Chris Evans success with Materialists outside Marvel is turning heads in Hollywood, as his latest film is making waves with audiences and reviewers, showing he can shine without returning as Captain America just yet. This strong showing comes while rumors swirl about his possible appearance in Avengers: Doomsday, but his momentum proves he is thriving on his current path.
Materialists Marks a Major Win for Evans Post-Marvel
Chris Evans is widely recognized for his memorable portrayal of Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where he turned a classic hero into one of the franchise‘s most relatable characters. His performance helped make the Avengers films and his solo trilogy massive global successes, cementing his star status across the world. Fans continue to hope for his return in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, but Evans appears to be writing a new chapter for himself beyond the superhero genre.
After the end of his time as Steve Rogers, Evans set his sights on projects outside the MCU, looking to redefine his career. The actor experienced mixed results in projects such as Lightyear and Red One, both of which failed to make an impact at the box office. This string of disappointments led to skepticism about his ability to stand out outside the world of superheroes. That is why the recent triumph of Materialists has been so significant for his profile.
Starring alongside Dakota Johnson and Pedro Pascal, Evans has found both critical and commercial success with Materialists. The film has gained an impressive 82% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, highlighting its warm reception among critics and viewers. This timely success coincides with the ongoing production of Avengers: Doomsday, putting Evans at a career crossroads as Marvel Studios builds excitement for their next chapter.
Momentum Builds Away from the Marvel Universe
Evans’s previous experiences have taught him that landing box office hits outside of Marvel is not guaranteed, even for an actor with his global celebrity. While he has appeared in a number of projects, Materialists is his first clear win in years outside of the superhero realm. The film demonstrates his acting range and helps distance him from being typecast solely as Captain America, giving him the breathing room to take on new kinds of roles unexpectedly popular with today’s audiences.
The Marvel Studios team has not confirmed Evans’s involvement in Avengers: Doomsday, though ongoing rumors and the studio’s reputation for surprising fans keep his possible appearance a hot topic. However, the buzz surrounding Materialists makes it clear that Evans can thrive in fresh roles if he stays the course and avoids returning to his old MCU persona.
Having already played out nearly every possible arc as Captain America, including participating in box office record-breakers like Avengers: Endgame, Evans is poised to expand his career beyond superhero stories. With Materialists, the actor has proven his enduring appeal isn’t attached solely to the MCU, but spans a wider range of projects. Continuing in this direction would help him establish lasting relevance in Hollywood beyond Marvel’s orbit.
Avengers Franchise Can Move Ahead Without Evans
From Marvel’s perspective, the potential absence of Chris Evans in Avengers: Doomsday isn’t expected to weaken the film’s draw. The franchise boasts a robust cast of returning and new talent ready to lead the charge, including the highly anticipated return of Robert Downey Jr. Furthermore, Evans already made a memorable cameo appearance when he reprised his Human Torch persona in Deadpool & Wolverine, a surprise that delighted fans and acknowledged both his Marvel legacy and his capability for comedic reinvention.
This cameo allowed audiences to see a completely different side of Evans, providing a fitting nod to his comic book film roots while also signaling that his days as Captain America might be firmly in the past. By having already delivered this entertaining appearance, Evans has completed a full circle within the superhero genre, further justifying his decision to focus elsewhere for now.
Materialists Success Gives Evans a Fresh Direction
With strong reviews and audience interest fueling Materialists, Evans is in a unique position to leverage his renewed box office credibility. Partnering with stars such as Dakota Johnson and Pedro Pascal, he has shown the ability to collaborate successfully in non-superhero productions. This accomplishment proves that he can excel in fresh creative spaces, appealing to new and established fans alike. If Evans continues to seize this momentum, he can carve out a lasting identity as a versatile leading man—well beyond his Marvel beginnings.
For Evans, Hollywood’s competitive landscape is filled with both opportunity and risk. His recent triumph provides a compelling argument for focusing his energy outside superhero franchises, choosing projects that challenge his range as an actor. Meanwhile, Avengers: Doomsday can develop its own legacy by spotlighting a new leader and evolving cast, ensuring the enduring fan interest that has powered the franchise for years.
In the months ahead, the entertainment world will be watching to see which direction Chris Evans takes next. With Materialists, he has taken a bold step, demonstrating that he can achieve success and cultural relevance well beyond wearing the red, white, and blue shield.
