Wait That’s Not Captain America! How (And Why) Did Anthony Mackie Become the New Captain America

• 01

  Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

  
  via Marvel

  The first time we met Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) was in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and honestly, it was the perfect introduction. When we first see him, he's just a guy out for a morning jog, only to be repeatedly lapped by a certain super-soldier who keeps smugly telling him, "On your left." Instead of getting annoyed, Sam takes it in stride and even strikes up a conversation with Steve Rogers. Turns out, he's a former pararescue airman who now helps fellow veterans adjust to life after service. Instantly likable, great sense of humor, and most importantly—not intimidated by Captain America in the slightest.

  Their bromance kicks off quickly, and when S.H.I.E.L.D. falls apart thanks to the whole oops, HYDRA was secretly running everything situation, Sam is right there with Steve, suiting up with his old military-issued Falcon jetpack and proving himself as a hero. By the end of the movie, he's not just a friend—he's an ally.

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• 02

  Ant-Man (2015)

  
  via Marvel

  Sam doesn't have a major role in Ant-Man, but he does get a fun cameo. When Scott Lang breaks into Avengers HQ, he ends up accidentally picking a fight with Falcon. It doesn't go great for Sam—he underestimates the tiny guy (who he calls "Tic Tac") and gets taken down. But instead of being bitter, Sam immediately starts looking to recruit Ant-Man for the Avengers. Even when he loses, he's still thinking like a leader.

• 03

  Captain America: Civil War (2016)

  
  via Marvel

  By the time Civil War rolls around, Sam Wilson is no longer just Steve's friend—he's one of his closest allies. When the government introduces the Sokovia Accords, which would force superheroes to register and work under political oversight, Steve says no—and Sam is right there with him.

  This is where Sam proves his loyalty to Steve above all else. When the government arrests Bucky Barnes (The Winter Soldier) and Steve decides to break him out, Sam doesn't hesitate to help. And when the Avengers split into Team Iron Man vs. Team Cap, Sam is one of the first in line, donning his Falcon suit and fighting alongside his best friend.

  Of course, things don't go great for Team Cap, and by the end of the battle, Sam is arrested and thrown into The Raft, a high-security prison. Steve breaks him out, but now he's officially a fugitive.

• 04

  Avengers: Infinity War & Endgame (2018-2019)

  
  via Marvel

  When Thanos comes knocking in Infinity War, Sam is right there with the Avengers, fighting alongside Steve, Black Widow, and T'Challa in Wakanda. But like half the universe, he gets dusted when Thanos snaps his fingers.

  Fast forward to Endgame. Five years later, Sam returns through Doctor Strange's portals for the final battle against Thanos. And once Thanos is defeated, Steve decides it's time to retire. But he doesn't just walk away—he hands his shield to Sam, officially passing on the mantle of Captain America.

  This is the moment where Sam becomes Cap… except, not really. Because while Steve is 100% sure about his choice, Sam isn't.

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• 05

  The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021)

  
  via Marvel

  So Sam Wilson is Captain America now, right? Well… not so fast. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is all about why Sam initially refuses the shield—and why he eventually realizes he needs to pick it back up.

  At the start of the series, Sam doesn't feel worthy of the mantle. He donates the shield to the Smithsonian, believing that no one can (or should) replace Steve Rogers. The U.S. government, however, has other ideas. Instead of respecting Steve's choice, they introduce John Walker as the "new" Captain America.

  Walker turns out to be an absolute disaster, proving that the title of Captain America isn't about strength—it's about character. Over the course of the series, Sam and Bucky fight to take back the shield, and Sam slowly comes to accept his role as Cap. He trains with the shield, gets a new Captain America suit (with wings!) courtesy of Wakanda, and in the final episode, he officially takes up the mantle.

• 06

  Captain America: Brave New World (2025)

  
  via Marvel

  Now, with Brave New World, we're about to see Sam's first solo adventure as Captain America. Unlike Steve, Sam doesn't have super-soldier serum. He can't rely on enhanced strength or speed. He just has his training, his wings, his shield, and his willpower.

  The government is still hesitant to accept him as Captain America, and not everyone believes he deserves the title. This movie will be about Sam proving himself again, not just to the world but to himself.

• 07

  So, Why Is Anthony Mackie the New Captain America?

  
  via Marvel

  Because Steve Rogers chose him. Because he earned it. Because being Captain America isn't about powers—it's about standing for something bigger than yourself.

  Brave New World is his real test, and whether the world is ready for him or not—he's here to stay.

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