Ways Chris Evans Can Make a Comeback in the MCU for Avengers: Doomsday Following His Endgame Conclusion

Chris Evans is set to reprise his role in the highly anticipated Avengers: Doomsday, and speculation is rife about which character he might portray. Known for his iconic role as Captain America within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Evans seemingly concluded his journey as Steve Rogers in 2019’s Avengers: Endgame. In that film, Rogers aged alongside Peggy Carter, ultimately passing the shield to Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson. Recently, Evans also made a notable appearance as Johnny Storm in Deadpool & Wolverine, but his time in the MCU isn’t finished yet, as he is officially back for the Avengers franchise.

The latest news from The Wrap reveals that Chris Evans has signed on for Avengers: Doomsday, scheduled for release in 2026. While specific details about his role remain under wraps, the mere announcement has generated significant excitement among fans. Evans will be reuniting with Robert Downey Jr., who transitions from his role as Iron Man to take on the formidable Doctor Doom. Additionally, he will be collaborating again with the Russo Brothers, directors of previous Avengers films, and writer Stephen McFeely. Given Evans’ seasoned history with the MCU, the ambiguity surrounding his character is intriguing, opening a plethora of possibilities.

Could Steve Rogers Return?

Revisiting the Legacy of Steve Rogers

Steve Rogers in Avengers: Endgame

Unlike Robert Downey Jr., who has firmly transitioned to a new role as a villain, Chris Evans may return as Captain America, as his character did not meet his end in Avengers: Endgame. While Iron Man and Black Widow made ultimate sacrifices to defeat Thanos, Steve Rogers chose to live out his life with Peggy Carter, potentially opening the door for his character’s return. Over the years, Evans has hinted at the possibility of reprising the role, provided that the narrative is meaningful and honors the legacy of Captain America.

In an interview with GQ in September 2023, Evans mentioned he would “never say never”to donning the Captain America suit again, especially if the story aligns with his original portrayal. His sentiments at C2E2 in April also indicated a belief in the untapped potential of Steve Rogers’ character, emphasizing that he wishes to protect the legacy of his previous work.

Marvel Comics has showcased avenues for de-aging characters or exploring timelines, which the MCU might very well adopt after introducing time travel elements in Avengers: Endgame.

The Multiverse: A Game Changer for Steve Rogers

The Popular Fan Theory Surrounding Evans

Hydra Cap — Could Chris Evans embody Hydra’s Captain America?

With the current Multiverse Saga, there’s a significant opportunity for Chris Evans to return, possibly as a younger version of Captain America from an alternate universe. This approach would allow the existing narrative of Steve Rogers to remain intact while giving Evans a platform to showcase his character again in Avengers: Doomsday. Among the most anticipated suggestions from fans is the potential portrayal of Hydra’s Captain America, a character from the Marvel Comics that has already been teased in some form within the MCU.

Every MCU Avengers Movie
Movie	Release Date
The Avengers	2012
Avengers: Age of Ultron	2015
Avengers: Infinity War	2018
Avengers: Endgame	2019
Avengers: Doomsday	2026
Avengers: Secret Wars	2027

In the comics’ Secret Empire storyline, Steve Rogers is revealed to have been a Hydra agent all along, leading to a chaotic takeover of Earth’s defenses. Given the direction of Avengers: Doomsday with Doctor Doom as the main antagonist, there’s a narrative opportunity for Evans to embody a villainous variant, keeping audiences on their toes. Notably, Steve Rogers’ iconic “Hail Hydra”line from Endgame resonates deeply with this alternate characterization.

Exploring New Possibilities for Evans

Diversifying Evans’ Role in Doomsday

None — Evans as Johnny Storm in **Deadpool & Wolverine**

Alternatively, there is a chance that Chris Evans might not reprise his role as Captain America at all in Avengers: Doomsday. With Robert Downey Jr. taking on the classic Victor von Doom character, Evans could explore an entirely different Marvel persona. If he doesn’t return as Captain America, his past portrayal of Johnny Storm as the Human Torch in the 2000s’ Fantastic Four could tempt him. His recent performance in Deadpool & Wolverine left a lasting impression, making this character a viable option.

Moreover, following Downey’s example of portraying a previously untried character, Evans could assume a significant role like Magneto, Norman Osborn, or even Mephisto—characters that are intricately tied to existing heroes in the MCU. If he chooses to take on a hero’s role, he might perfectly fit the bill for Cyclops, especially following hints dropped in The Marvels‘ post-credits scene.

A Possible Reunion of the Original Avengers

The Return of Original Cast Members in the MCU

Reports from November 2023 indicate that Marvel Studios is actively considering a new film centered around the original Avengers lineup. While it remains uncertain whether they would return strictly in their original hero capacities, the casting of Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom complicates this narrative. Nevertheless, Avengers: Doomsday appears poised to be the film that reunites the original six Avengers.

Among those still active in the MCU are Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye), and Mark Ruffalo (Hulk), all of whom are expected to contribute to the upcoming Avengers installments. Alongside Downey’s villainous return and Evans’ dual role, possibilities are emerging that could see Scarlett Johansson re-enter the fray, especially considering her involvement as an executive producer for Thunderbolts. Although she had previously hinted at retiring from the Black Widow role, the interconnected nature of the MCU suggests her potential return, whether as Natasha Romanoff or a different character in Avengers: Doomsday.