Following The Avengers: Infinity War movies it’s learned Chris Evans may be hanging up Captain America’s shield.
Evans, who has previously hinted at being done with the role, is said to have fulfilled his Marvel contract with The Avengers: Infinity War and the untitled Avengers 4 as an article by Esquire notes:
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.
The article goes on to explain that initially Marvel Studios wanted Chris Evans to sign a 9-picture deal, but Evans negotiated it down to six movies. It’s noted how long the shoots are in addition to all the promotion that goes with the Marvel movies, and that Evans has his sights set on directing and starring in other films, which are different than the superhero genre.
Evans even says his latest movie, Gifted, features a character he likes to play as it’s a more relatable character than Captain America.
“With Steve Rogers,” Evans says, “even though you’re on a giant movie with a huge budget and strange costumes, you’re still on a hunt for the truth of the character.” That said, “with Adler, it’s nice to play someone relatable. I think Julianne Moore said, ‘The audience doesn’t come to see you; they come to see themselves.’ Adler is someone you can hold up as a mirror for someone in the audience. They’ll be able to far more easily identify with Frank Adler than Steve Rogers.”
Now it is possible Marvel and Chris Evans could always sign a new agreement for more Captain America, but if Evans doesn’t return it’s possible that – as many fans have speculated – Captain America could be killed off in The Avengers: Infinity War movies with possibly Sebastian Stan’s Winter Soldier taking up the shield and Captain America mantle. Then as some time has passed, a new actor could be introduced as Captain America (similar to the James Bond route and not a reboot of the character).