueror? The possibility of seeing both Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers and Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson operating as Captain America simultaneously is a thrilling prospect that would fulfill fan nostalgia while advancing the new legacy.

Beyond the MCU: The Other Actors Who Have Played Captain America

While Chris Evans and Anthony Mackie are the most recognized live-action Captain Americas, the character has a long history across various media. A rich list of other actors have contributed to the character's legacy, demonstrating the depth of Captain America's topical authority in pop culture. This list of entities includes live-action, voice actors, and early film serial stars:

  • Dick Purcell: Starred in the 1944 *Captain America* film serial, making him the first actor to play the role on screen.
  • Reb Brown: Played Steve Rogers in two 1970s television films: *Captain America* (1979) and *Captain America II: Death Too Soon* (1979).
  • Lawrence Bayne: Voiced Captain America in *X-Men: The Animated Series* (1992–1997).
  • David Hayter: Best known as the voice of Solid Snake, Hayter also voiced Captain America in the *Spider-Man: The Animated Series* (1994–1998).
  • Roger Craig Smith: A prolific voice actor who has voiced the hero in numerous animated projects, including *Avengers Assemble* and the video game adaptation of *Captain America: The Winter Soldier*.
  • Matt Salinger: Played Steve Rogers in the 1990 film adaptation, *Captain America*.
  • Wyatt Russell: Played John Walker, the government-appointed, temporary Captain America in *The Falcon and the Winter Soldier*, before becoming U.S. Agent.

The sheer number of actors who have donned the suit—from Dick Purcell in the 1940s to Anthony Mackie today—underscores the character's enduring importance. The dual casting of Mackie and the rumored return of Evans makes the current moment arguably the most exciting, complex, and high-stakes era for the shield's legacy. The future of Captain America is not about one hero, but about two men forging two distinct, yet equally important, paths for the symbol of hope and justice.

who plays captain america
who plays captain america

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