Chris Evans denies returning as Captain America in Avengers Doomsday, breaking the hopes of fans eagerly anticipating his reprisal in the 2026 Marvel crossover; despite his unequivocal stance, speculation continues amid ongoing talks with directors Joe and Anthony Russo. The uncertainty around Evans’ involvement persists, further fueled by Marvel’s history of surprise cameos and secrecy surrounding cast announcements.
Evans Sets the Record Straight on Return Rumors
The rumors about Chris Evans making a comeback as Steve Rogers in Avengers: Doomsday gained traction in late 2024, especially after news surfaced about a potential reunion with Peggy Carter, played by Hayley Atwell. The speculation followed reports of a canceled project that would have revisited the aftermath of Rogers and Carter’s time together at the conclusion of Avengers: Endgame.
Evans, however, has publicly dismissed these rumors. Speaking to ScreenRant, he shared details of his ongoing relationship with the film’s directors while addressing his absence:
“Yeah, I talk to them all the time. It’s where Pedro [Pascal] is right now,”
—Chris Evans, Actor
He elaborated further on the experience of not being a part of the anticipated crossover, stating:
“I mean, it’s sad to be away. It’s sad to not be back with the band, but I’m sure they’re doing something incredible, and I’m sure it’s going to be that much harder when it comes out and you feel like you weren’t invited to the party.”
—Chris Evans, Actor
Despite a clear declaration from Evans—“That’s not true”—regarding his alleged return, the Marvel fanbase remains unconvinced, largely due to Marvel’s established pattern of surprise appearances.
Ongoing Speculation Surrounding Marvel’s Secrecy
Fans’ doubts about Evans’ denial are understandable given that Marvel Studios is known for keeping major surprises under wraps until release. The recent reveal of Evans’ Human Torch cameo in Deadpool and Wolverine reignited debate over whether he might secretly feature in Avengers: Doomsday, even if in an unexpected capacity.
Hopes for familiar faces returning are not limited to Evans. Paul Rudd offered little clarity on his potential return to the MCU, cryptically remarking,
“As far as the Russos, they have my number.”
Meanwhile, Chris Pratt responded with humor when asked about his absence from the casting announcement, maintaining the atmosphere of uncertainty and intrigue among Marvel fans and media.
Marvel’s Expanding Universe and What Lies Ahead
While Chris Evans denies returning as Captain America in Avengers Doomsday, speculation also surrounds other major cast members. Notably, Robert Downey, Jr.—who defined Tony Stark for over a decade—is confirmed to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, though in the new role of Doctor Doom. This shake-up underscores Marvel’s approach of rarely closing the door on characters or actors.
Avengers: Doomsday is being positioned as a significant chapter in the MCU, serving as the second film in Phase 6 after The Fantastic Four: First Steps. The ensemble cast already boasts a variety of popular and returning characters, with additional surprise inclusions anticipated prior to its 2026 release. The film will also set the stage for Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027, an event expected to have far-reaching consequences throughout Marvel’s interconnected stories.
The continued speculation—despite direct denials—illustrates the enduring appeal and curiosity surrounding the MCU’s storytelling choices, as audiences wait to see which heroes, veterans or new, will ultimately appear in Marvel’s next epic crossover.
