Chris Evans is setting the record straight after reports surfaced claiming he was set to reprise his Marvel Cinematic Universe role in Avengers: Doomsday.
“That’s not true, though,” Evans, 43, told in an interview published on Thursday, January 30. “This always happens. I mean, it happens every couple of years—ever since Endgame. I’ve just stopped responding to it.”
His former co-star and Captain America’s on-screen successor, Anthony Mackie, also addressed the rumors surrounding Evans’ return. “I talked to Chris a few weeks ago, and it wasn’t on the table then,” Mackie told.
“At least, he didn’t tell me it was on the table, because I asked him. I was like, ‘You know, they said they’re bringing everyone back for the movie. Are you coming back?’ He goes, ‘Oh, you know, I’m happily retired.’”
Mackie, however, acknowledged that he has not yet “seen a script” for the upcoming Avengers film.
Evans wouldn’t be the first Marvel actor to deny their involvement in a project, only for fans to later find out otherwise. Andrew Garfield famously denied appearing in Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021), despite ultimately making a surprise cameo alongside Tobey Maguire.
Marvel has not issued an official confirmation or denial regarding Evans’ rumored role in Avengers: Doomsday.
Chris Evans is reportedly making an unexpected return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. According to a report published on Monday, December 9, the actor, 43, has signed on for Avengers: Doomsday.
The film is currently slated for a May 2026 release, though details about Evans’ role remain unclear. Between 2011 and 2019, Evans portrayed Steve Rogers, also known as Captain America, in 11 MCU films.
Chris Evans (Photo: AP)His character put down the shield in Avengers: Endgame, retiring as Captain America. Given this storyline, fans are speculating whether Evans would return as Steve Rogers in his post-Cap era or fully reclaim the mantle of Captain America.
Adding to the speculation, Evans made a cameo as Johnny Storm/The Human Torch in Deadpool & Wolverine earlier this year. His appearance in that film has fueled theories that he might reprise that role—or even take on a completely new character.
During a panel at Emerald City Comic Con in Seattle in March, Evans was asked about the possibility of returning to the MCU.
At the time, he admitted that reprising his role as Captain America “doesn’t feel quite right” at the moment but hinted, “I think there are more Steve Rogers stories to tell.”
Evans’ Thoughts on Returning to Marvel
Evans has expressed deep attachment to the character of Steve Rogers, explaining why he is hesitant to return without the right story.
“But at the same time, I’m very, very protective of it,” he said. “It’s like this little shiny thing that I have that I love so much, and I just don’t want to mess it up in any way. I was part of something so special for a specific period of time, and, in a way, it really landed so well.”
Evans also reflected on his time in the MCU, revealing that Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) remains his favorite film in the franchise.
“It’s my personal favorite Marvel movie that I was a part of,” he shared. “It’s not just for the movie itself, but for the experience. With the first film, I was so nervous. You know what you’re stepping into, and as a result, you’re playing defense—you’re playing not to lose. When Winter Soldier came around, we were playing to win.”
Beyond discussing his own experiences, Evans also defended superhero films against criticism from those who downplay their artistic merit.
“For whatever reason, comic book movies don’t always get the credit I think they deserve,” Evans said during the panel.
“They are these big, giant movies. There are a lot of cooks in the kitchen. But the empirical evidence is in—they are not easy to make.” He added, “If it was easier, there would be a lot more good ones.”