Chris Evans May Not Stay On As Captain America After Avengers: Infinity War After All

I think many of us can agree that actor Chris Evans has defined the character of Captain America for the current generation, having headlined three solo films and two of the team-up variety at the time of this writing, with cameos in other Marvel flicks peppered in between. But as we continue to move forward, fans continue to question what’s on his agenda beyond Avengers: Infinity War.

Speculation aside, one thing remains clear, that being Evans’ contract with Marvel Studios will soon expire. Not long ago, one report implied that the role of Steve Rogers had left him fatigued, with another one swiftly following saying that he’s open to negotiations. Then again, actors have often been known to mislead when they know their character is going to die, something we’ll touch on in a moment.

Continuing the emotional rollercoaster ride that moviegoers are experiencing as a result of this, Evans had the following to say to USA Today about possibly passing the shield:

“I’d be lying if I said it wouldn’t be hard for me. But the passing of time and the passing of torches is part of the experience. Nothing lasts forever. There’s a beauty in that departure, even if it can be sad at times. It’s also joyful. I’ve had a great run. Superheroes are reinventable entities, like Batman or even James Bond. These movies find new incarnations and new ways to tell the story. I am all for it. However they want to proceed after ‘Avengers 4,’ it’s really up to them. I walk away with no regrets and endlessly thankful.”

If indeed Cap survives the events to be seen in Infinity War and the possibility for a return exists, it sounds like Evans is enduring an inner struggle similar to what Daniel Craig is going through with James Bond. But if his character were to die, you have to admit that it’d make for one hell of a cliffhanger leading into whatever Avengers 4 may be called.

Regardless of what may happen, there’s no reason to recast Steve Rogers. Think about it: We already have two built in replacements in the form of the Winter Solider (Sebastian Stan) and the Falcon (Anthony Mackie), each of whom succeeded Rogers as Captain America at some point in the comics. As such, to do so on film would feel both natural and in keeping with the source material, and is probably the best route to head down at this point.

Avengers: Infinity War arrives in theatres on May 4th, 2018.