Marvel confident Captain America can exist without Steve Rodgers

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has built its empire on an established collection of names and faces; notably Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man, Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow, and Chris Evans as Captain America.

However, when Marvel President Kevin Feige was asked about the future of the popular ‘Captain America’ franchise, he was quick to enforce the idea that change could be on the cards.

When speaking to Collider, he gave an interesting response when asked about whether a ‘Captain America’ movie can exist without Steve Rogers.

“It’s a good question and if we look back at the comic books as our inspiration and as the well from which this all springs, then the answer is “no,” Feige said.

It’s interesting that Feige seems open-minded in regards to reshuffling the pack and really mixing things up in terms of who our leads are but was noncommittal to confirm massive changes were on the horizon.

“I’m not saying we’ll do it in the movie but I’ve read Captain America comics that don’t have Steve Rogers in them.” Clearly everyone involved with the MCU is aware that Captain America isn’t always played by Steve Rogers and must, at some point, accept the actor (and character) will have to pass the baton - or should that be shield? - to a new face.

In the comics both Bucky Barnes (played on-screen by Sebastian Stan) and Sam Wilson (by Anthony Mackie) have assumed the role of Cap and there’s been plenty of talk over the past few years whether one of them will indeed assume that responsibility when Chris Evans calls it a day on the character.

Evans has been pretty open that when his Marvel contract ends he will not only quit the superhero role but retire from acting altogether after speculation that the actor’s had enough of the film industry.

But while both The Winter Solider and Falcon have made recurring, likeable appearances in the MCU, will either of them be able to fill the huge boots of Steve Rogers?

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Picture credit: Disney/Marvel