During a panel at C2E2, Evans sparked a tidal wave of theories and speculation by saying there are still Steve Rogers stories left to tell. Of course, context is king, and the actor prefaced the remark by saying he’s not ready to sport the star-spangled tights again just yet.
“It’s tough, because look, I love that role deeply,” Evans said via Variety. “He means so much to me, and I really do. I think there are more Steve Rogers stories to tell, sure. But at the same time, I’m very, very precious with it… it’s like this little shiny thing that I have that I love so much, and I just don’t want to mess up in any way, and I was a part of something that was so special for a special period of time and in a way, it really landed so well. [...] As much as I’m connected to that role and love telling those stories and working with those people, it doesn’t quite feel right right now.”
Basically, Evans is not ruling out the possibility, but it doesn’t sound like it’s on his agenda just yet. Still, it’s hard to believe that he and Kevin Feige haven’t chatted about a possible return to the MCU. For the sake of argument, what would that look like?
Before we get ahead of ourselves, this could be a Steve Rogers return in the animated realm. We already saw a version of the character in What If…? as the Hydra Stomper, and there’s nothing saying we won’t see more Steves in the second season and beyond. Marvel Studios and its actors are known for misleading fans, so there could be more to the comments than Evans is letting on. Who knows? We could see him make a cameo in Captain America: New World Order or he could come back into the fold in the next Avengers installments.
Taking all this conjecture into account, which Steve variants’ first appearances should you keep an eye on? I’m glad you asked.
MARVEL 1602 #1
There’s been plenty of rumors that Marvel Studios has been eying Neil Gaiman’s award-winning tale for an adaptation. In light of Evans’ comments, it could hint that he’s in talks to reprise his role for Marvel 1602. I can’t picture this as a live-action, standalone film, but it could be great for an episode or two of What If…? with the actor supplying the voice of Steve Rogers. Rather, in this case, he would voice Rahjaz.
While a full movie may not be in the works, this character would fit into the Kang Dynasty. After all, the Captain America of Marvel 1602 is a time-displaced Steve, an idea that fits perfectly in Kang’s wheelhouse.
CAPTAIN AMERICA #405
Out of all the Cap variants, Capwolf could be the most likely to show. Honestly, this would feel like a bit of trolling on Evans’ part if it happens. Just like it sounds, it’s Captain America transformed into a werewolf. That concept is just silly enough to have Feige and the Marvel Studios brass drooling.
Since the MCU has dipped into the horror realm, a What If…? episode featuring Capwolf would fit the brand. In the right context, it could actually work, especially with Blade, Moon Knight, and Werewolf By Night in the mix.
CAPTAIN AMERICA: SAM WILSON #7
Considering all the Cap variants we have seen over the years, there’s nothing that says Marvel Studios would have to limit the role to a heroic return. Here, we have the most controversial of all the Cap alternates, Captain Hydra.
Existing in a world in which Steve Rogers’ past was manipulated to brainwash him into joining Hydra, he took up the mantle of the ruthless Captain Hydra. Again, since time travel is involved, that makes it easy to adapt in the MCU by making Kang the catalyst rather than Red Skull.
ALL CAPS
Thanks to the Multiverse and time travel, absolutely every comic book character and story is on the cinematic table. While we could see the original Steve Rogers back in the MCU, if only for a moment, it’s far more likely that Feige will use some sort of variant.
Again, the most likely scenario is Evans (or a reasonable facsimile) lending his voice work for an animated version, but there’s nothing that says Disney won’t fork out the massive pile of cash to get the one and only Steve Rogers back in live action.
