The latest Avengers: Doomsday artwork has sparked excitement by reuniting Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans within the Marvel Cinematic Universe as allies and adversaries. Downey Jr. is confirmed as the lead villain, portraying Doctor Doom, who serves as the primary antagonist in the MCU’s Multiverse Saga following the departure of Jonathan Majors, the actor initially cast as Kang the Conqueror. Meanwhile, Chris Evans’ involvement remains unconfirmed, but reports suggest he could return as a secret character alongside Hayley Atwell, who reprises her role as Peggy Carter.
Despite Evans denying his participation in the film, rumors persist, fueled by Marvel’s history of surprising fans with unexpected casting choices. Among the fan theories is the possibility that Evans could play a villainous version of Captain America, similar to the Captain Hydra revealed in the Secret Empire comic event, where the character is a longstanding HYDRA sleeper agent embedded within the hero’s persona.
Marvel’s Multiverse Framework Enables Returning Actors and New Villain Alliances
Although there is no official confirmation of Evans’ return in Avengers: Doomsday, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has indicated that the cast will include unannounced actors beyond those revealed in the recent live-streamed cast announcement. Evans has already made a recent MCU appearance as Johnny Storm in Deadpool & Wolverine (2024), adding credibility to theories about his involvement.
Robert Downey Jr.’s portrayal of Doctor Doom marks a significant shift for the franchise, as he transitions from his iconic role as Iron Man, which he played for over a decade. This evolution opens the door for past MCU actors to re-enter the universe in new roles, particularly as villains within a multiverse context. Speculation abounds about whether Doom will assemble a coalition of multiverse villains, potentially including members from the original Avengers lineup.
The upcoming Avengers films include:
1. The Avengers (2012)
2. Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
3. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
4. Avengers: Endgame (2019)
5. Avengers: Doomsday (2026)
6. Avengers: Secret Wars (2027)
Doctor Doom is expected to face numerous adversaries, including the New Avengers, Sam Wilson’s Avengers, the Fantastic Four, and original X-Men from Fox’s properties. A formidable team will likely be necessary for Doom to contend with these forces. Additionally, the MCU’s earlier portrayal of Steve Rogers embracing a HYDRA alter ego, as briefly seen in Avengers: Endgame, feeds into the idea of a Captain Hydra appearing in Avengers: Doomsday.
Evaluating the Possibility of Captain Hydra Joining Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday
Considering the reports around Evans’ potential return and Downey Jr.’s role as Doctor Doom, there is a reasonable chance that Captain Hydra could appear in Avengers: Doomsday. However, the existence of the original Captain America alongside the Hydra variant leaves room for alternative explanations, such as digital de-aging or multiverse variants, both established techniques within the MCU and the comics.
Confirmed Cast Members for Avengers: Doomsday
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Chris Hemsworth as Thor
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Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm / Invisible Woman
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Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm / Human Torch
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Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm / The Thing
