Chris Evans Denies Returning to MCU for ‘Avengers: Doomsday’: I’m “Happily Retired”
So Chris Evans isn’t returning for Avengers: Doomsday? Well … according to Captain America himself, he isn’t.
Though The Hollywood Reporter confirmed in December that Evans would be dipping back into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the actor is now denying those reports.
More from The Hollywood Reporter
Evans recently told Esquire magazine, as part of a cover story on Anthony Mackie, “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!”
Evans became a cornerstone in the MCU for his role as Steve Rogers/Captain America. He first portrayed the superhero in 2011’s Captain America: The First Avenger and, after numerous films, retired his version following 2019’s Avengers: Endgame. Evans’ character was also close friends with Mackie’s Sam Wilson/Falcon, who has now inherited Captain America’s shield (his new film Captain America: Brave New World comes out Feb. 14).
Mackie, who is also set to star in Avengers: Doomsday, was also asked by Esquire if he was aware of Evans potentially returning to Marvel.
“I didn’t know!” he admitted. “I talked to Chris a few weeks ago and it wasn’t on the table then. 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.’”
The Twisted Metal actor continued, “I learned that right there. My manager showed me. He’s like, ‘Oh, so I guess Chris is coming back.’ That’s all I know. I haven’t seen a script.”
This wouldn’t be the first time an actor has lied about not making a grand superhero return … ahem, Andrew Garfield. The actor famously denied reprising his Spider-Man role for months before shocking audiences with a surprise appearance in 2021’s Spider-Man: No Way Home.
Avengers: Doomsday is being directed by the Russo brothers and is currently set for a May 1, 2026, release. Robert Downey Jr. is also playing Doctor Doom in the movie.
Best of The Hollywood Reporter
Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Solve the daily Crossword
