Is Chris Evans returning to the MCU? New theory links Cap to potential Disney+ show
Over 10 years in, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has given us some of the most iconic characters in film history. From Robert Downey Jr.'s Tony Stark to Chadwick Boseman's T'Challa, we've grown to love the perfect casting of our heroes. Another iconic casting is that of Steve Rogers. Both in reel and real life, Chris Evans has proven to be Captain America, so when he retired after the events of 'Avengers: Endgame', not everyone was happy.
Evans made it clear that it was the end of the line for Rogers, but according to a new theory, that's not true at all. In fact, it appears Marvel Studios is working on a plan to bring back our beloved Cap, whose become quite an icon in the MCU. 'The Falcon And The Winter Solider' firmly established Sam Wilson as the new Captain America, but for fans of the original, you'll be happy to know there's a way the two can co-exist.
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Of course, take this with a pinch of salt for now, because as with many things Marvel, this theory could just be a dead end. But then again, both Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield did show up in 'Spider-Man: No Way Home', so anything is possible these days. It might sound crazy at first, but it really does seem like the MCU could bring back Evans for one last swansong as Rogers, and here's how.
The return of Steve Rogers
The theory in question was created by Murphy's Multiverse, based on the carefully laid breadcrumbs by Marvel. According to the website, the studio wants Evans to reprise his role as Cap for a Disney+ show that would show what he was up to in the two years between 'Captain America: Civil War' and 'Avengers: Infinity War'. For those unaware, at the end of 'Civil War', Cap gave up his shield and went on the run with Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) and Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson).
How did they arrive at this theory? According to Murphy's, it stems from the discovery of a trademark. Back in December 2020, the website reported Marvel trademarked the name 'Marvel Studios: Nomad', with an additional trademark, filed four months ago. Then in January 2021, rumors began to surface that Evans was working on a deal to return to the MCU, despite firmly saying he was done.
In November 2021, Kevin Feige revealed that ScarJo was working with Marvel on a top-secret project, which he said was "non-Black Widow related". Furthermore, the ending of 'Black Widow' did reveal how Cap, Romanoff, and Wilson ended up with a Quinjet, setting up their entry in 'Infinity War'. Putting all these pieces together, Murphy's theorized Marvel is working on a series or film that takes place in the two years between 'Civil War' and 'Infinity War'.
Doing so would allow Marvel to continue profiting from its most popular characters, without explicitly addressing the future of the MCU, as it did with 'Black Widow'. On paper at least, it also seems quite plausible. After all, while Cap's character was only called Steve in the aftermath of 'Civil War', he bore quite a resemblance to Nomad from the comics. Many theorized he was indeed taking on the mantle of Nomad, but Marvel never really confirmed it.
As we mentioned earlier, it's worth not reading too much into this right now. Companies file trademarks all the time, even if they don't intend to use them just yet. Furthermore, several characters have taken on the title of Nomad in the comics, so if Marvel was indeed working on a show/film, it could just pick one of those. It's also highly unlikely Evans will return, at least as an actor in the MCU. He may return to produce, or even direct, but seeing him suit up as Cap definitely sounds impossible. But after Garfield's constant denials, there's always room for doubt.