Mere hours after we started to process The Falcon and the Winter Soldier Season 1 finale, the news circulated that a fourth film in the Captain America franchise is in the works. TFATWS head writer Malcolm Spellman is already attached to the project. That’s right; Captain America 4 is coming, fingers crossed, to a theater near you in the future!
The Hollywood Reporter exclusively reported the news. They shared that Spellman will co-write the script with Dalan Musson, a staff writer on the series. THR reports: “No director is attached and [Chris] Evans’ involvement or return remains unconfirmed. Marvel was tight-lipped as usual.”
While this project is still in early development, it’s safe to assume that Captain America 4 will follow Sam Wilson as Captain America. There are no casting announcements to be shared about the project yet. It would make sense for Sebastian Stan to continue his role as Bucky Barnes in this film. That would only contribute to the work that The Falcon and the Winter Soldier did to strengthen their relationship.
THR‘s decision to include the bit about Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers is interesting, to say the least. There have been reports that Evans is set to reprise his role in some upcoming projects. Marvel Studios has yet to confirm or deny those reports. Evans, on the other hand, took to Twitter to debunk the rumors. Then again, Marvel loves a secret.
This isn’t the time to think about Chris Evans returning as Steve Rogers because Avengers: Endgame has a proper ending for his decade-long story in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. That ending is still a topic of discussion amongst Marvel fans. The same can be said for whether Steve Rogers is alive, dead, or on the moon. While it would be nice to have some closure on that, it doesn’t need to happen in Sam Wilson’s first film as Captain America. Steve’s presence will be felt even if he isn’t in the movie, just as it is in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.
The announcement of a Captain America film with Anthony Mackie as the titular character is enough to be excited about for many reasons. Mackie’s incredible performance over the years but especially over the last six weeks is all the proof you need to know that he can lead this film. That’s why it’s a little frustrating to add the potential involvement of Steve Rogers into these discussions right now. Everything has led to this for Sam Wilson, to become Captain America. It’s his time to shine. It’s more than earned; it’s deserved.
If Marvel Studios wants to, I’m sure they will find a way to bring Steve Rogers back for Captain America 4. It’s only that we’ve just learned about this news, and people are already trying to get Steve out of retirement, back from the dead, or home from the moon. Instead, let’s think about what Captain America 4 could mean for Sam Wilson. There’s a good chance he’ll have to go up against whatever Valentina Allegra de Fontaine is planning with John Walker, aka US Agent. Plus, Sharon Carter is pulling some very dangerous strings in the background.
There are a few routes that Captain America 4 can go down because of the way that The Falcon and the Winter Soldier sets up those ominous threats. There’s also the opportunity, after this blockbuster, to return to the small screen and tell more stories with Sam and Bucky if Marvel Studios doesn’t view the series as a limited one. Regardless, I am already counting down the days until we get to see Sam Wilson suit up as Captain America again, but this time on the big screen.
What do you think about this news? Are you excited to see the Captain America legacy continue in a new film? Let us know in the comments below!
