Warning: This article contains spoilers for Deadpool & Wolverine.
Summary
Since Robert Downey Jr. is returning to theMCU, it’s possible he could reunite with Chris Evans inAvengers: DoomsdayorAvengers: Secret Wars, but his new Marvel character means this reunion would have a dark twist. There has been a noticeable void in the MCU since Robert Downey Jr. departed the franchise in 2019’sAvengers: Endgame.Tony Stark’s Iron Man, a role Downey Jr. played for over a decade, sacrificed himself to save the universe, but the Academy Award-winning actor will soon be reintroduced to the MCU as someone with a very different goal.
At SDCC 2024, Marvel Studios confirmed not only the return of directing duo the Russo brothers, but also Robert Downey Jr., who will take on the role ofDoctor Doom inAvengers: Doomsday, previouslyThe Kang Dynasty, andSecret Wars.This transition will see Downey Jr. go from playing one of the most significant heroes to one of Marvel’s most formidable and notable villains.Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doomwill create emotional and intense moments in the MCU’s Phase 6, which could include one with his former MCU co-star, Chris Evans.
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Victor Von Doom’s Doctor Doom
Chris Evans' Human Torch Could Face RDJ’s Doctor Doom
Robert Downey Jr. wasn’t the only MCU legend to leave the franchise inAvengers: Endgame, as the Phase 3 movie also wrapped upChris Evans' journey as Steve Rogers' Captain America. Since then,there have been calls for Downey Jr. and Evans to reunite in the MCU, with many hoping that multiversal variants of Tony Stark and Steve Rogers could fight alongside each other againat the end of the Multiverse Saga. However, Downey Jr.’s reintroduction as Doctor Doom means this reunion could be much darker.
Instead of returning as Steve Rogers' Captain America, Chris Evans could deliver another performance as Johnny Storm’s Human Torch. Evans originally debuted in 2005’sFantastic Fourand its 2007 sequel at 20th Century Fox, and shockingly returned as theHuman Torch in 2024’sDeadpool & Wolverine.His recent return as the flaming hero suggests he’d be open to reprise the role in the MCU’s future, particularly if pitted against Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom, who is usually depicted as the archenemy of the Fantastic Four team.
Chris Evans Addresses His MCU Return With New Set Photo: “A Dream Come True”
In a new set photo posted on his official Instagram account, Captain America star Chris Evans addresses his return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Why This Reunion Would Be Perfect For The MCU
Even though it would be brilliant to see Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark and Chris Evans' Steve Rogers back in action in the MCU, the pair reuniting as Doctor Doom and the Human Torch instead might be even more perfect. Downey Jr. was originally in talks to portray Victor Von Doom in 2005’sFantastic Four, but lost the role to Julian McMahon.Had he been cast, Downey Jr. and Evans would have battled each other years before joining the MCU, soAvengers: DoomsdayandSecret Warscan imagine what this fight may have looked like.
The questionable live-action legacies of Doctor Doom and Johnny Storm could be strengthened massively.
Many have expressed their desire to seeRobert Downey Jr. and Chris Evansback in the MCU, but this often comes with concerns that the pair’s satisfying endings fromAvengers: Endgamewould be undone.Bringing the acclaimed actors back as Doctor Doom and the Human Torch would prevent these concerns from coming to fruition. Tony Stark can remain dead, while Steve Rogers can remain in his happy life with Peggy Carter, though the questionable live-action legacies of Doctor Doom and Johnny Storm could be strengthened massively.
Will Chris Evans Actually Return For Avengers 5 & 6?
Chris Evans has revealed how excited he was to get the call from Ryan Reynolds to appear as Johnny Storm’s Human Torch inDeadpool & Wolverine.He later stated that"playing Johnny again was a dream come true,“suggesting that he’d be up for reprising the role again. This perhaps makes his return as theHuman Torch inAvengers: DoomsdayorSecret Warsmore likely, though his reprisal of his more-iconic role of Steve Rogers' Captain America is perhaps less likely.
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Johnny Storm’s Human Torch
When asked byEntertainment Weeklywhether he think it’sthe right time to bring Steve Rogers' Captain America back to the MCU, Chris Evans stated,“no, not really.“Marvel Studios may be breathing a sigh of relief about this, asVarietyreported that Robert Downey Jr.’s return is costing the studio"significantly more"than the Russo brothers' $80 million check forAvengers: DoomsdayandAvengers: Secret Wars. Evans' paycheck wouldn’t be far off this, so any return for Steve Rogers or Johnny Storm would likely only be brief, but Chris Evans' return is still very possible.
Avengers: Secret Wars
Cast
Avengers: Secret Wars is an anticipated installment in Phase 6 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, serving as the finale of The Multiverse Saga. Scheduled for release in December 2027, the film’s plot remains under wraps, fueling curiosity about its role in the expansive Marvel narrative.
