Marvel fans are abuzz with excitement as it’s confirmed: Chris Evans is making his return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) for the upcoming movie, Avengers: Doomsday, set to release on May 1, 2026. This announcement has sent waves of nostalgia through the MCU community, where many still cherish the heroic legacy Evans left as Steve Rogers, also known as Captain America.
Evans initially portrayed Captain America across ten films from 2011 to 2019, firmly establishing himself as one of the franchise's cornerstones. His departure from the role during Avengers: Endgame left many fans feeling heartbroken, as his character’s story concluded on such a poignant note. Yet, the re-emergence of Evans signals not only the continuation of beloved stories but also raises intriguing questions about which role he might embody this time.
While it seems like the easiest route would be to bring back Steve Rogers, there are also whispers—rumblings, really—of Evans taking on completely different roles. Following the pattern set by Robert Downey Jr.’s surprising casting as Doctor Doom instead of Iron Man, it appears possible for Evans to follow suit by portraying another character altogether. His recent cameo appearance as Johnny Storm (Human Torch) in Deadpool & Wolverine has added another layer of complexity, prompting fans to speculate wildly about who he might play.
One of the most tantalizing prospects is Evans stepping onto the screen as Mephisto, the devilish antagonist who has become something of a meme within the MCU fan community for always seemingly being just out of reach. If Evans were to bring Mephisto to life, it would be delightful; envisioning him donning Captain America attire only to reveal his true identity would leave audiences across the globe gasping.
Another character Evans could portray is Molecule Man, known for his godlike power and integral role within the famed Secret Wars. Leaks indicate the inclusion of various characters connected to these classic comic arcs, setting the stage for epic confrontations. A partnership or clash between Evans’ Molecule Man and Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom could be nothing short of electrifying.
On the other hand, the Beyonder is also on the speculative list. This character, who orchestrated the original Secret Wars, could offer Evans the opportunity to display his range, stepping beyond the confines of just being Captain America.
Yet, it’s not just the male characters generating interest. Scarlett Johansson’s potential return as Black Widow has many fans yearning for reunions of the original Avengers cast. The film has assembled quite the lineup, with Johansson's absence being particularly highlighted, especially since returning members like Evans and Downey Jr. create such strong nostalgia. Reports suggest she may have reservations about returning to the franchise due to previous legal disputes with Disney, yet recent developments imply her relationship with Marvel remains intact.
Integration of legacy characters like Evans, Downey Jr., and newcomers is part of Marvel's strategy to remedy perceived failures of Phase 4, which some critics viewed as lacking the emotional resonance fans had come to expect from earlier films. With some of the franchise's most popular characters making their return, Marvel is counting on this nostalgia to bolster their audience engagement and box office returns.
Nostalgia, of course, can be double-edged. While it often draws audiences back to familiar territory, it can also render new narratives less impactful. It remains to be seen how Marvel marketing will navigate this as they introduce Evans’ character, who will undoubtably play a significant part either as his well-known Captain America or another character.
Anticipation for Avengers: Doomsday is already building as fans eagerly await more announcements surrounding character confirmations and plot details. It's destined to be one of Marvel's biggest projects to date, and with Evans featured, audiences are likely to flood theaters once again, perhaps yearning for the emotional connections they cherished during the Whitestone Saga.
This calculated decision to bring back such iconic figures could indicate Marvel is not just revisiting its past but is actively exploring how to honor it appropriately. This could set the tone not only for Avengers: Doomsday but also inform the imaginative directions the MCU might pursue following this monumental release.