Anthony Mackie Reveals Chris Evans Shared Captain America Transition Via Early Script

Anthony Mackie disclosed that Chris Evans informed him about his successor role as Captain America by privately sharing the Avengers: Endgame script. Mackie, who now embodies Sam Wilson as Captain America, recounted the experience in a conversation with Cigar Aficionado (via Variety).

A Private Passing of the Torch

Instead of a public announcement, Mackie learned about his new role during a personal moment with Evans at Evans' home. Evans, having received the script pages first due to his Captain America status, showed Mackie the scene detailing Sam Wilson's assumption of the mantle. “Chris Evans is somebody who I hold near and dear,” Mackie stated. “We're at Chris' house, and because he's Captain America, he gets the [script] pages first. So he’s like, 'Yo, did you read the new scene?' I'm like, 'Nah, what's up?' So, he takes me down…and he gave me the script and let me read it.”

Mackie emphasized the significance of learning this news from a friend, noting that it was a unique gesture of appreciation and celebration from one actor to another, especially considering the perceived shift in roles.

Chris Evans' Legacy and Mackie's Transition

Chris Evans’ departure as Captain America concluded an eight-year portrayal of Steve Rogers, spanning three solo films, numerous team-up movies, and memorable cameos. Mackie officially took on the role in Avengers: Endgame, where an older Steve Rogers passed on his shield. He subsequently starred in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Captain America: Brave New World.

Both actors are slated to return in Avengers: Doomsday, premiering December 18, 2026.