The New Captain America May Have Done Well in the Last Movie, but I Firmly Believe That Chris Evans Will Forever Be the Greatest Captain America of All Time
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has undergone seismic shifts in recent years, with new heroes stepping into the spotlight as the original Avengers pass the torch. Among them is Sam Wilson, portrayed by Anthony Mackie, who took up the mantle of Captain America in *Captain America: Brave New World*, released in February 2025. The film has been met with widespread praise, with Mackie’s performance earning accolades for its grit, charisma, and emotional depth. Critics and fans alike have lauded his portrayal of a reluctant yet resolute hero navigating a fractured world. Yet, despite this success, there remains an unshakable truth for many: Chris Evans, the man who first brought Steve Rogers to life on the big screen, will forever hold the title of the greatest Captain America of all time.
Evans debuted as Steve Rogers in *Captain America: The First Avenger* in 2011, introducing audiences to a scrawny kid from Brooklyn with an unbreakable moral compass. Over the next decade, he transformed the character into the beating heart of the MCU, anchoring films like *The Avengers* (2012), *Captain America: The Winter Soldier* (2014), and *Avengers: Endgame* (2019). His portrayal wasn’t just about wielding the shield or throwing punches—it was about embodying the quiet nobility and selflessness that define Captain America in the comics. From his refusal to back down against overwhelming odds to his poignant decision to stay in the past with Peggy Carter, Evans gave Steve Rogers a soul that resonated with millions.
Sam Wilson’s Captain America, by contrast, represents a different era and a different struggle. *Brave New World* showcased him grappling with the weight of the shield in a politically divided landscape, confronting issues of race, identity, and legacy. Mackie’s Wilson is a man of the people, a former soldier and counselor who brings a grounded, everyman quality to the role. His journey from Falcon to Captain America, first teased in *The Falcon and The Winter Soldier* (2021), culminated in a film that highlighted his determination to carve his own path rather than live in Steve’s shadow. The climactic battle against a resurgent Red Hulk, played by Harrison Ford, proved Wilson’s mettle, earning cheers from theatergoers worldwide. Box office numbers reflect this triumph, with the movie grossing over $700 million globally as of March 2025.
But box office success and critical acclaim don’t automatically crown a new king. What sets Evans apart isn’t just his tenure—spanning eight films and countless iconic moments—but the way he made Captain America a symbol of hope in a cynical age. Take *The Winter Soldier*, often hailed as the MCU’s finest solo outing. Evans’ Steve Rogers didn’t just fight Hydra; he challenged the systems of surveillance and control that threatened freedom, all while holding fast to his ideals. His chemistry with Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes added layers of heartbreak and loyalty, while his leadership in *Infinity War* and *Endgame* cemented him as the ultimate team player. Who can forget the moment in *Endgame* when he stood alone against Thanos’ army, battered but unbowed, only to wield Mjolnir in a scene that still sends chills down spines?
Mackie’s Wilson, for all his strengths, operates in a post-Steve world where the shield’s legacy is both a burden and a beacon. His Captain America is relatable, flawed, and fiercely human—qualities that make him compelling but distinct from Evans’ near-mythic portrayal. Where Steve was a man out of time, a living embodiment of the Greatest Generation’s virtues, Sam is a hero for today, wrestling with modern complexities. This evolution is necessary for the MCU’s growth, but it doesn’t eclipse the original. Evans’ Steve Rogers was aspirational, a north star in a franchise that often thrives on shades of gray. Mackie’s Wilson, while admirable, feels like a continuation rather than a redefinition.
Fan sentiment echoes this divide. Social media platforms like X have buzzed with debates since *Brave New World* hit theaters, with hashtags like #ChrisEvansForever and #SamWilsonCap trending in equal measure. Many praise Mackie’s fresh take, citing his emotional authenticity and the film’s bold storytelling. Yet, a vocal contingent—myself included—holds firm that Evans’ decade-long arc remains untouchable. His goodbye in *Endgame*, passing the shield to Sam with a knowing smile, wasn’t just a handover; it was a mic drop, a perfect capstone to a journey that redefined superhero cinema.
This isn’t to diminish Mackie’s achievement. *Brave New World* proves he’s a worthy successor, and his Captain America will undoubtedly inspire new generations. The film’s exploration of systemic injustice and personal sacrifice resonates in ways Steve’s story never could, reflecting a world that’s changed since Evans first donned the stars and stripes. But greatness isn’t just about relevance—it’s about permanence. Evans didn’t just play Captain America; he became him, etching Steve Rogers into the cultural zeitgeist with a performance that transcended the genre. His earnestness, his resolve, his quiet “I can do this all day” defiance—these are the hallmarks of a legend.
As the MCU marches forward, Sam Wilson’s Captain America will carve out his own legacy, and deservedly so. *Brave New World* is a testament to Mackie’s talent and the franchise’s ability to evolve. But for those of us who grew up with Steve Rogers, who watched him lift Thor’s hammer and dance with Peggy in a tearful farewell, Chris Evans remains the gold standard. The new Captain America may shine brightly, but Evans’ star-spangled hero will forever stand tallest in the pantheon of Marvel icons. Time may pass, and new heroes may rise, but in the hearts of fans, Chris Evans is, and always will be, *the* Captain America.
