Marvel Studios has once again sparked excitement and speculation with the possible comeback of Chris Evans as Captain America in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, set for release in December 2026. While Evans has denied knowing about Steve Rogers’ involvement in the film, fans and insiders continue to speculate reasons behind this surprising return amid a growing buzz surrounding the movie’s plot and multiverse threats.
Marvel’s Strategy Keeps Fans Guessing
Marvel Studios has a reputation for misleading fans with rumors and unexpected twists to protect their storylines. Recently, another significant surprise involved Robert Downey Jr., who is confirmed to return, but not as Iron Man. Instead, he will portray Victor von Doom, also known as Doctor Doom, the film’s central antagonist. This revelation has ignited discussions about how iconic characters like Captain America might reappear in the film, intensifying speculation over Chris Evans’ role.
Theories About Captain America’s Potential Return
Despite the lack of official confirmation, four dominant fan theories have emerged to explain why Chris Evans might reprise his role as Captain America in Avengers: Doomsday. Each theory explores how Steve Rogers or a variant of the character could influence the unfolding events in the MCU’s expansive multiverse narrative.
Doctor Doom’s Quest for Retribution
One popular theory circulated on Reddit suggests that Doctor Doom is targeting those responsible for an incursion—a catastrophic event caused by travel between universes that threatens to destroy realities. According to this idea, Steve Rogers may have inadvertently triggered such an event when he traveled back in time to be with Peggy Carter in Avengers: Endgame. This act could have put Captain America directly in Doctor Doom’s sights as a target for revenge or capture.
Captain America as a Villainous Ally
Another possibility is that Doctor Doom seeks not the original Captain America, but a darker variant aligned with his cause. Rumors indicate that Doom plans to assemble a team loyal to him, which could include a version of Steve Rogers sympathetic to HYDRA. This twist would be jarring for the MCU heroes, presenting a former ally turned adversary, much like the impactful return of Tony Stark in a surprising guise.
The Return of Time Travel in the MCU
While the multiverse is expected to be a crucial element in Avengers: Doomsday, there is speculation that time travel will reemerge as a significant plot device. If the heroes need to secure a powerful artifact similar to the Infinity Stones, they might travel back to previous timelines and encounter familiar faces like the Star-Spangled Man himself. This could explain Captain America’s presence and tie into the film’s larger narrative structure.
A Multiverse Variant Offers Aid to the Avengers
Given the expansive cast featuring Avengers, X-Men, and Fantastic Four characters, defeating Doctor Doom may require unexpected support. Fans theorize that a friendly variant of Captain America could emerge from the multiverse to assist in the conflict, demonstrating that Steve Rogers is still willing to fight, even if from a different reality. Such an appearance could also feature alongside potential variants of other heroes like T’Challa, reinforcing the multiverse’s ongoing influence on the MCU.
Anticipation Builds Toward Avengers: Doomsday
Avengers: Doomsday promises a massive convergence of characters and storylines by bringing together heroes and villains across multiple franchises. The possible return of Chris Evans as Captain America adds emotional weight and intrigue, leaving audiences eager to discover how his character will fit within this intricate multiverse saga. Fans will be watching closely as the release date approaches for clues about the fate of beloved characters and how they shape the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to premiere on December 18, 2026, marking a pivotal moment for Marvel fans worldwide as they prepare for one of the most ambitious films in the franchise’s history.
