Anthony Mackie learned how he would inherit Captain America’s shield from the man he was replacing. Chris Evans handed him an early copy of the “Avengers: Endgame” script at a private moment at Evans’ home, Mackie said in an interview with Cigar Aficionado.
Mackie recalled that Evans, as the franchise’s lead, received new script pages ahead of everyone else. Evans asked whether he had read the latest scene, Mackie said, then led him downstairs and let him read it. Mackie called the experience “really great and really emotional to learn it from a friend.”
He added that few actors would have marked the occasion so warmly. In his telling, he was stepping into Evans’ role for all practical purposes, and Evans treated the handover as something to celebrate.
The story lands as Marvel rebuilds toward its next ensemble film. Evans first wore the suit in 2011’s “Captain America: The First Avenger” and passed the shield to Mackie’s Sam Wilson in the closing minutes of “Endgame” in 2019. Mackie carried the mantle through the Disney+ series “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” and headlined his first feature as the hero in 2025’s “Captain America: Brave New World.”
Evans has since returned to the franchise. A teaser for “Avengers: Doomsday” confirmed he reprises Steve Rogers, this time with a child. Both men now appear in the film, which opens Dec. 18.
Their history has drawn support from colleagues. Reports from the “Doomsday” set say Ian McKellen learned Mackie was the new Captain America and told him he deserved the part.
“Endgame” returned to theaters Friday as “Avengers: Endgame Encore,” with added footage that leads into “Doomsday.” The re-release gives audiences a fresh look at the scene Mackie described, in which Evans’ aged Steve Rogers gives up the shield and a new hero takes it.
Marvel has not commented on Mackie’s remarks.
