Picture this: Anthony Mackie, the MCU’s new Captain America, gets a text from none other than Chris Evans, the original Cap, praising his performance in Captain America: Brave New World. It’s the kind of moment that gives Marvel fans goosebumps—a passing of the shield, both on-screen and off. In a recent interview, Mackie shared this heartfelt exchange, proving their friendship is as epic as any superhero team-up. Buckle up, because this story is packed with heart, humor, and MCU magic.
Let’s dive into Mackie’s journey as Sam Wilson, Evans’ touching support, and why Brave New World is redefining the Captain America legacy.
A Text That Warms the Heart
During an April 18, 2025, interview with E! News, Mackie spilled the beans on a sweet message from Evans after he watched Captain America: Brave New World. “I got a text from him saying, ‘Man, good job,’ and that he loved it,” Mackie said, grinning ear to ear. “We haven’t caught up in person—he’s been off in, like, middle Europe, working his butt off.” That simple text carried the weight of a decade-long friendship forged in the MCU, starting with their first scene together in Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014).
Evans has been Mackie’s cheerleader from the start. In 2022, he tweeted, “Sam Wilson is Captain America,” cementing his support for Mackie’s takeover. Fans on X went wild, with one posting, “Chris hyping Anthony is the MCU bromance we live for!” This latest text is another chapter in their story, showing that the shield may change hands, but the bond remains unbreakable.
From Falcon to Cap: Mackie’s Rise to Glory
Mackie’s journey to becoming Captain America is nothing short of inspiring. As Sam Wilson, the high-flying Falcon, he debuted in the MCU as Steve Rogers’ loyal wingman. In Avengers: Endgame (2019), Steve passed Sam his vibranium shield, a moment that sent fans into a frenzy. The Disney+ series The Falcon and The Winter Soldier (2021) dug deep into Sam’s struggle to embrace the mantle, especially as a Black man carrying the Captain America title in a complex world.
Fast forward to Captain America: Brave New World, released February 14, 2025, where Sam takes center stage as Cap. Directed by Julius Onah, the film pits Sam against a global conspiracy, with heavyweights like Harrison Ford as Red Hulk and Giancarlo Esposito as G.W. Bridge. Unlike Steve’s super-soldier strength, Sam relies on his wits, agility, and Falcon wings, making him a refreshingly human hero. “Sam’s a leader who listens, not just fights,” Mackie said at a Disney APAC Showcase, summing up his unique Cap vibe.
Fans are raving. One X user wrote, “Mackie’s Sam Wilson is heart, grit, and hope—#BraveNewWorld is Cap done right!” The film’s Winter Soldier-style political thriller edge has critics buzzing, cementing Mackie’s place as the MCU’s new leading man.
A Brotherhood Beyond the Screen
The handover from Evans to Mackie wasn’t just a plot point—it was personal. Mackie loves sharing the story of how he learned he’d be Cap. At a 2019 party at Evans’ house, Chris, bursting with excitement, showed him the Endgame script. “We were jumping around like kids meeting Spider-Man,” Mackie laughed on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Another time, during a football game, Evans handed him the script’s final pages. “We read it, hugged, and had a drink—tears and all,” Mackie recalled at a 2024 Disney event.
Evans’ support has been unwavering. His “good job” text echoes his earlier praise, like when he told Variety in 2023, “Anthony’s gonna kill it as Cap. No one’s more deserving.” Fans adore this dynamic, with one X post reading, “Chris and Anthony’s friendship makes the Cap transition so emotional. #MCUFamily.”
Why Brave New World Is a Game-Changer
Captain America: Brave New World isn’t just a superhero movie—it’s a bold step forward for the MCU. Sam Wilson’s Cap redefines the role, focusing on empathy, community, and integrity over traditional patriotism. Mackie addressed this in a January 2025 speech, saying, “Cap’s about keeping your word, not just waving a flag.” Though some misread his comments, he clarified on Instagram: “I’m proud to be American, and carrying this shield is my greatest honor.”
The film’s diverse cast—Danny Ramirez as the new Falcon, Shira Haas as Ruth Bat-Seraph, and Tim Blake Nelson as The Leader—brings fresh energy to Phase 5. Harrison Ford’s Red Hulk debut has fans hyped, with one X user calling him “a growling, epic force.” Despite box-office ups and downs, Mackie’s performance shines, with fans praising his “soulful, grounded Cap.”
Fans and Stars Shower Love
The internet is ablaze with love for Mackie’s Cap. On X, one fan tweeted, “Anthony Mackie owns Captain America—Chris Evans’ text seals the deal!” Another wrote, “Sam’s journey from Falcon to Cap is everything. #BraveNewWorld slaps!” MCU stars joined in, with Ryan Reynolds tweeting, “Mackie’s Cap is electric. Go see Brave New World!” Even Guardians of the Galaxy’s Chris Pratt commented, “Big congrats, Anthony. You’re killing it.”
Evans’ text resonates deeply, echoing his 2022 tweet: “Nobody better than Mackie for this.” Fans are emotional, with one X post summing it up: “Chris cheering for Anthony is why we love the MCU. #CapForever.”
What’s Next for Mackie’s Cap?
With Brave New World setting up Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars, Mackie’s Cap is poised to lead the MCU’s future. He’s already geeking out about working with Robert Downey Jr., telling E! News, “Robert’s energy on set is unreal—he elevates everyone.” Whether he’s facing cosmic threats or inspiring fans, Mackie’s Captain America is here for the long haul.
For now, he’s basking in Evans’ support. “Getting that text from Chris? That’s the real win,” he said, his voice full of gratitude. It’s a moment that reminds us why the MCU endures: it’s about heart, not just heroes.
Get in on the Cap Love!
What do you think of Anthony Mackie’s Captain America and Chris Evans’ sweet text? Are you all in for Sam Wilson’s era? Drop your thoughts in the comments, share this post with your Marvel crew, and let’s keep the #BraveNewWorld hype alive! Follow us for the latest MCU scoops and fan moments.
