Summary
Despite seemingly being done with theMarvel Cinematic Universe, Chris Evans is reportedly set to return to the franchise in the upcomingAvengers: Doomsdaymovie. This will be one of Marvel Studios' huge events, bringing as many of the significant characters together in one place.
Avengers movies are often global events that draw millions of people to the cinema, andAvengers: Doomsdaywill be no different in 2026. However, the decision to add Evans to the cast has certainly got people talking, but whether or not it’s a positive decision remains to be seen.
Why Is Chris Evans Returning?
Evans has been involved in the MCU from its inception as one of the lead characters in Steve Rogers (AKA Captain America). He had his own trilogy of movies while appearing in several others, but at the end ofAvengers: Endgame, it was believed that his time with Marvel was over. He passed on the mantel of being Captain America to Sam Wilson, and he ended up heading back in time tolive a full life with Peggy Carterby his side, which he never got the opportunity to do originally.
Marvel did bring Evans back fora cameo appearance as part ofDeadpool & Wolverine, where he reprised his original superhero character, Johnny Storm, which was a fun multiverse moment. However, when it comes toAvengers: Doomsday,it is unknown who he will be playing. Whether it’s an entirely different character in a similar vein to what another familiar face is doing in this movie, a flashback scene as Captain America, or if he’s returning via the multiverse and his time travels, but at the moment, it is all being kept under wraps.
Bringing back Evans is also undoubtedly a business decision on Marvel’s behalf. Regardless of what he does outside of the MCU bubble, he’s always going to attract audiences to pay attention to what’s happening due tohow many years he spent playing Captain America. Adding him toAvengers: Doomsdayis going to get people talking, and that’s what Marvel is looking for, to try and get as much buzz as possible.
Marvel Can’t Let Go Of The Old Guard
Evans isn’t the only familiar face who seemingly brought an end to his Marvel experience withAvengers: Endgamethat is returning. Robert Downey Jr. is also going to be part of Avengers: Doomsday as he will betaking on the role of Dr. Doomin what has proven to be a divisive decision among Marvel fans. The big problem for most fans is that Marvel Studios doesn’t trust the new generation of superheroes to successfully take the franchise to the next stage.
Downey Jr. and Evans are both returning despite clearly ending their Marvel runs, which is a worrying issue for fans of Marvel and whether or not the franchise can exist without the old guard. Chris Hemsworth and Mark Ruffalo continue to remain part of the franchise, while Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow has continued to appear despite being killed off, and Jeremy Renner’s Hawkeye still has a part to play. Even Loki, Tom Hiddleston’s character, has continued to be part of the franchise until recently, despitebeing the original Avengers villain.
The company continues to rely on the names that helped to build the MCU’s success and seems unable to let go of these actors even if their original characters, such as Iron Man, no longer serve any use to the franchise. Bringing Evans back again seems like a risk, and perhaps one not worth taking in a movie that will likely be stacked with characters.
The MCU Is Unable To Move Forward
Marvel has always done a good job bringing in new characters, whether as leading roles in their own movies and television shows or to support them as part of a wider cast. It has continued to develop the franchise with new powers, fresh storylines, and exciting ideas that have helped to retain the interest of the wider cinematic world. However, the longer the studios cling to the same actors from the inception of the MCU, the less likely the success will continue. Audiences will naturally be less likely to trust in the newer characters brought into this world if names like Evans andDowney Jr. continue to return and take up space.Avengers: Doomsdaywill have a wide cast, therefore screentime is going to be limited, and giving some of that to established actors in this world doesn’t help the MCU move forward beneficially.
Ultimately, Evans returning to the MCU once again feels more like a desperate PR ploy to try and bring back the same level of buzz that existed around the franchise heading intoAvengers: Endgamerather than for the sake of telling an interesting and compelling story. It also runs the risk of hurting the progression and future of the MCU, which is the exact opposite of whatAvengers: Doomsdayshould be achieving.
