Chris Evans is reportedly returning in Avengers: Doomsday. However, it is unclear which character the Marvel veteran will be playing. So, here’s why he could be Steve Rogers’ Captain America or a Marvel villain, instead of the rumored Johnny Storm.
Why Chris Evans could play Captain America and not Johnny Storm in Avengers: Doomsday
While Evans’ Avengers 5 character is unknown, the film could potentially see his return as Captain America. Avengers: Endgame saw Steve Rogers travel back in time and live out his life, returning to Bucky and Sam Wilson as an old man. This means that plenty of Rogers’ life hasn’t been seen by viewers; it’s unknown what happened to him between the time he left with the Infinity Stones and returned as old man Steve. That chapter could be told now.
Additionally, Chris Evans’ career possibly needs a boost after a string of non-MCU box office and streaming flops including Red One, Lightyear, Ghosted, and several others. It could be argued that he is more likely to return as his best-known MCU character than anyone else. Additionally, he confirmed that he would be open to returning as Captain America if the right story were told (via The Wrap).
While another Human Torch appearance is possible, Deadpool & Wolverine already did it. Considering how the movie treated Evans’ Johnny Storm, with him being treated as more of a joke than a serious cameo, Marvel might have put the nail in Evans’ Johnny Storm’ coffin.
Evans could play a new Marvel character or a villain in Avengers: Doomsday
Alternatively, Evans could play an entirely new character in Avengers: Doomsday. He could potentially follow in Robert Downey Jr.’s footsteps and play a surprising villain such as Captain Hydra. This villainous Steve Rogers variant might confuse things a little, but nothing is off-limits after the announcement that RDJ will return.
At the moment, Doctor Doom stands alone against a potentially massive roster of Avengers in Doomsday. Evans’ mystery character could offer him support against them. It would create an interesting story dynamic for the new Avengers, who’d have to take down villains that share faces with stalwarts from the Infinity Saga.
At the same time, it would be interesting viewing for fans. Instead of a heroic Iron Man and Captain America team-up, they’d get a mighty villainous duo played by the same actors. Many are interested to see how Tony Stark’s protege Peter Parker would react going up against a Doctor Doom who looks the same as Tony Stark. The same case would be drawn for Sam Wilson’s Captain America, and even Bucky (if he survives Thunderbolts*). They’d have to take on a villain with the face of their best friend and mentor.
The MCU has had notable issues since Avengers: Endgame. Interest in new Marvel movies has been waning, and the franchise has struggled to generate the same amount of interest in its current roster of heroes as its initial Avengers line-up. Having the new Avengers face off against variants of the old Avengers could effectively pass the torch to the new line-up.
Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters on May 1, 2026.
