The Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to captivate audiences with its ever-expanding narrative, and the latest bombshell has fans buzzing with excitement: Chris Evans is officially returning for Avengers: Doomsday, set to hit theaters on May 1, 2026. After bidding farewell to his iconic role as Steve Rogers in Avengers: Endgame, where he passed the Captain America mantle to Sam Wilson, Evans’ comeback marks a thrilling new chapter for the MCU. While Marvel has confirmed his involvement, speculation is rife that he may not reprise the heroic Steve Rogers but instead portray Captain Hydra, a dark multiversal variant of Captain America who pledges allegiance to the sinister Hydra organization. With the multiverse at the heart of the MCU’s Multiverse Saga, this twist opens a Pandora’s box of narrative possibilities that could redefine Evans’ legacy in the franchise.
Evans’ return has been a topic of fervent discussion since rumors first surfaced late last year. Reports from industry insiders suggested he was in talks to rejoin the MCU, but his absence from Marvel’s initial Avengers: Doomsday cast announcement during a lengthy livestream event left fans uncertain. The livestream, which revealed a star-studded roster including Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Anthony Mackie as Captain America, and Robert Downey Jr. as the villainous Doctor Doom, kept Evans’ involvement under wraps, fueling speculation about the nature of his role. Now, with confirmation of his casting, the fanbase is dissecting every clue, and the Captain Hydra theory has gained significant traction. In Marvel Comics, Captain Hydra emerged during the Secret Empire storyline, where a version of Steve Rogers was revealed to be a Hydra loyalist, shocking readers with his betrayal of everything Captain America stood for. Translating this to the big screen would be a bold move, offering a fresh challenge for Evans and a narrative jolt for audiences.
The multiverse, a cornerstone of the MCU’s Phase 5 and 6, provides the perfect canvas for such a daring reinterpretation. Avengers: Doomsday, directed by the Russo Brothers, who previously helmed Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Endgame, is poised to be a multiversal epic, bringing together heroes from various realities to confront Doctor Doom. The inclusion of legacy X-Men characters like Patrick Stewart’s Charles Xavier and Ian McKellen’s Magneto, alongside the Fantastic Four and Thunderbolts, signals a crossover event of unprecedented scale. Evans’ potential as Captain Hydra could see him squaring off against familiar allies, creating emotional stakes that resonate deeply with longtime fans. Imagine Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson, the new Captain America, facing a twisted version of his predecessor—a clash that would blend ideological conflict with personal betrayal.
Beyond Captain Hydra, other possibilities for Evans’ role have sparked debate. Some fans wonder if he could return as a variant of Johnny Storm, the Human Torch, a character he played in Fox’s Fantastic Four films, especially after his cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine. Others speculate he might portray Nomad, a persona Steve Rogers adopted in the comics when he abandoned the Captain America mantle. However, the Captain Hydra angle carries the most intrigue, aligning with the MCU’s trend of exploring darker, more complex character arcs. Robert Downey Jr.’s casting as Doctor Doom, rather than a Tony Stark variant, suggests Marvel is unafraid to subvert expectations, and Evans as a villainous Captain America would fit this mold perfectly.
The implications of Evans’ return extend beyond Avengers: Doomsday. With Avengers: Secret Wars slated for 2027, the Multiverse Saga’s climax could see multiple versions of beloved characters colliding. Evans’ involvement might not be limited to a single role; reports hint he could play multiple characters, leveraging the multiverse’s limitless potential. This approach would allow Marvel to pay homage to Evans’ storied tenure while pushing his acting range into uncharted territory. Fans are already theorizing about how Captain Hydra might interact with Doctor Doom, potentially forming an uneasy alliance or emerging as a rival threat.
As excitement builds, the MCU’s ability to keep fans guessing is one of its greatest strengths. Evans’ return, whether as Captain Hydra or another surprise, underscores Marvel’s commitment to bold storytelling. The multiverse opens doors to endless reinvention, and with Avengers: Doomsday promising a clash of heroes and villains across realities, Evans’ presence ensures the film will be a must-see event. For now, fans can only speculate, but one thing is certain: Chris Evans is back, and the MCU will never be the same.
