Chris Evans surprised Anthony Mackie with the news of the latter becoming Captain America, leading to an unforgettable moment.

Ever since his Marvel debut in Captain America: The First Avenger, Chris Evans has become synonymous with the character. He portrayed Steve Rogers with such conviction that his farewell in Avengers: Endgame hit an emotional chord in everyone’s heart. Now, Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson is also geared up to take Evans’ spot.

Chris Evans in Captain America: The First Avenger | Marvel Studios

The transition has been monumental for the franchise, and it also led to a wholesome moment behind the scenes. So, here’s the story of how Mackie found out that he is next in line to hold the shield, and Evans’ reaction to it.

Chris Evans’ heartwarming surprise for Anthony Mackie

Anthony Mackie in Captain America: Brave New World | Marvel Studios

For Anthony Mackie, becoming Captain America was a career milestone, and also a moment of pure surprise and joy. On The Graham Norton Show, the actor revealed the touching story of how he learned that he’s been promoted to wielding the shield, and the moment is nothing but beautiful.

We were shooting Endgame in Atlanta, and Chris being Chris, he’s like yo, why don’t you all come over to watch football on Sunday. So I come in, Chris is like, “Aw man, I’m so proud, I’m so happy for you, this is great,” and I’m like, because I found your house? He was like no, “you haven’t read the pages?” What pages? “You haven’t seen the pages.” I said no, so he runs away, I mean literally, jumps over the couch and runs away. 

Mackie recalled how a casual session of watching football led to Chris Evans congratulating him. The former was confused at first and probably realized there was more to the invitation. What’s endearing is Evans’ excitement to break the news to his friend and co-star. In the conversation, our longtime Captain America was referring to the final exchange between Steve Rogers and Sam Wilson.

Chris Evans passes the torch to Anthony Mackie, the next Captain America

A still from Avengers: Endgame | Marvel Studios

At the end of Avengers: Endgame, we see Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers sit by the lake, he’s aged and lived a full life with Peggy Carter. When Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson approaches him, Steve hands him the vibranium shield.

Their simple but powerful exchange signifies the passing of a legacy. But in real life, the moment was not nearly as calm, composed, and poised. Mackie continued to narrate how Evans broke the news to him, saying:

We go down, he has all the pages, laid out and stuff, and he gives me the scene and I read the scene and I’m like, this can’t be real. He goes, “that’s the scene, that’s what we’re shooting this week, you’re getting a shield. So, we literally jumped up and down and hugged each other. Thinking back at it, now I was so surprised how excited he was, cause I’m like, you’re about to be unemployed fool!

Evans’ reaction to Mackie being cast as the next Captain America, is why we all adore him. His pride, support, and enthusiasm show just how much the character meant to him, and his camaraderie with Mackie. Now, with Captain America: Brave New World on the horizon, fans are excited to see how Sam Wilson embraces his novel destiny and what distinctive traits he brings to the superhero.

You can watch all Captain America movies on Disney+.