Anthony Mackie originally signed up to a 10-picture deal with Marvel Studios. The Marvel Cinematic Universe has been a tremendous success, but it simply wouldn't be possible without multi-picture deals. It requires actors to reprise their roles across multiple films, with character arcs that run over the course of years.
Sooner or later, every contract comes to an end. Marvel recruited many of the OG Avengers under six-film contracts, which became increasingly problematic as the MCU grew. Viewers knew that these have never been confirmed.
In an interview with Falcon and Winter Soldier Disney+ TV series, which itted may complicate the issue.
Mackie's comment gives insight into just how far in advance Marvel Studios likes to operate, and suggests they always had big plans for Sam Wilson. Indeed, it's even possible Marvel had always intended Falcon to become the next Captain America, back when they first hired Mackie for the part. The current wave of Marvel blockbusters appear to be heavily influenced by the comics published between 2010 through to 2014 - Kelly Sue DeConnick's Captain Marvel run, which launched in 2012 - and that was the period where Sam Wilson became Captain America. If so, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige had clearly always been planning to push themes of diversity and inclusion, which were core to Nick Spencer's Captain America: Sam Wilson comics.
The news also likely means that the MCU will feature more Captain America movies, albeit starring Anthony Mackie rather than Chris Evans. Mackie himself insisted he doesn't know anything about this; as he told Men's Health, "I just wait for the phone call." Marvel Studios is expected to say more about their Phase 4 slate at their Hall H at San Diego Comic-Con 2019, so there may be news there.
Source: Men's Health
