Chris Evans, the star of the Captain America films, has definitively stated that he will not be returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) for Avengers: Doomsday or any other future projects, despite recent reports suggesting otherwise. Evans directly refuted a Deadline article claiming his return alongside Robert Downey Jr., calling the report "not true."
This denial contradicts information shared by Anthony Mackie, who inherited the Captain America mantle. Mackie initially stated his manager informed him of Evans' return, but a subsequent conversation with Evans himself revealed that this wasn't the case. Evans confirmed his retirement from the MCU, stating, "Happily retired." This recurring rumor, Evans notes, has surfaced periodically since Avengers: Endgame.
While Evans has made a brief MCU return as Johnny Storm in Deadpool & Wolverine, this was a smaller, comedic role unlike his central Captain America portrayal.
The MCU's future remains somewhat uncertain following the removal of Jonathan Majors, who played Kang, after facing assault and harassment charges. Majors' planned role as the MCU's next Thanos-level villain has been scrapped, leading to speculation and the announcement of Doctor Doom (played by Robert Downey Jr.) as the new antagonist. This announcement fueled rumors of other original Avengers returning, although no official confirmations have been made.
Benedict Cumberbatch, who plays Doctor Strange, has confirmed his absence from Avengers: Doomsday, but will have a "central role" in its sequel, Avengers: Secret Wars. The Russo Brothers are directing Avengers: Doomsday, which is expected to continue the multiverse storyline, with Hayley Atwell's Agent Carter also reportedly appearing.
