How Chris Evans Can Return to the MCU for Avengers: Doomsday After His Endgame Farewell

Chris Evans is confirmed to star in Avengers: Doomsday, and Marvel Studios could bring him back in various roles that redefine his place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). In the MCU, Evans became iconic as Steve Rogers, a.k.a. Captain America. His journey seemingly ended in Avengers: Endgame (2019), where Steve Rogers aged gracefully alongside Peggy Carter, passing the Captain America mantle to Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie). However, Evans has recently reignited his Marvel ties by reprising Johnny Storm in Deadpool & Wolverine, and his upcoming return to the Avengers franchise fuels speculation about his role.

Chris Evans Joins Avengers: Doomsday: What We Know

According to The Wrap, Chris Evans has been cast in 2026’s Avengers: Doomsday. While his role remains undisclosed, fans are buzzing with theories. He will reunite with Marvel icons like Robert Downey Jr.—who now portrays Doctor Doom instead of Iron Man—as well as the Russo Brothers and writer Stephen McFeely. The secrecy surrounding Evans’ role hints at exciting possibilities. Could he return as Steve Rogers, embody a multiverse variant, or even debut as an entirely new character?

Steve Rogers’ Ending in Endgame: A Door Left Open

Unlike Tony Stark and Natasha Romanoff, who sacrificed themselves heroically, Steve Rogers chose a quieter farewell. He stayed in the past to live out his days with Peggy Carter, later reappearing as an older man to pass the shield to Sam Wilson. Importantly, Steve didn’t die, leaving the door ajar for a potential return.

In interviews, Evans has hinted at his openness to reprising the role, as long as it remains authentic. Speaking with GQ in September 2023, he stated he would “never say never” to playing Captain America again, emphasizing that any return must avoid being a mere cash grab. At Chicago’s C2E2 convention, he added, “I think there’s more Steve Rogers stories to tell,” though he stressed the importance of maintaining the integrity of his character’s arc.

Marvel Comics offers a precedent for de-ageing Steve Rogers, suggesting that time-travelling technology (as seen with Ant-Man) could restore him to his youthful Captain America form.

The MCU’s Multiverse Opens New Doors

The Multiverse Saga provides Marvel with an elegant solution to bring back Steve Rogers without undoing his Endgame story. A younger Steve from another universe could make an appearance, allowing Evans to play a variant of his original character. This approach would honour Steve’s MCU ending while enabling fresh storytelling.

Hydra Cap: A Dark Variant Fans Want

One fan-favourite theory involves Evans portraying Hydra’s Captain America, inspired by Marvel Comics’ Secret Empire arc. In this storyline, Steve Rogers is revealed as a Hydra sleeper agent, a shocking twist that temporarily casts him as a villain. Notably, Endgame hinted at this possibility when Steve whispered “Hail Hydra” in an elevator scene, echoing the comic’s infamous moment.

Other Multiverse Variants

Beyond Hydra Cap, Evans could portray alternate versions of Steve Rogers from the multiverse, such as a version wielding different powers or Captain America from a dystopian future. The multiverse framework has already paved the way for such reimaginings, as seen in Spider-Man: No Way Home and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

A New Character for Chris Evans?

Marvel could take a bold approach by casting Evans as an entirely different character. Following Robert Downey Jr.’s transition from Iron Man to Doctor Doom, Evans might similarly step into a new role. Possibilities include iconic villains like Magneto, Norman Osborn, or Mephisto. Each character offers rich ties to Marvel lore and ongoing MCU narratives.

Alternatively, Evans could reprise Johnny Storm, aka Human Torch, after his memorable appearance in Deadpool & Wolverine. Given the MCU’s growing multiverse narrative, the return of 2000s Fantastic Four characters could add a nostalgic flair to Avengers: Doomsday.

Could Old Man Steve Rogers Return?

One possibility is that Evans will reprise his endgame role as “Old Man Steve Rogers.” This version of Steve could serve as a mentor or strategist, playing a statesman-like role in guiding Earth’s heroes. Sam Wilson, the current Captain America, is reportedly part of Avengers: Doomsday, and Old Man Steve could bolster Sam’s leadership as the Avengers face a new existential threat.

The Original Avengers Could Reunite

Marvel appears to be quietly assembling the original Avengers lineup. Reports from November 2023 suggested that Marvel Studios is considering a new project featuring the original six Avengers. While Downey’s casting as Doctor Doom complicates this, Avengers: Doomsday could serve as a spiritual reunion. Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Mark Ruffalo (Hulk), and Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye) remain active in the MCU, while Scarlett Johansson has returned to Marvel in a behind-the-scenes role for Thunderbolts. If Johansson reprises Natasha Romanoff, the full Avengers roster could align for the first time since Endgame.

Every MCU Avengers Film to Date

Chris Evans’ Role in Avengers: Doomsday: Final Thoughts

Chris Evans’ return to the MCU represents an exciting opportunity to explore new dimensions of his Marvel legacy. Whether he reprises Steve Rogers, plays a multiverse variant, or steps into a new role, his involvement in Avengers: Doomsday signals another groundbreaking chapter for the franchise. As Marvel continues its Multiverse Saga, Evans’ comeback could redefine how heroes and villains converge on the big screen, keeping fans eagerly anticipating every twist.

Source: ScreenRant