Upcoming events in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) have revealed that Chris Evans is set to reprise his role within the franchise, specifically in the anticipated film Avengers: Doomsday. This return presents an exciting opportunity for Evans to potentially remain in the MCU beyond this installment. As one of the prominent faces of the MCU, Chris Evans has made significant contributions to the franchise, headlining four Avengers films that each garnered over $1 billion at the box office. Furthermore, his portrayal of Captain America is widely praised, often regarded as one of the best in the superhero genre.
With filming for Avengers: Doomsday slated to begin in Spring 2025, the cast is already shaping up to be impressive. Alongside Chris Evans, major stars including Robert Downey Jr., Benedict Cumberbatch, and Pedro Pascal are confirmed to join the lineup. Although specific details about Evans’ character in Doomsday remain under wraps, hints from recent reports suggest that he could assume a role that allows for a lasting presence in the MCU.
The Ideal Role for Chris Evans in Avengers: Doomsday
A Parallel Journey: Captain America’s Evolution
Between 2011 and 2019, Chris Evans appeared as Captain America in multiple MCU films, establishing a remarkable streak unmatched by his peers. The absence of such iconic figures during the MCU’s Multiverse Saga was significantly felt. Interestingly, after expressing uncertainties about returning to the role for years, 2024 might usher in a revitalization for Evans within the franchise. He is set to return as Johnny Storm in the upcoming Deadpool & Wolverine, marking his return to his first Marvel role from the 2000s.
Now, as he gears up for Avengers: Doomsday, the potential for Evans to redefine his character looms large. The most fitting portrayal might be that of Nomad—an evolution of Steve Rogers rather than a direct reprise of Captain America. In Marvel Comics, Steve Rogers initially adopted the Nomad identity when he became disillusioned with the government, leaving his Captain America persona behind. Although the concept was touched upon in previous films, the MCU has yet to fully explore his character as Nomad, making this a compelling possibility for the upcoming film.
Avengers: Infinity War hinted at this narrative, showcasing Steve’s retreat into the shadows after the events of Captain America: Civil War. The MCU’s current perception within its universe posits that Captain America is either deceased or living a quiet life on the moon. In this light, Nomad could skillfully operate beneath the surface, allowing for a thrilling return of Steve Rogers that goes unnoticed.
Envisioning a Full-Time Return: What Being Nomad Means for Chris Evans
A Shift in Evans’ Career Outlook
Since concluding his Marvel journey in Avengers: Endgame, Chris Evans has ventured into a variety of projects—both film and television. Critically, however, his post-MCU endeavours have seen mixed results, with only a couple of films achieving positive ratings on Rotten Tomatoes. Several of these projects were released through streaming platforms, and many of his theatrical releases have not performed well financially, suggesting that a return to the MCU could revitalize his career.
Chris Evans’ Post-MCU Movies |
|
---|---|
Movie |
Rotten Tomatoes Score |
The Red Sea Diving Report (2019) |
28% |
Knives Out (2019) |
97% |
Lightyear (2022) |
74% |
The Gray Man (2022) |
45% |
Ghosted (2023) |
25% |
Pain Hustlers (2023) |
23% |
Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) |
78% |
Red One (2024) |
32% |
Should Evans step into the Nomad identity for Avengers: Doomsday, it would allow him to coexist with Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson as the new Captain America, creating the potential for parallel story arcs that could unfold simultaneously within the MCU. Additionally, reports indicate that Hayley Atwell is joining the cast as Peggy Carter, further enhancing the likelihood of Evans’ ongoing involvement with the franchise, as Marvel initially considered a partnership between Steve and Peggy following Avengers: Endgame.
The Implications of Chris Evans’ Return for the MCU
A Transformative Moment for the MCU
While the prospect of Chris Evans permanently rejoining the MCU could be beneficial—both for box office success and storytelling—there are complexities that come with this potential shift. A significant question raised is whether Evans should reclaim a permanent place within the franchise. Should his role in Avengers: Doomsday be transient, perhaps as a multiverse variant, it would maintain the current MCU status quo without disrupting the introduction of new heroes.
Conversely, a true permanent return by Evans could pivot the narrative direction of the MCU, potentially sidelining newer characters. Given Evans’ long-standing success and recognition as a central figure of the MCU, reinstating him in a significant capacity would naturally alter the narrative landscapes available for emerging heroes such as Shang-Chi and She-Hulk. While Evans remains a powerhouse symbol of the MCU’s success, one must consider if his return would overshadow the franchise’s evolution into new territories.
The Long-Term Impact of Chris Evans’ Return on the MCU
Marvel’s Future Plans and the Potential for Reboot
In a significant development reported in October 2023, the MCU appears poised for a substantial transformation. The prospective Avengers: Secret Wars is anticipated to reboot the MCU, aligning with the narrative conclusions observed in Marvel Comics. This film is scheduled for release in 2027, nearly two decades after Iron Man’s debut in 2008, making a reboot a sensible step as Marvel faces a pivotal moment in its cinematic narrative.
Should Chris Evans make a permanent return, however, the possibility of an MCU reboot may diminish. There are successful precedents, such as Hugh Jackman returning as Wolverine in his mid-fifties, which raises the likelihood of Evans continuing to embody the role of Steve Rogers well into his forties. Keeping Evans on board in a substantive role would likely preclude a full-scale franchise reboot, as it would dilute the impact of replacing key characters like Iron Man, whose legacy includes irreplaceable actors.
If Evans were to assume another character’s identity in Avengers: Doomsday, the chance of an MCU reboot could be even greater, allowing Marvel to explore new narratives and fresh character dynamics.
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