Chris Evans, after making a splash in 'Deadpool & Wolverine', is diving back into the exhilarating world of the Marvel Cinematic Universe for 'Avengers: Doomsday', as confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter. The Russo brothers, Evans' long-standing collaborators who have directed him in four films, are helming this project, with Robert Downey Jr. stepping into the shoes of Doctor Doom. Scheduled for a grand release on May 1, 2026, the film promises a cinematic extravaganza.
Evans previously portrayed Johnny Storm/The Human Torch in 'Deadpool & Wolverine', reprising his role from the 2000s 'Fantastic Four' movies produced by Fox. However, he is most celebrated for his iconic portrayal of Steve Rogers/Captain America in the MCU, where he served as a pillar of the universe.
As the new Marvel feature project delves into the intricate web of multiple timelines and universes, there is considerable intrigue surrounding Evans' return. Will he reprise his role as Storm or Rogers? The project is poised to reunite a myriad of actors from both the past and present Marvel films, hinting at a 'Fantastic Four' reunion among others.
Rogers bid adieu to his Captain America alter ego in the climactic 'Avengers: Endgame' (2019), where he journeyed to the past to live out his days with his beloved Peggy Carter (Hailey Atwell). For decades, he lived in obscurity, only emerging in the present to bestow the Captain America shield to his friend, Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie).
He embarked on his iconic journey as Captain America in the 2011 film, "Captain America: The First Avenger," and subsequently reprised his role with stellar performances in "The Avengers" (2012), "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" (2014), "Avengers: Age of Ultron" (2015), "Captain America: Civil War" (2016), "Avengers: Infinity War" (2018), and culminating in "Avengers: Endgame." His charming cameos also lit up screens in "Thor: The Dark World" (2013) and "Spider-Man: Homecoming" (2017). In an interview with GQ in 2023, the actor expressed his openness to a potential return, emphasizing that it would only be fitting if it felt authentic. He remarked, "I wouldn't want my legacy tarnished by what feels like a mere money-grab, or if it fails to meet the lofty expectations set by the originals, or if it lacks the cohesive spirit of the initial saga."
Evans was finally cast in the role in March 2010, after numerous rejections and emerging victorious against a formidable line-up of actors including John Krasinski, Garrett Hedlund, Michael Cassidy, Patrick Flueger, Scott Porter, Wilson Bethel, Mike Vogel, and Chace Crawford. On his bittersweet final day of filming "Endgame" in 2018, Evans shared a heartfelt message of appreciation on Twitter, stating, "Today was an incredibly emotional day, to say the least. Having the honor to play this character over the past eight years has been nothing short of extraordinary. To everyone who was part of this journey, both in front of and behind the camera, and to all the fans watching, thank you for creating unforgettable memories! I am eternally grateful."