Captain America’s Lost More Than Just His Beard In That Avengers 4 Concept Art

While it might appear that Kevin Feige and co. could be taking some time off to enjoy all that they’ve accomplished in 2018, what with Ant-Man and the Wasp set to close out what’s already been a record-breaking year for Marvel Studios next month, the Disney subsidiary isn’t quite ready to wrap-up their highest grossing chapter yet. Case in point: Avengers 4.

Currently, Anthony and Joe Russo are busy putting the final touches on what’s sure to be the MCU’s most significant release to date. The film, colloquially referred to as Avengers 4 – titled Infinity War – Part 2 initially – has remained under lockdown, predictably, ever since it was announced in October 2014. However, earlier this year, set photos from the Infinity War follow-up seemed to indicate that the titular supergroup would somehow be transported back to the Battle of New York featured in the first Avengers movie. This plot detail was then corroborated, at least superficially, yesterday, when a new batch of production pics teased a return to a specific moment from the Joss Whedon-directed blockbuster.

Then, less than twenty-four hours ago, some leaked Avengers 4 concept art appeared online and, among other things, appeared to spell the end of the Civil War between Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) and Captain American (Chris Evans). Speaking of the latter, depicted in one of the aforementioned pieces of concept art, the Star-Spangled Man was missing more than his sweet facial hair. As you can see below, he’s also missing one of his newest additions.

Yes, Steve Rogers, alongside the surviving members of the titular supergroup, is heading into battle without his Wakandian armour. “Armed with little more than his fists,” Cap leads the way here in a uniform rather reminiscent of the suit donned by James Buchanan “Bucky” Barnes’ better half in Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

With practically everything up in the air regarding what, exactly, will happen in Avengers 4, one thing’s certain, and that’s that the fandom is damn sure to miss Cap’s Infinity War shield when he charges into action next year.