Chris Evans, known for his role as Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), has firmly debunked rumors of his return to the franchise in the upcoming film Avengers: Doomsday or any other project. In an interview with Esquire, Evans refuted a report from Deadline that suggested he would reprise his role alongside Robert Downey Jr., who is confirmed to return as Iron Man. "That's not true, though," Evans clarified, emphasizing his contentment with retirement from the MCU. "This always happens. I mean, it happens every couple of years, ever since Endgame. I've just stopped responding to it. Yeah, no. Happily retired."
The confusion arose after Anthony Mackie, who succeeded Evans as Captain America, mentioned to Esquire that he was told by his manager about Evans' potential return. However, Mackie confirmed that Evans himself denied any such plans during a recent conversation. "I talked to Chris a few weeks ago and it wasn’t on the table then," Mackie recounted. "At least, he didn’t tell me it was on the table, because I asked him. I was like, ‘You know, they said they’re bringing everyone back for the movie. Are you coming back?’ He goes, ‘Oh, you know, I’m happily retired'."
While Evans has stepped away from his iconic role, he did make a brief return to the superhero realm by reprising his character Johnny Storm from the Fox universe in Deadpool & Wolverine. This appearance, however, was more of a comedic cameo and not a continuation of his Captain America storyline.
The MCU has faced recent uncertainties following the departure of Jonathan Majors, who was set to play the major antagonist Kang. Majors' exit came after a guilty verdict for assault and harassment, leaving Marvel to pivot its narrative plans. The studio has since announced that Robert Downey Jr. will take on the role of Doctor Doom, the new central villain, fueling speculation about other original Avengers returning, though no further confirmations have been made.
Amid these changes, Benedict Cumberbatch, who portrays Doctor Strange, revealed that his character will not appear in Avengers: Doomsday but will have a "central role" in the subsequent film, Avengers: Secret Wars. The Russo Brothers, former directors of the Avengers films, are set to helm Secret Wars, which will continue exploring the multiverse narrative, with reports suggesting that Hayley Atwell's Agent Carter will also feature in the movie.
