Chris Evans back in the MCU: A pro, a con, and a cosmic cube theory

From 2011 to 2019, Chris Evans possessed the role of Steve Rogers, unlike few people in the comic book movie world could ever become. Eleven movies - nine lead roles and two cameos - and then Captain America gave up the ghost. And his shield to Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie).

"The Infinity Saga" is unlike anything we'll ever experience in theaters again, given the surgical precision of storytelling, character arcs, and plot connectivity over those years. Now that the Marvel Cinematic Universe is the top cinematic franchise, with double-digit stacks at $29.8 billion, it's simple to understand Marvel Entertainment's mastery of moviemaking. Yet, the Halycon Days of The Mad Titan are gone. And we've been left for a lackluster ride of mild entertainment in the Multiverse.

It started on a mystical high note with WandaVision. Since then, this particular roller coaster has been broken down with repairs, replacements, and a few overhauls. (We're looking at you, Ms. Marvel, Hawkeye, She-Hulk, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Thor: Love and Thunder.) Don't just take our words for it.

"With the whole Multiverse thing. It is not great. It has just been miss, after miss, after miss."

— Deadpool, Deadpool and Wolverine (2024)

Then, Kevin Feige shocked the world and invited some old pals over for dinner at the 2024 San Diego Comic-Con. First, the Russo Brothers were welcomed with open arms (and one cavernous wallet, too). Then, this happened. You remember...

That was four months ago, and while the overwhelming majority of the nerd universe experienced massive butt-puckering when Robert Downey Jr. said, "New Mask. Same Task," who knew there was more to come?! The Wrap broke the story headline: "Chris Evans sets Marvel Return in Avengers: Doomsday."

There was no comment from Evans in the article. All The Wrap shared was, "Evans will be involved in some capacity, but the extent and exact nature of his role is unknown." So, it's safe to assume that his purpose in the May 2026 blockbuster will remain as top secret as "Where are the aliens in Area 41?" and "Why are the Kardashians so famous again?"

From this time until the dawn of 2026, the MCU fandom will get to hypothesize, pontificate, wax eloquent, postulate, or guess what the Russo Brothers and Kevin Feige have planned for Chris Evans. Before you begin, we have a hot take on why his return is fantastic for Marvel, a dunderheaded move by Marvel, and one cosmic cube idea on what it could mean for Avengers: Doomsday.

A pro

It's Chris Evans! He is beloved in MCU lore. When he appeared in Deadpool & Wolverine as Johnny Storm, there was squealing, high-pitched shrills, and dancing in the theater aisles worldwide. And that was only from the guys.

The Multiverse Saga has been disappointing. It's like Kevin Feige went on a sabbatical because his marvelous Midas Touch was absent from most of those projects. Depending on who you asked, there were a few enriching and inspiring surprises. But Marvel Studios needed to win back the trust of its once-endearing fandom.

With Jonathan Majors' legal battles, Kang was conquered. The announcement of (another) reboot of The Fantastic Four didn't do the trick. Someone needed to get creative, which is why Marvel Studios is focused on bringing us Victor Von Doom. Enter back into the fray RDJ, and the world will be happy. But, to sustain that Yuletide joy, Santa Feige needed to make more headlines.

Chris Evans' return to Marvel's good graces for a bodacious role in Avengers: Doomsday can only be good news, a certifiable force for the culmination of this beleaguered saga. His presence alone is the supercharger to sustain hope in the Multiverse direction and regain confidence that was lost long ago.

The con

It's Chris Evans? Again?! How many times can we go back to the well? You would think that particular well has been dry of water since 2011. As adroit as Marvel Studios is at casting, characterization, and creation, does the re-introduction of Chris Evans and Robert Downey, Jr. into the Avengers in some fashion seem a little desperate?

The adage is "Lightning never strikes twice in the same place," but it sure appears that Kevin Feige is making his best Benjamin Franklin impression by flying another kite in a thunderstorm. Anthony Mackie is finally getting a chance to take over the Captain America mantle with Brave New World in February 2025. We have been introduced to many other superheroes who can hold their own, and others we hope are given another chance.

Yet, RDJ is VVD, and no one knows why Chris Evans is back. After the shine wears off from this announcement, will this restore confidence or force this fandom to question if Feige is simply attempting to put the band back together because of disappointing box office takes and reviews? This can't miss. It's a good thing Feige is an expert marksman.

The Cosmic Cube Theory

Since March 1941, Steve Rogers has been the emblem of patriotism in comics. Created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby, Captain America has done it all in 101 years. He has knocked out Hitler. He conquered Helmut Zemo and Doctor Faustus, Red Skull and Blackwing, a Flag-Smasher and a Taskmaster. However, his plundering of Hydra and the Serpent Society have sustained our interest in this man defending our nation.

Then, in 2016, Nick Spencer wrote a tale with Jesus Saiz and Joe Caramagna penciling and illustrating at a feverish pitch. Imagine Steve Rogers as a Super Soldier villain—the guy Red Skull believed he could be. "Oh, the humanity!"

In Captain America: Steve Rogers, Vol. 1, the title of the comic ends with "Hail Hydra." This isn't Chris Evans whispering that note in an elevator. This was the real deal: the Protector of Patriotism believed that sentiment and became the terrorist organization's top rogue agent. Vulture wrote a story in 2017 that perfectly summarized the immense freak-out from nerds everywhere.

In Earth-8096, Advanced Idea Mechanics (A.I.M.) created M.O.D.O.K. under the guise of Hydra. Long story, short: The billboard-faced android lied to Baron von Strucker, claiming "The Cosmic Cube" was faulty. A war commenced with a Secret Empire, but not before it got in the hands - and mind - of Steve Rogers. It altered his reality and transformed his identity. He is now Hydra's supreme champion. In this comic series, we have:

• The U.S. Avengers
• An alternate reality of Captain America
• The Thunderbolts
• A "secret war" led by the Master of the Sun
• And, Dr. Doom gets involved with the Cosmic Cube creating a "Chaos Theory."

What better way to use the hapless Multiverse Saga than to bring us all Doctor Doom, The Fantastic Four, and a rogue and reality-bending Captain America? Ask Chris Evans. Sounds like a role that only he can fill.