Passing the shield. For Esquire’s new cover story on Anthony Mackie, Chris Evans told the mag that he broke the news to his Marvel co-star that Mackie was going to be the next Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The actor, who plays Sam Wilson/Captain America in the upcoming film "Captain America: Brave New World" film, took to Instagram on Tuesday with a statement he shared in a story about what the role means to him and expressing his appreciation for those who serve and have served the country.

Following on from The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Brave New World shows that Mackie's Sam Wilson has accepted the moniker of Captain America. Like his predecessor Steve Rogers, Sam has a strained relationship with those in power.