As Chris Evans enters into the next phase of his career and stardom, Avengers: Infinity War may be the last time he carries the shield as Captain America.
After more than a dozen films, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is preparing to unleash its most ambitious project yet. When Avengers: Infinity War hits theaters next year with its billion-dollar budget, Kevin Feige will finally see his master plan connect for the first time as the Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy face Thanos once and for all. And Doctor Strange … wherever he fits.
But once it’s all said and done, it appears as though Captain America will take his final bow.
According to a new report, Chris Evans sat down with Esquire, who noted:
"“Settling in on the couch, he groans. Evans explains that he’s hurting all over because he just started his workout routine the day before to get in shape for the next two Captain America films. The movies will be shot back to back beginning in April. After that, no more red- white-and-blue costume for the thirty-five-year-old. He will have fulfilled his contract.”"
First of all, contracts are re-written, renewed and extended every. single. day.
But if that’s true, I’m perfectly okay with it.
In the comics, Captain America stood for freedom, justice and the American way. His commitment to stick up for the little guy remained absolute in every iteration. (There are exceptions, but kids don’t look at Captain America and say, “Well, what about the time he said ‘hail, Hydra?’.”) However, this translated less onto the big screen. Instead, the MCU’s depiction of Captain America twisted into a complex representation of the character who nearly decapitated Tony Stark in order to save his best pal, Bucky Barnes. Chris Evans enjoyed an interesting arc as the character which saw him go from the dorkiest kid in Brooklyn to the dumbest onscreen runner, serving only as a foil to the franchise that started it all: Iron Man.
Yet, despite how tortured they’ve made Steve Rogers, Marvel still doesn’t pay Evans as much as Robert Downey Jr. So departing seems like a natural next step for Evans to take.
Especially since he’s standing up for America more in his personal life than as a superhero.
Of course, we always knew that Chris Evans would eventually need a break. And after Infinity War would be perfect timing. Though the MCU is heading towards a grandiose battle, believe that there will be carnage. More importantly, the roster will likely be shaken up. Especially since Avengers: Infinity War will see the rise of another Captain entirely in Brie Larson’s Captain Marvel.
And while we don’t need two captains on the playing field, we won’t complain if Marvel feels comfortable enough in their diversity in a post-Black Panther and Captain Marvel world to grant Gina Rodriguez’s request to become Miss America.
Related Story: Production of Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them 2 Is Ready to Begin
Avengers: Infinity War hits theaters May 4, 2018.