Excitement for Chris Evans’ Return to the MCU in Avengers: Doomsday and Concerns for Anthony Mackie’s Captain America

Excitement for Chris Evans’ Return to the MCU in Avengers: Doomsday and Concerns for Anthony Mackie’s Captain America

The confirmation of Chris Evans returning in Avengers: Doomsday has generated considerable excitement among fans. However, there are legitimate concerns regarding the potential overshadowing of other essential characters within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). While Evans’ involvement was announced in December 2024, details regarding his specific role remain ambiguous, intensifying anticipation for the film, which is scheduled for a global release in May 2026. Its sequel, Avengers: Secret Wars, is slated for 2027.

Evans’ inclusion significantly enhances the cast of Avengers: Doomsday, especially with the anticipated reunion between him and Robert Downey Jr.. Additionally, heroes from the upcoming Marvel films, such as The Fantastic Four: First Steps and Thunderbolts, are also poised to join the ensemble. Although I am thrilled to witness this myriad of beloved and new characters, I can’t help but express my concerns about the potential overshadowing of other pivotal heroes in the story.

Chris Evans’ Return Is Exciting but Poses Challenges for Other Marvel Characters

New Avengers Leadership May Be Compromised

Peter Parker Sad
Captain Marvel Glowing
Doctor Strange
Scarlet Witch
Black Panther

Evans’ return to the MCU is undoubtedly a momentous occasion, as he is a key figure and one of the most beloved characters from the Infinity Saga. For this reason, many fans, including myself, welcome his reappearance. The intrigue surrounding who he might portray—whether the iconic Captain America, a sinister variation like a HYDRA agent, or an entirely new character—adds to the excitement.

Nevertheless, the simultaneous return of Robert Downey Jr. raises concerns about the focus shifting away from other significant characters. Fans anticipated that Avengers 5 and 6 would provide a platform for characters like Doctor Strange, Captain Marvel, Spider-Man, and Black Panther to step into the limelight. However, with the return of two powerhouse actors, it feels increasingly unlikely they’ll receive the recognition they deserve.

Concerns Over Anthony Mackie’s Captain America

Captain America Should Lead Without Competing Interests

Split image of Chris Evans' Captain America and Anthony Mackie's Captain America
Custom Image by Severina Chu

One of the most affected characters in this scenario may be Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson. Initially, I had high hopes that Avengers 5 would establish Sam as the definitive leader in the absence of Steve Rogers. While there remains a possibility for this to occur—especially if Evans appears as a villain or alternate version of Captain America—the mere presence of Evans, closely associated with the original character, may unintentionally divert attention from Mackie.

While I believe Mackie’s Captain America will still play an essential role, it’s inevitable that audiences will have an underlying connection between Evans and the legacy of Steve Rogers, which could dominate the narrative of Avengers 5, potentially depriving Sam of the spotlight he rightfully deserves.

Casting Announcements Heighten Concerns About Focus

Chris Evans and Anthony Mackie as Captain America
Custom Image by Richard Craig

Some of these fears may appear personal; nevertheless, the simultaneous announcements of Evans and Mackie joining Avengers: Doomsday have only intensified my concerns regarding the latter’s potential marginalization. The buzz surrounding Evans’ return evidently eclipsed discussions about Mackie’s role, reflecting that audiences are more captivated by nostalgic returns rather than new beginnings.

Had Mackie’s casting announcement been made separately from Evans’, it’s plausible that fans would have engaged more excitedly about the prospect of Sam Wilson leading the Avengers. Instead, Evans’ unexpected comeback has overshadowed the excitement for Mackie’s integral role.

Opportunities for Anthony Mackie’s Captain America to Shine

Ample Narrative Space for All Characters

Sam Wilson Captain America
Steve Rogers
Captain America Wielding Mjolnir
Sam Wilson in a Dark Room
Sam Wilson Captain America Flying

Despite my concerns, I am optimistic that Avengers: Doomsday and its sequel can effectively integrate Evans’ return while allowing Mackie’s Captain America to emerge as the true protagonist of the story. Particularly reassuring is the fact that the exact nature of Evans’ role remains undecided. Reports do not suggest he will occupy a main character’s position, leaving room for the Avengers narrative to center around Mackie’s character.

Furthermore, Avengers 5 is set to pave the way for the plot of Avengers: Secret Wars, which, in the source material, involves Doctor Doom merging the remaining universes from a collapsing multiverse into a singular realm known as Battleworld. This offers a platform for various Marvel characters from differing realities to collaborate in an epic confrontation against Doom. Therefore, Evans’ appearance may be more closely tied to the larger scope of Avengers: Secret Wars rather than serving as a focal point for Avengers: Doomsday.

In this context, it’s feasible that Evans’ reappearance might occur as a post-credit stinger or a subtle setup for a more significant role in Avengers 6. Such a strategy could amplify anticipation for the sequel while ensuring that the primary narrative of Avengers: Doomsday remains anchored in Mackie’s character development and achievements, paving the way for an exciting future in the MCU.

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