As anticipation builds for the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film Avengers: Doomsday, fans are buzzing with theories about the direction of the franchise. The film, set to release on May 1, 2026, marks a significant moment in the MCU, being the first Avengers movie since Avengers: Endgame in 2019. With Phase 5 wrapping up and the introduction of new characters, including Robert Downey Jr. as the villainous Doctor Doom, the stage is set for thrilling developments.
One of the most intriguing theories circulating among fans is the potential return of Chris Evans as an evil version of Steve Rogers, also known as Captain America. This speculation gained momentum following the announcement of Avengers: Doomsday, especially after Robert Downey Jr. reprised his role in a new capacity as Doctor Doom. Many fans are now contemplating the idea of an alternate universe Captain America who could serve as a villainous counterpart to the hero fans have come to love.
Despite Evans denying rumors of his involvement in Doomsday, it’s not uncommon for actors in the MCU to keep their roles under wraps until the last moment. For instance, Dafne Keen’s surprise return as Laura in Deadpool & Wolverine and Andrew Garfield’s appearance in Spider-Man: No Way Home were both shrouded in secrecy prior to their respective releases. This has led to speculation that Evans might also be hiding something regarding his return.
The premise of the MCU’s Multiverse Saga has opened up endless possibilities for storytelling, allowing for the exploration of alternate versions of beloved characters. The storyline established in Avengers: Infinity War sets the stage for a darker narrative involving Steve Rogers. In Infinity War, it’s revealed that Red Skull, who was thought to be defeated, is alive and serves as the keeper of the Soul Stone on Vormir. This twist raises the question: could Red Skull manipulate the Soul Stone to create an evil variant of Captain America?
In the comics, stories such as Avengers: Standoff and Secret Empire depict a scenario where an elderly Steve Rogers is rejuvenated by the Cosmic Cube, only to be implanted with false memories that make him believe he has been a HYDRA sleeper agent since World War II. Given Red Skull’s role in Infinity War, it’s plausible that the MCU could adapt this narrative, introducing a version of Steve Rogers who is under Red Skull’s influence.
Moreover, the Russo brothers, who directed Infinity War and Endgame, have hinted at plans that involved making Steve Rogers a physical embodiment of the Soul Stone. Although those plans fell through, this narrative could serve as a nod to earlier ideas while providing fresh material for Doomsday.
As for the film itself, Doomsday is already breaking records before its release. Marvel Studios hosted a five-hour livestream that was their largest ever, amassing 275 million digital views and 3.1 million social media impressions. The event announced 27 cast members, including original X-Men actors like Kelsey Grammer (Beast), Ian McKellen (Magneto), and Alan Cumming (Nightcrawler), adding to the excitement surrounding the film.
Chris Hemsworth, who portrays Thor, recently shared a video on Instagram showcasing his impressive physique as filming for Doomsday begins. The video, tagged with his fitness app CentrFit, suggests that the days of the “Fat Thor” from Endgame are over. Hemsworth’s transformation has fans eager to see how his character will evolve in the new film.
With a star-studded cast including Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Letitia Wright, and Florence Pugh, Doomsday promises to be a thrilling addition to the MCU. The film will see the Avengers teaming up with the Wakandans, the Fantastic Four, and even the original X-Men to confront the formidable Doctor Doom.
As the MCU continues to expand its universe, the potential for an evil Steve Rogers adds an exciting layer to the narrative. Fans are left to wonder how the storylines from the comics will translate onto the big screen and what new twists await them.
As the release date approaches, the anticipation surrounding Avengers: Doomsday is palpable. With the return of familiar faces and the introduction of new ones, Marvel is poised to deliver a film that could redefine the superhero genre once again. Whether or not Chris Evans makes a surprise appearance as an evil Captain America remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the MCU is ready to take fans on another unforgettable journey.
