Sam Wilson's journey in the Marvel Cinematic Universe will continue. Anthony Mackie has officially closed a deal to officially star in the MCU's upcoming Captain America 4.
Although the details from Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige are still under wraps, including the film's title and whether or not Sebastian Stan's Bucky Barnes will even make an appearance, this will be Mackie's first starring/solo role in an MCU film. Malcolm Spellman, head creator/ writer for The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, will write the script for Captain America 4, along with the series staff writer Dalan Musson. No director has been set for the film. Deadline first reported Mackie's deal for Captain America 4.
Mackie's character Sam Wilson/Falcon first appeared in 2014's Captain America: The Winter Soldier, where he helped uncover a government conspiracy involving the evil organization known as Hydra, leading him to team up with Captain America/Steve Rogers. After becoming Rogers' sidekick, the two had been a shining duo ever since, forming a unique and emotional bond along the way. Once an elderly Rogers passes down the shield to Sam at the end of 2019's Avengers: Endgame, Sam/Falcon would finally get his starring role in the second original MCU Disney Plus series, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.
In this series, Sam faces his own conflicts regarding his decision to give Cap's shield up to the U.S. Government for display while also struggling with the idea of a Black man taking over as Captain America. He eventually finds his inner strength to claim the shield and take down the Flag Smashers. The series received critical acclaim, especially for its exploration of themes such as race, oppression, and trauma. Once the series was done, reports began to surface that a new Captain America film was in the works, although nothing was officially confirmed by Marvel Studios.
Before attracting the attention of many fans throughout his journey in the MCU and rising to stardom (making an appearance in 5 MCU films), Mackie had been known for other roles in films like 2009's Academy Award-winning The Hurt Locker, 2002's 8 Mile, and 2013's Pain & Gain. Captain America 4 will definitely push Mackie to that next level of stardom, as he seems to be taking over as one of the new main heroes of phase 4.
As of now, there is no release date for Captain America 4 and it's highly unlikely to be released before 2023. In the meantime, though, upcoming 2021 MCU films like Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Eternals, and Spider-Man: No Way Home will surely have fans wanting more future MCU content.
Captain America 4 is currently in development.
Source: Deadline