Chris Evans has addressed swirling rumors about his potential return as Captain America in “Avengers: Doomsday,” maintaining his stance that he is not confirmed for the film. During a recent interview, Evans was asked to comment on Robert Downey Jr.’s reported casting as Doctor Doom—a development that has sparked debate among Marvel fans since being revealed at last July’s San Diego Comic-Con. Evans provided insight into his perspective, sharing his reaction and anticipation over Downey’s transformation from Iron Man to a new iconic villain. The topic of Chris Evans’ reaction to Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom has become a focal point among MCU followers eager for updates.
MCU Stars Respond to Surprising Casting News
Downey Jr.’s transition to Doctor Doom represents a dramatic shift within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While some fans remain split, a number of MCU veterans, including Evans, have publicly voiced interest and support for the move. Evans, best known for portraying Steve Rogers, expressed curiosity mixed with surprise when initially learning about Downey’s upcoming role. His remarks, given during an exchange with Screen Rant, provide context to the excitement and reservations present within the Marvel community.
“I mean, I can’t wait to see what he does,”
—Chris Evans, Actor
“I’m sure it’s going to be incredible. When I first heard it, I was like, ‘Huh?’ But it’s almost like cheese and the crust. You’re like, ‘There’s nothing more we can do with this pizza,’ and then you’re like, ‘Oh, damn. You know? What else? What if we did this? Whoa.’”
—Chris Evans, Actor
Evans’ openness indicates an appreciation for Marvel Studios’ inventive casting decisions and their ability to reinvent established characters. The prospect of Downey Jr. returning not as Tony Stark but as Doctor Doom marks a significant evolution, suggesting new directions for both actor and franchise.
Possibilities for New Character Variations in the MCU
Marvel Studios’ ability to bring back Robert Downey Jr. has impressed Chris Evans. Analysts and insiders have speculated that Evans himself could be approached to play a villainous version of Captain America in future projects, specifically referencing the idea of an “evil Avengers” led by Doctor Doom. One variant discussed is the HYDRA Cap—a twist on Captain America who secretly supports HYDRA. Should this storyline progress, Evans would likely be summoned to reprise his role with new complexity, further intensifying interest around “Avengers: Doomsday.”
Robert Downey Jr.’s Influence on Chris Evans’ Career
During the same interview, Evans reflected on those who shaped his acting path, citing Downey Jr.’s personal influence as pivotal to his early Marvel journey. He shared the hesitations he felt before accepting the role of Captain America and how Downey’s encouragement changed his course.
“I might even say Downey. I made movies for 10 years prior to jumping onto the Marvel train. He was the one who kind of talked me into it. I didn’t want to take the role. I said no a few times and he was the one that kind of gave the knowledge.”
—Chris Evans, Actor
“I said no a few times. I know. Just didn’t want to do it. I was scared, I was intimidated. I didn’t know. It was a big commitment and I was kind of thinking about leaving acting in general. I don’t know.”
—Chris Evans, Actor
Evans’ candid admissions offer a glimpse into the decisions behind the iconic castings that have come to define the Avengers saga. His relationship with Downey Jr. reveals how collaborative support has shaped key moments in the MCU’s legacy.
The Challenges of Reuniting the Avengers Cast
Marvel Studios hopes to reassemble the original six Avengers for “Doomsday” and possibly for “Secret Wars” as well, but negotiation hurdles remain. Scarlett Johansson has stated on multiple occasions that her time as Black Widow has ended. Meanwhile, Jeremy Renner reportedly faced difficult contract talks, including a dispute regarding “Hawkeye” season 2. With Evans displaying hesitancy about returning, assembling the full team may prove difficult, and the next phase could focus more on returning characters like Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk, Chris Hemsworth’s God of Thunder, and new additions such as Doctor Doom.
Expanding the Avengers Universe With New and Returning Faces
“Avengers: Doomsday” is set to introduce a blend of franchise veterans and newcomers. Alongside Hemsworth, Anthony Mackie, Winston Duke, Tom Hiddleston, Sebastian Stan, Letitia Wright, Paul Rudd, and Robert Downey Jr., the film will also showcase Wyatt Russell, Simu Liu, Tenoch Huerta Mejia, Florence Pugh, Danny Ramirez, David Harbour, Hannah John-Kamen, and Lewis Pullman—many making their Avengers debuts. Members of the Fantastic Four, such as Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn, are slated to appear, as are X-Men legends Kelsey Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, James Marsden, and Channing Tatum from “Deadpool & Wolverine.”
The Russo Brothers will helm the production from a script by Stephen McFeely, marking a reunion of the directing and writing team responsible for many pivotal films in Marvel’s slate, including prior Captain America and Avengers entries. This collaboration reunites creative forces that have previously delivered major box office successes and fan favorites.
What Lies Ahead for the MCU
“Avengers: Doomsday” is currently scheduled for release on December 18, 2026, with its follow-up, “Avengers: Secret Wars,” planned for December 17, 2027. The upcoming entries promise to introduce bold narrative shifts, new character variants, and cross-franchise team-ups that expand the Marvel universe. As speculation continues about Chris Evans’ potential involvement and Robert Downey Jr.’s transformation into Doctor Doom, fans and industry observers alike are watching for how these casting decisions will shape the future of Marvel Studios stories and the Avengers ensemble.
