Chris Evans Confirms No Return to MCU for Avengers

Chris Evans, known for his role as Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), has firmly debunked rumors about his return in the upcoming film Avengers: Doomsday. In an interview with Esquire, Evans dismissed a report from Deadline that suggested he would be reprising his role alongside Robert Downey Jr., who is confirmed to return as Iron Man. Evans clarified, "That's not true, though. This always happens. I mean, it happens every couple years, ever since Endgame. I've just stopped responding to it. Yeah, no. Happily retired."

The confusion arose after Anthony Mackie, who succeeded Evans as Captain America in the MCU following Avengers: Endgame, mentioned to Esquire that he had been told by his manager that Evans might return. However, Mackie later clarified that in a conversation with Evans himself, the actor had indicated he was "happily retired" and not considering a comeback.

Despite his retirement from the main MCU storyline, Evans did make a cameo as his former Fox character, Johnny Storm, in Deadpool & Wolverine. This appearance was more of a comedic side role, distinct from his central role as Captain America.

The MCU's future has been uncertain since the departure of Jonathan Majors, who played Kang and was set to be the franchise's next major antagonist, following his conviction for assault and harassment. In response, Marvel has announced that Doctor Doom, to be portrayed by Robert Downey Jr., will take over as the new big bad. This shift fueled speculation about the return of other original Avengers, though no further confirmations have been made.

In related news, Benedict Cumberbatch, who plays Doctor Strange, has confirmed he will not appear in Avengers: Doomsday but will have a "central role" in the sequel, Avengers: Secret Wars. The film, directed by the Russo Brothers, will continue to explore the multiverse, with Hayley Atwell's Agent Carter also set to appear.