In a recent interview for his new film Lightyear, Chris Evans stated that he would be more willing to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Johnny Storm rather than as Captain America.
Evans shared that if Marvel Studios were to try to reintroduce him into their newest phase (which is now the multiverse), Human Torch would be more of a selling point than a return as Steve Rogers' Captain America. Evans expressed how sentimental Cap is to him as a character, and that he would not want to disrupt the send-off he received in Avengers: Endgame.
"I guess all bets are off," Evans said when asked about a multiversal return as the Human Torch during an interview with MTV News. "Look, I would love it. I would love it. That would actually be an easier sell to me than coming back as Cap. You know what I mean? Cap is so precious to me. And you know, I almost don't want to disrupt what a beautiful experience that was," Evans explained. "But Johnny Storm, I feel like he didn't really get his day. That was before Marvel really found its footing. So I loved that role and, you know, who knows?"
Evans portrayed Johnny Storm/Human Torch during the early years of Marvel, in the 2005 Fantastic Four film. He returned to the role in 2007 for Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, but due to poor box office performance he did not return to the role again. Soon after, Evans came back to the "new and improved" MCU to become Steve Rogers/Captain America in Captain America: The First Avenger (2011), which arguably became his most famous role. He continued to play Cap until 2019 when he received his fairytale ending with Peggy Carter and bid the MCU adieu.
While Evans says he currently has not been approached by Marvel Studios for a return, he shared his excitement for Hayley Atwell's multiversal return as a variant of Captain Carter in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. "I mean, she's perfect for it," he said. "She's truly just one of the best actresses I've ever worked with, and one of the loveliest humans. So, I couldn't be happier for her." Atwell previously portrayed Peggy Carter, one of the founders of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Steve Rogers' love interest. Although her Captain Carter variant faced an unfortunate ending in the film, there is talk of another Captain Carter project in the works at Marvel Studios.
With a new multiverse to explore, it is possible that Marvel Studios and Kevin Feige could open the door for Evans to reprise his role as the Human Torch. Amidst all the upcoming and future MCU projects, fans may one day see Evans return once more to the franchise.
Lightyear is now playing in theaters while the Captain America films are now on Disney Plus.
Source: MTV News/YouTube