Marvel Studios has officially revealed that Chris Evans will reprise his role as Steve Rogers in the upcoming blockbuster Avengers: Doomsday, a surprise announcement that has quickly ignited debate across the Marvel fanbase.
The reveal came through a short teaser shown ahead of Avatar: Fire and Ash, now screening in cinemas.
While Avengers: Doomsday is still more than a year away from release, the studio has begun rolling out early promotions for what is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious Marvel projects to date.
Evans, who bowed out of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) after Avengers: Endgame in 2019, had consistently downplayed speculation about a return.
His reappearance is notable given that Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson assumed the Captain America mantle and headlined Captain America: Brave New World earlier this year.
The teaser does not suggest a reversal of that storyline. Evans’ character is not identified as Captain America, and scenes hint at a retired Steve Rogers who is reluctant to re-enter superhero life, reinforcing that Sam Wilson remains the active Captain America within the MCU.
Fan reactions have been sharply divided.
Some viewers welcomed Evans’ return, seeing it as a potential boost to a franchise they feel has struggled to match its pre-Endgame success.
Others questioned whether the move signals a lack of confidence in newer characters, particularly Sam Wilson, whose arc has been central to recent Marvel phases.
The teaser also confirms the scale of Avengers: Doomsday.
The film is expected to unite heroes from across the MCU, including characters from Fantastic Four and the long-anticipated integration of the X-Men, following Disney’s acquisition of Fox.
Veteran actors such as Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Rebecca Romijn and James Marsden are widely expected to appear.
Adding to the anticipation is the return of Robert Downey Jr., this time portraying the villain Doctor Doom.
The Russo brothers, who direct the film, have described it as their biggest project yet, promising a story that brings together a vast ensemble to face an unprecedented threat.
Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled for global release on 18 December 2026.
