It is the news that everyone has been waiting for as Chris Evans confirms he really is done with playing Captain America after the Russo Brothers’ Untitled Avengers 4.
Alongside big names like Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Hemsworth, Evans helped launch Phase 1 of the MCU playing the First Avenger, Steve Rogers. In addition to starring in two proper solo movies, Evans also led the charge in Captain America: Civil War, the first two Avengers movies, and makes a major return to form in the upcoming Avengers: Infinity War. The 36-year-old had already teased that the end of Phase 3 could mark the end of his time in the MCU, and it looks like fans now have it in writing.
Speaking to the The New York Times, Evans dashed hopes that he will be renewing his contract for Phase 4 and beyond. Confirming that he has finished filming his scenes as Captain America baring reshoots, he had a pretty frank answer to how it feels playing the fan-favorite character time and again:
“You want to get off the train before they push you off."
The star was already signed on for Infinity War, but with the Russos wanting to make the saga a two-parter, Evans extended his contract further. Some hoped that it could become a rolling deal on a movie-by-movie basis, but it seems that the man behind the mantle is ready to move on.
Everyone knew this day was coming, but it doesn’t make it any easier to deal with. However, just like the comics, the end of Steve Rogers doesn’t mean the end of the stars and stripes hero. Over the course of Captain America’s 77-year history, there have been many notable characters who have picked up that vibranium shield in his absence. Also, while the news doesn’t confirm that Rogers will meet one his short-lived comic book demises, fans will undoubtedly start wildly speculating if Captain America is one of those permanent deaths that Kevin Feige has been teasing us with.
Admittedly, no one can portray the same character forever, and while Downey Jr. and Hemsworth seem happy to play their MCU counterparts, it hammers home the reality that the existing roster of Avengers is heading towards its twilight years. At least Evans’ interview seems to dismiss the long-standing rumors that Rogers will perish during the events of Infinity War - though for all we know, Captain America may just appear in flashbacks during Avengers 4. Ultimately, it is a game of wait and see, but either way be prepared for a dramatic send-off to Evans’ eight years as Captain America when Avengers 4 hits theaters in 2019.
More: How Infinity War & Avengers 3 Affected the Rest of Phase 3
Source: The New York Times
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