Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), brace yourselves, two of the franchise’s most beloved stars, Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr., are reportedly making a comeback. The news of their potential return in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday has sent shockwaves through the Marvel fandom. But what does this mean for the future of the MCU, and how is Marvel planning to bring these iconic characters back? Here’s everything we know so far.
The MCU has seen countless iconic performances, but few actors have captured hearts like Chris Evans as Steve Rogers/Captain America and Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark/Iron Man. Their characters have become synonymous with Marvel’s meteoric rise to cinematic dominance.
Evans’ journey as Captain America seemed to come to an emotional conclusion in 2019’s Avengers: Endgame. After battling through some of the greatest threats the universe has ever known, Steve Rogers made a pivotal decision: he passed on his shield to Sam Wilson, choosing instead to live a quiet life in the past with Peggy Carter.
This poignant moment marked a significant and bittersweet chapter in both the character’s and Evans’ portrayal of him.
Similarly, Downey’s portrayal of Tony Stark/Iron Man had a heroic and heart-wrenching conclusion in Avengers: Endgame. Stark sacrificed himself to save the universe from Thanos, delivering one of the most emotional moments in MCU history.
His death marked the end of an era for the MCU, as Stark’s character was integral to the formation of the Avengers and the cinematic universe’s early years. The prospect of their return raises questions about how Marvel plans to weave these beloved characters back into the fabric of the MCU.
While Marvel has remained tight-lipped about the plot of Avengers: Doomsday, leaks and speculation suggest it could be the next major crossover event, rivaling the scope of Avengers: Endgame. Here’s what we know (and suspect) so far:
The multiverse has played an increasingly pivotal role in Phase 4 and beyond, especially in projects like Loki, Spider-Man: No Way Home, and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. This storyline allows Marvel to explore infinite possibilities and alternate versions of existing characters.
With Avengers: Doomsday possibly centered around multiversal events, it opens the door for both Evans and Downey’s characters to return as alternate versions of Captain America and Iron Man from other realities.
Reports have also hinted that Doctor Doom, one of Marvel’s most iconic and complex villains, could be the central antagonist in Avengers: Doomsday. His inclusion could not only elevate the stakes but also serve as the first step in Marvel’s integration of the Fantastic Four into the MCU.
If Doctor Doom is involved, the narrative could lead to new conflicts that pull in both legacy characters like Steve Rogers and Tony Stark, as well as newer heroes from the growing MCU roster.
Given these developments, it’s plausible that Evans and Downey’s characters could return via multiversal means or even through the use of flashbacks and pivotal plot devices.
Bringing back characters whose stories seemed to have concluded is no small feat, but the MCU has already proven time and time again that they can be incredibly creative when it comes to storytelling.
One of the most plausible explanations for their return is the multiverse. With the multiverse being such a vital aspect of the MCU’s future, alternate versions of Tony Stark and Steve Rogers could appear without undermining the emotional arcs of their original counterparts.
This would also allow both Evans and Downey to explore new facets of their characters, showing alternate realities or timelines that differ from the one we know.
Marvel’s exploration of time travel in Endgame opened up endless narrative possibilities. As the MCU continues to explore time anomalies and altered timelines, characters could interact with past versions of Iron Man and Captain America, either through time travel or even revisiting past decisions made by these heroes in previous Avengers films.
The Marvel fanbase has been buzzing with excitement and speculation ever since rumors about Evans and Downey’s return first surfaced.
Twitter, Reddit, and Instagram are ablaze with theories, fan art, and discussions. Hashtags like #ChrisEvansReturns and #IronManBack have been trending, with fans eager to express their joy and hopes for the upcoming film.
For many long-time MCU fans, the return of these iconic characters feels like a reunion of old friends. The emotional weight of Tony Stark’s sacrifice and Steve Rogers’ farewell in Endgame makes their potential return all the more significant, especially as it promises to deliver a huge hit of nostalgia.
However, some fans remain cautiously optimistic, hoping the MCU will handle their return with care and ensure that it doesn’t diminish the emotional resonance of their original departures.
Neither Chris Evans nor Robert Downey Jr. has officially confirmed their involvement in Avengers: Doomsday. But both actors have left the door slightly ajar in past interviews, sparking further speculation.
Evans has hinted at the possibility of returning to the MCU, stating in a 2021 interview that he’s not completely ruling it out. “It’s not a hard no, but it has to be perfect,” Evans said, leaving the door open for the right opportunity to bring him back as Captain America.
Downey, on the other hand, has been more reserved about reprising his iconic role. However, in a 2022 podcast interview, he offered an intriguing response when asked about returning to the MCU: “Never say never.” This leaves room for fans to hold on to the hope that Iron Man could return under the right circumstances.
Marvel is currently shaping its next massive narrative, with Kang the Conqueror poised as the major new threat of the MCU. However, the inclusion of Doctor Doom could alter the MCU’s trajectory, adding a new layer of complexity to the upcoming storylines.
Avengers: Doomsday could serve as a precursor to the highly anticipated Avengers: Secret Wars, which is expected to be another game-changing crossover event for the MCU.
By reintroducing legacy characters like Evans’ Captain America and Downey’s Iron Man, Marvel could establish an emotional throughline from the past while paving the way for new heroes to take the mantle.
The return of Evans and Downey would offer an exciting opportunity to bridge the old guard with newer heroes like Sam Wilson’s Captain America, Shang-Chi, and even characters from the Eternals. This dynamic would help usher in the next phase of the MCU while honoring the heroes that made the franchise what it is today.
While the idea of reuniting with Iron Man and Captain America is thrilling, it’s not without its risks.
One of the biggest concerns fans have is that bringing back these beloved characters could undermine the emotional impact of their original departures. If handled poorly, their return could diminish the weight of their sacrifices in Endgame, leading to dissatisfaction among audiences.
Marvel faces the delicate challenge of balancing nostalgia with progression. While fans are eager to see their favorite heroes again, the MCU must continue to evolve and push the boundaries of storytelling. The return of iconic characters must serve the larger narrative without overshadowing newer heroes or concepts.
Beyond Avengers: Doomsday, the MCU has an ambitious slate of projects, including:
The return of Evans and Downey would undoubtedly generate renewed interest in these upcoming films, as it would signal a return to the roots of the MCU while pushing forward with new, exciting content.
The potential return of Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr. in Avengers: Doomsday is a tantalizing prospect that has fans on the edge of their seats.
While the details remain unconfirmed, the possibilities are endless. Whether through the multiverse, flashbacks, or other creative storytelling methods, Marvel has the tools to make this comeback as epic as their departures.
Stay tuned for updates as Marvel reveals more about its plans. One thing is certain: the MCU’s future is brighter than ever with even the possibility of Iron Man and Captain America’s return. What do you think about this news? Share your thoughts in the comments below!