Captain America 4 In Development From Falcon & Winter Soldier Showrunner

Warning: SPOILERS for The Falcon and The Winter Soldier finale

Captain America 4 is now in development from The Falcon and the Winter Soldier showrunner Malcolm Spellman. The end of Phase 3 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe signaled that Sam Wilson would become Captain America in the future. Old Steve Rogers gave Falcon (Anthony Mackie) the Captain America shield at Avengers: Endgame's conclusion, setting up a major role for the character in the MCU's future. Instead of immediately giving Sam the mantle, Marvel Studios explored his journey to accept the shield in The Falcon and The Winter Soldier.

The second MCU Disney+ show aired its sixth and final episode today, and it delivered the long-awaited debut of Sam officially suiting up as Captain America. Unlike WandaVision setting up Scarlet Witch's story to continue in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Marvel did not previously announce what will come next for Sam Wilson's Captain America, Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), or any of the other major characters. This left many wondering if the show will return for a season 2, especially after its Captain America and The Winter Soldier final title card. However, it appears this will happen on the big screen instead.

According to THR, Marvel Studios is developing Captain America 4, likely for Anthony Mackie to star. The solo film is being written by The Falcon and The Winter Soldier showrunner Malcolm Spellman, along with the show's staff writer Dalan Musson. There are no further plot details or casting details known at this time, and Marvel Studios has yet to give Captain America 4 an official release date.

Anthony Mackie as Captain America Sam Wilson breaking through window in Falcon and the Winter Soldier

While the details on Captain America 4 are limited, there should be every expectation that Mackie will star based on Spellman's involvement and how The Falcon and The Winter Soldier ends. This could be the project where Marvel Studios continues to explore the multiple unresolved storylines from the Disney+ adventure. John Walker's new beginning as U.S. Agent, Sharon Carter's turn as Power Broker, Baron Zemo's incarceration at The Raft, and Bucky's more heroic endeavors.

Captain America 4's development could also explain the recent reports that Chris Evans was in talks to come back to the MCU as Steve Rogers. The Falcon and The Winter Soldier didn't answer what happened to him after Avengers: Endgame and only made multiple jokes about him being on the moon. Evans might have played off these earlier rumors of his MCU return, but it would make sense for this to be where he comes back. As for what role he could play, that would largely depend on where Captain America 4's story goes.

The news of Captain America 4 being developed might only now be surfacing, but it is likely something Spellman, Musson, and Marvel Studios have been working on for a while. There is already a full slate of movies through 2022, so Captain America 4 won't come out until 2023 at the earliest. Although fans will have to wait for more information on the movie to know exactly what will happen and who will be in it, Captain America 4's development gives everyone a better idea of where The Falcon and the Winter Soldier's characters can appear next.

MORE: Falcon & Winter Soldier Credits Scene Explained: What Movie Is It Setting Up?

Source: THR