Culture 4 min read By Lauren Baxter
Anthony Mackie Says Chris Evans Gave Him the 'Avengers: Endgame' Script Early, Revealing How He'd Become Captain America
Anthony Mackie revealed that Chris Evans gave him early access to the 'Avengers: Endgame' script, where he learned he would become Captain America. Mackie called the moment 'really great and really emotional,' highlighting the close friendship between the two actors.
Anthony Mackie has revealed that Chris Evans personally gave him early access to the script for «Avengers: Endgame», which is how he first learned he would be taking up the mantle of Captain America. In a new interview, Mackie described the moment as «really great and really emotional», underscoring the close bond between the two actors who have shared the iconic superhero role.
Mackie said that Evans, who played Steve Rogers across multiple Marvel films, is «somebody who I hold near and dear». The gesture of sharing the script early went beyond professional courtesy, reflecting a friendship that has developed over years of working together in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The revelation offers fans a behind-the-scenes look at how the transition of the Captain America title was handled between the two stars.
The passing of the shield from Steve Rogers to Sam Wilson, Mackie's character, was one of the most significant moments in «Avengers: Endgame». The film, released in 2019, concluded a decade-long narrative arc and set the stage for Mackie's character to lead the franchise forward. Mackie has since starred in the Disney+ series «The Falcon and the Winter Soldier», which directly addressed the weight of that legacy, and is set to appear in the upcoming film «Captain America: Brave New World».
Mackie's comments add a personal dimension to a major pop-culture milestone. The actor has often spoken about the responsibility that comes with portraying a character so central to Marvel's storytelling. Evans' decision to share the script early gave Mackie time to process the news before it became public, a courtesy that Mackie clearly values. The two actors have maintained a public friendship, frequently exchanging praise in interviews and on social media.
The story also highlights how casting and narrative decisions are communicated within large film productions. While Marvel Studios is known for its secrecy, the early script access for Mackie shows that key actors are sometimes trusted with sensitive information ahead of the wider cast and crew. This approach allows performers to prepare for major shifts in their characters' arcs without the pressure of simultaneous public scrutiny.
For fans of the Marvel franchise, the anecdote reinforces the sense of camaraderie that has long been associated with the «Avengers» cast. The relationship between Evans and Mackie has been a recurring theme in press tours and interviews, with both actors frequently joking about their on-screen rivalry and off-screen friendship. Mackie's latest recollection adds another layer to that narrative, framing the end of Evans' tenure as a moment of personal generosity rather than just a corporate decision.
As Mackie continues to embody Captain America in new projects, the early script moment serves as a reminder of the human connections that underpin even the most spectacular blockbusters. The actor's willingness to share the story suggests that, for him, the role is not just a job but part of a broader relationship with colleagues and fans alike. The emotional weight of that moment, as Mackie describes it, resonates with audiences who have followed the character's journey from sidekick to symbol.
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