Ever since the release of Captain America: The First Avengers, Chris Evans has been the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s star-spangled hero and leader of the Avengers. Its been no secret that Evans’ contract with Marvel has been for six films and with Avengers: Infinity War having entered production and no contract renewal forthcoming, it seems likely this will be Evans’ last time leading the superhero team.
In an interview with Esquire about his career and his upcoming film Gifted, the topic of the Marvel Cinematic Universe came up. While there is no direct quote from Evans about his future with Marvel, Esquire had this to say in the article:
“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 [Avengers: Infinity War and its sequel]. 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.
Back in 2010, Marvel presented Evans with a nine-picture deal. He insisted he’d sign on for no more than six. Some family members thought he was nuts to dial back such a secure and lucrative gig. Evans saw it differently.
It takes five months to shoot a Marvel movie, and when you tack on the promotional obligations for each one, well, shit, man. Evans knew that for as long as he was bound to Captain America, he would have little time to take on other projects. He wanted to direct, he wanted to play other characters—roles that were more human—like the lead in Gifted, which will hit theaters this month.”
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For now take it with a grain of salt until the dust from Infinity War settles, but it does sound like Evans will be done with the role after the Avengers films. Given Sebastian Stan’s own contract as Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier for nine films – three of which have been completed – the writing seems to be on the wall. We’ll just have to wait and see how Avengers: Infinity War and the follow-up turn out for Evans and the character of Steve Rogers.
Originally published March 16, 2017. Updated April 16, 2018.
