Despite passing his iconic vibranium shield to Sam Wilson (played by Anthony Mackie) at the end of Avengers: Endgame, fans have still been calling for Chris Evans to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe to reprise his past role as Captain America.
Although fans want Evans to return, he’s making it clear that he is no longer Captain America anymore in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Evans was prompted to restate his position on the matter after news of Captain America 4 finding its director resulted in renewed questions about whether Steve Rogers would return for the new film.
Evans took to Twitter on Saturday to respond to fan theories that he may be returning to the big screen as Steve Rogers. Evans made his statement with regard to a Hollywood Reporter article confirming that Julius Onah would direct the untitled Captain America 4 film, set to star Anthony Mackie as the patriotic hero. The Hollywood Reporter made a note in the exclusive that it was “unclear” if Evans would reprise his role in the upcoming film, amidst the speculation among fans. However, Evans quickly nipped all the rumors in the bud, taking to Twitter to say, “Sam Wilson is Captain America.”
With the passing of the shield to Mackie back in Avengers: Endgame, the character of Captain America is set to enter a whole new era, apart from the story of Rogers. Evans has also made it clear weeks prior that he doesn’t think it’s in the best interest for him to reprise his role as Rogers. He told Comic Book that returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe after his exit would feel “scary to rattle” and that it also “would be a tall order.” Despite Evans being closed off to reprising his role, for the most part, he also gave a humble ode to the character, stating, “It was such a good run, and I’m so happy with it,” and “That role means so much to me.”
The return of Steve Rogers and Evans would definitely make many Marvel fans happy, but like Evans said, bringing Rogers back could rattle things. When Rogers exited in Avengers: Endgame, the character was put to rest as he got to live out the life he yearned for, finally getting his dance with his one true love. So bringing the character back, even for a small cameo, would cheapen that moment and make its impact less monumental.
As Evans said, Sam Wilson is now Captain America. Seeing a different character in the iconic suit will definitely be an adjustment for fans who grew fond of Evans, but Wilson now taking the name and mission of the hero allows for The First Avenger's legacy to live on in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Captain America 4 is in development at Marvel Studios.
Source: Chris Evans/Twitter, ComicBook.com