Chris Evans OFFICIALLY CONFIRMED as the new Captain Hydra in Avengers: Doomsday (2026). Fans are looking forward to his return after he passed the Captain America mantle to Sam Wilson.
In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) fandom, Chris Evans has been officially confirmed to return in the highly anticipated 2026 film, Avengers: Doomsday, not as the beloved Captain America, but as the sinister Captain Hydra. This revelation marks a dramatic shift for the actor, who famously portrayed Steve Rogers, the star-spangled hero, across multiple MCU films before symbolically passing the shield to Sam Wilson (played by Anthony Mackie) in Avengers: Endgame back in 2019. Fans, who have long speculated about Evans’ potential return, are now buzzing with excitement and curiosity over how this new role will reshape the narrative of the MCU’s Multiverse Saga.
For years, Chris Evans’ tenure as Captain America has been a cornerstone of the MCU, beginning with his debut in Captain America: The First Avenger in 2011. His portrayal of Steve Rogers—a man out of time who embodied unwavering morality and courage—resonated deeply with audiences, making him one of the franchise’s most iconic figures. After leading the Avengers through battles against Loki, Ultron, and Thanos, Evans appeared to close the chapter on his superhero journey in Endgame, where an elderly Steve handed over the mantle to Sam Wilson, signaling the end of an era. At the time, Evans himself expressed satisfaction with his exit, noting that he felt Steve’s story had reached a natural and fulfilling conclusion. Yet, the MCU’s penchant for surprises has now brought him back in a way few could have predicted.
The confirmation of Evans as Captain Hydra comes after months of swirling rumors and conflicting reports. Late in 2024, outlets like The Wrap and Deadline reported that Evans would be returning to the MCU for Avengers: Doomsday, though the specifics of his role remained unclear. Initial speculation suggested he might reprise Steve Rogers in a cameo or as a multiversal variant, but the actor quickly dismissed those claims in early 2025 interviews, telling Esquire, “That’s not true, though. I’ve just stopped responding to it.” His denials, however, only fueled skepticism among fans, many of whom drew comparisons to Andrew Garfield’s coy misdirection before his appearance in Spider-Man: No Way Home. Now, with Marvel’s official announcement, it’s clear that Evans was either playing his cards close to the chest or genuinely unaware of the twist in store.
Captain Hydra, for those unfamiliar with the comics, is a dark and twisted version of Steve Rogers from an alternate reality. Introduced in the 2016 Marvel Comics storyline “Captain America: Steve Rogers,” this iteration sees Steve secretly aligned with Hydra, the nefarious organization he once fought against. The concept shocked comic readers at the time, revealing that Rogers had been a sleeper agent indoctrinated by Hydra from a young age due to a cosmic alteration of his history. While controversial, the storyline showcased a complex and morally ambiguous side of the character, offering a stark contrast to the upright hero fans knew. In Avengers: Doomsday, it seems Marvel Studios is poised to adapt this concept, potentially tying it to the multiversal chaos introduced in earlier phases of the MCU.
The decision to cast Evans as Captain Hydra is a bold move that promises to redefine his legacy within the franchise. With Robert Downey Jr. already confirmed to return as Doctor Doom in the same film, the stage is set for a clash of titans that pits two of the MCU’s original heavyweights against each other in unexpected roles. Theories abound about how Captain Hydra fits into the larger narrative, with some suggesting that Steve’s choice to stay in the past with Peggy Carter in Endgame may have inadvertently created an alternate timeline where Hydra prevailed. Others speculate that this could be a variant from a different universe, summoned by Downey’s Doctor Doom to wreak havoc on the Avengers.
For fans, Evans’ return as Captain Hydra is both a thrilling and bittersweet development. After passing the Captain America mantle to Sam Wilson, who will lead his own film, Captain America: Brave New World, in 2025, many had hoped to see Evans back as the heroic Steve Rogers one last time. Instead, Marvel has opted for a subversive twist, allowing Evans to explore a fresh and darker dimension of the character while preserving the integrity of his original arc. Anthony Mackie, the new Captain America, has expressed enthusiasm about working with Evans again, telling Deadline, “I just want him to be there,” regardless of the role. This sentiment echoes the excitement of fans who have eagerly awaited Evans’ return since his brief cameo as Johnny Storm in 2024’s Deadpool & Wolverine.
As Avengers: Doomsday approaches its May 1, 2026, release date, the anticipation continues to build. Directed by the Russo Brothers, who previously helmed Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, the film is shaping up to be a monumental event in the MCU, bringing together a sprawling cast that includes the Fantastic Four, Thunderbolts, and returning favorites like Hayley Atwell’s Peggy Carter. Evans’ Captain Hydra adds an unpredictable layer to the mix, raising questions about alliances, betrayals, and the ultimate fate of the MCU’s heroes. Whether this marks a one-off appearance or the beginning of a new chapter for Evans in the franchise remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: his return as Captain Hydra has reignited the passion of fans and set the stage for an epic showdown that will redefine the Avengers’ legacy.
