Speculation around Chris Evans Captain America return rumors Avengers Doomsday has surged following rumors of a major multiverse comeback, with noted comic writer Chris Claremont hinting at Evans’ appearance in multiple roles for the highly anticipated 2026 Marvel film. However, Evans has put those rumors to rest, making it clear he has no plans to reprise his iconic superhero persona in Avengers: Doomsday—leaving fans caught between excitement and disappointment.
Rumors Sparked by Comic Writer Chris Claremont
The frenzy began at the Huntsville Pop Culture Expo 2025, where Chris Claremont—a legend in the world of Marvel comics—made comments that quickly ignited anticipation among the Marvel faithful. According to Claremont, he’d heard that Chris Evans could make an eye-popping return in Avengers: Doomsday as not just one, but several versions of Captain America. These versions included the standard hero, a younger iteration, an evil version, and even the infamous villain Captain Hydra.
Claremont’s remarks came as a shock, especially after Evans had seemingly closed that chapter of his career with Avengers: Endgame. Comparisons were drawn to Robert Downey Jr., whose own rumored return as Doctor Doom signaled a willingness by Marvel Studios to revisit legacy characters in surprising new forms.
Chris Evans’ ability to portray different sides of Steve Rogers—ranging from the noble hero to the dark alter ego—immediately captured the imagination of fans. The hint that he might return not only as a young Cap but also as Captain Hydra led to widespread speculation across fan forums and social media.
During his discussion at the event, Claremont explored the idea of Evans playing multiple distinct roles, referencing similar rumors about Downey Jr. portraying both Iron Man and an evil character. This fueled hopes among Marvel enthusiasts who yearned for a more complex, layered depiction of the Captain America mythos within the multiverse storyline that now defines the current phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
The Origins and Impact of Captain Hydra and Young Captain America
Central to the growing excitement was the possibility of seeing the notorious Captain Hydra brought to life on screen. Captain Hydra emerged as one of the most polarizing twists in recent comic book history, first introduced in Captain America: Steve Rogers #1 in 2016. The storyline unfolds after the dramatic events of Secret Wars, where the cosmic balance is disrupted and Earth-616, the mainstream Marvel Universe, effectively resets.
Within this reimagined world, Steve Rogers is mortally wounded and ends up in Pleasant Hill—a surreal, enigmatic town governed by the sentient Cosmic Cube known as Kobik. Bent on restoring Steve, Kobik unintentionally swaps him with a version indoctrinated by HYDRA. Influenced by infamous villains such as Daniel Whitehall and the Red Skull, this alternate Steve grows up as a loyal soldier to HYDRA’s twisted philosophy, rejecting the ideals of freedom for those of world domination.
This dark turn sent shockwaves through the Marvel fandom, challenging the idea of Captain America as the living embodiment of justice and patriotism. The “evil Cap” storyline came to a head during the Secret Empire saga, as Captain Hydra used his power to bring the world under HYDRA’s control, paving the way for Sam Wilson (previously the Falcon, played in the MCU by Anthony Mackie) to emerge as the new beacon of hope and resistance.
For long-time fans, imagining Chris Evans stepping back into the role as a twisted Steve Rogers who actively works against his own allies was as thrilling as it was unsettling. Given the MCU’s recent embrace of the multiverse, integrating a corrupted Captain America opposing Sam Wilson would undoubtedly raise the stakes in Avengers: Doomsday, presenting new challenges for heroes and audiences alike.
While not officially confirmed, Claremont’s musings intensified fan interest in comic storylines and the darker side of legacy characters, especially as multiverse elements connect moviegoers to some of the most dramatic developments from Marvel Comics’ modern era.
Chris Evans Addresses Speculation and Denies Return
As excitement reached a fever pitch, Chris Evans directly addressed the speculation swirling around his rumored involvement in Avengers: Doomsday. During a recent interview with ScreenRant, Evans revealed his definitive stance on whether he would return as Steve Rogers or not. The actor, whose portrayal of Captain America remains a cornerstone of the MCU, clarified that he had moved on from the role and was happy to let others continue the Marvel legacy.
Yeah, I talk to them all the time. It’s where Pedro is right now. I mean, it’s sad to be away. It’s sad to not be back with the band, but I’m sure they’re doing something incredible, and I’m sure it’s going to be that much harder when it comes out and you feel like you weren’t invited to the party.
—Chris Evans, Actor
Evans jokingly acknowledged that being away from his Marvel colleagues—like Robert Downey Jr., the Russo brothers, and the rest of the “band”—could be bittersweet, yet emphasized his contentment with watching new stories unfold from afar. This was not the first time he addressed such rumors; earlier in January 2025, in an interview with Esquire, he confronted the speculation head-on, maintaining his position that his days as Captain America were behind him.
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—[I’m] happily retired.
—Chris Evans, Actor
Evans explained that each fresh rumor cycle following Avengers: Endgame brought similar questions, but over time he chose to stop replying. His focus, he indicated, has shifted to new creative projects such as the film Materialists, and he wished his MCU “family” success as they forged ahead with fresh characters, such as Anthony Mackie’s version of Captain America, for a new generation of fans.
The Future of Captain America in Avengers: Doomsday
With Chris Evans remaining firm about his departure, the storyline for Avengers: Doomsday is set to spotlight new faces and interpretations of classic Marvel heroes. Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson now carries the shield on screen, embodying a modern, diverse version of Captain America for evolving audiences. Fans will recall that Sam Wilson took on the mantle in both comics and film, standing as a symbol of hope in the face of Captain Hydra’s darkness during the Secret Empire arc.
As rumors of evil variants and the multiverse continue to bridge the gap between comic arcs and cinematic storytelling, the MCU’s future remains unpredictable. Moviegoers can expect Avengers: Doomsday to draw from rich material—integrating alternate universes, fan-favorite characters, and possibly referencing infamous storylines like those involving Captain Hydra—even if Evans himself does not appear.
The upcoming film, currently slated for release in the United States on December 18, 2026, will likely mark a new era for Marvel’s ensemble adventures, focusing on growth, fresh conflicts, and the evolving role of legacy within the superhero saga. With both nostalgia and innovation at the core, Avengers: Doomsday promises to spark emotional turmoil, intense debates, and a heavy dose of excitement throughout the Marvel fandom.
While Chris Evans’s turn as Steve Rogers may be over, his influence remains woven into every new chapter—highlighting the power of heroes, the allure of the multiverse, and the importance of forging ahead, even in the face of uncertainty.
