Anthony Mackie is confirmed for 'Captain America 4' and the fandom can now be at peace

It’s official—Anthony Mackie is returning for Captain America 4. That sound you’re hearing? That’s the collective sigh of a fandom that has been waiting for this news ever since Mackie’s character, Sam Wilson, took on the mantle at the end of Marvel’s limited series, The Falcon and The Winter Soldier.

Or, at least, it’s a done deal according to Deadline and other trade publications who have confirmed the news via inside sources. Unfortunately for eager fans, that’s the only news so far. Marvel Studios always likes to keep those cards close to the vest, so it’s unclear whether Sebastian Stan, who plays Bucky Barns, will also return for more onscreen antics.

Mackie and Stan’s banter and rapport has been a big hit with fans who would probably love to see them together fighting Big Bads again. However, the fact that this is a Captain America movie seems to mean it will cover Mackie’s transition into the role previously held by Chris Evans. For now, Stan has shared his own joy, writing “Hell. Yes.” to the news on his Instagram Story.

In addition to playing Falcon/Sam Wilson in the streaming service series, Mackie played the character for six MCU films. Wilson fought alongside Cap/Steve Rogers and he was the superhero’s pick to succeed him before he retired. Although Marvel hasn’t officially confirmed what happened to Steve Rogers, the miniseries alluded to his potential death.

Reports that Evans is returning to the MCU in some capacity surfaced earlier this year, and this film could be how (although both Chris and Marvel boss Kevin Feige keep saying he's not but Marvel people liiiiie).

In the meantime, it seems as though the show and the movie may have some extra continuity because The Falcon and The Winter Soldier head writer and creator Malcolm Spellman and series staff writer Dalan Musson have been hired to write it.

So far, no director is attached.

While fans await more news from the Captain America 4 front, there are plenty of other MCU projects to tide everyone over until then. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings debuts in September, plus there’s The Eternals, Venom: Let There Be Carnage, Spider-Man: No Way Home, Ms. Marvel, and the Hawkeye miniseries to look forward to before the end of the year.

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