Chris Evans reacts to rumours of his Marvel return as Captain America in Avengers: Doomsday

With the release of 'Captain America: Brave New World' just around the corner, rumours have been running wild about former 'Captain America' star Chris Evans making his return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Buzz doing the rounds indicated that the actor, best known for playing the superhero for over a decade, has been asked to return for the upcoming film 'Avengers: Doomsday', which will also star Robert Downey Jr in the lead as the villain, Doctor Doom. Amidst the widespread speculation, Evans has now denied the rumours and stated that he is "happily retired" from his role.
The speculation gained traction after Evans’ former co-star, Anthony Mackie, reacted with surprise when asked about his potential return. Speaking to Esquire in a new cover story, Mackie, who now leads the Captain America franchise, admitted he was unaware of any such plans.

“I didn’t know!” Mackie said. “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.’”
Mackie added that he only learned about the rumour when his manager showed him the report. “That’s all I know. I haven’t seen a script,” he admitted.
Evans also addressed the speculation in his interview with Esquire, firmly denying any involvement saying, “That’s not true.”

“This always happens. I mean, it happens every couple of years—ever since Endgame. I’ve just stopped responding to it. Yeah, no—happily retired," he quipped.
However, fans remain sceptical considering that Marvel actors have previously denied their involvement in projects, only to make surprise appearances—most notably Andrew Garfield, who insisted for months that he was not in 'Spider-Man: No Way Home', finally returned as Peter Parker.
While Evans insists he won’t be donning the shield again, he did recently make a cameo as Johnny Storm/Human Torch in 'Deadpool And Wolverine', reprising his role from Fantastic Four (2005) and its 2007 sequel.
'Avengers: Doomsday' is set to be directed by the Russo Brothers and is eyeing a 2026 release date. Meanwhile, 'Captain America: Brave New World' is set to hit theatres on February 14, 2025.