Barring some unforeseen change of plans, Avengers 4 is expected to bump off a few major characters come 2019, thereby placing the MCU in the hands of the franchise’s up-and-comers (read: Spider-Man).
Indeed, we understand Joe and Anthony Russo drafted up an iron-clad kill list early on in production, and while the directors have largely kept a lid on spoilers, some believe a character’s fate can be determined by their respective Marvel deal.
A quick head-count confirms that Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man), Mark Ruffalo (Hulk), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye) and Chris Evans (Captain America) are all nearing the end of their respective contracts. That doesn’t rule out the possibility of extensions – Hemsworth already has his eye on a fourth Thor movie, for instance – though Evans recently spoke to BuzzFeed’s Thirst Aid Kit podcast about the fate of his own Avenger, Steve Rogers.
Now sporting a full-grown beard in the aftermath of Civil War, here’s what Evans had to share:
I usually live my life with a beard. I’m not a huge fan of shaving. It provides a little bit of anonymity at times. I was really excited that [directors Joe and Anthony Russo] and Marvel were willing to kind of give that look a shot. I think it’s cool. I think it kinda just changes things up. We’ve seen Cap the same way so many times. He’s such a throwback. He’s such a classic. It kind of gives him a little bit of a modern vibe.
There is one thing Evans won’t miss, though, and that’s the long nights spent in the gym hammering his body into shape. Indeed, maintaining Captain America’ physique is a full-time occupation for the actor, so you can’t exactly blame him for wanting to take things easy once Avengers 4 sees a release in 2019.
To be honest, it’s gonna be nice to not have to go to the gym. It sounds so awful to say it, but you know, I’m 36 and we started these movies what eight years ago, nine years ago, or something like that? So over the years, your body just goes through a little bit of wear and tear not only trying to get in shape for the film, but then the actual filming, a lot of stunt work. You get banged up and you never really wanna completely fall off.
In closing, the outgoing star admitted that he’ll “never let it go completely,” as he prepares to adjust to a life without Marvel:
When you wrap a film, even though you stop going to the gym, in less than six, seven months, you’re gonna be starting another film so you always kinda gotta keep somewhat of a foundation. I really wouldn’t mind just, not quitting the gym completely, but just kind of readjusting my workout to fit a 36-year-old body and not trying to carry around so much size and just kind of be more functional I suppose. I promise I’ll never let it go completely. I’m not gonna turn into Al Bundy.
Forget Hawkeye’s alleged evolution into Ronin; Marvel fans are now beginning to wonder if Avengers 4 (or perhaps Infinity War?) will signal the advent of Nomad, the bearded, disillusioned lone wolf who has essentially turned his back on the US government. All will be revealed on May 3rd, 2019.
