Chris Evans, who previously portrayed Steve Rogers, aka Captain America, has stated that the upcoming blockbuster Avengers: Doomsday will be "brutal" for his character. Evans' return marks his first appearance as Rogers in eight years, reuniting him with directors Anthony and Joe Russo, who helmed several of his previous Marvel Cinematic Universe films.
During an appearance at the Boston Fan Expo, Evans commented on the Russo brothers' penchant for challenging his character. "The Russos love beating up Steve Rogers," he said. "Their favorite thing to do is to just beat the crap out of him. To them that's what makes a hero, and that's someone who gets punched so many times but still gets up."
Evans elaborated on the intensity of the upcoming film, noting that the directors "keep finding new ways to kick his butt, but this one was brutal." He added that the film will offer a "really, really good examination into his nature and his values," hinting that audiences will see a side of Rogers they haven't witnessed before.
The speculation surrounding Steve Rogers' fate has intensified with the revelation that he is now a father. Fans are concerned that his child may become a target, particularly given Doctor Doom's apparent interest in the offspring of superheroes, as previously shown in a post-credits scene. The possibility of such a dark storyline, including the potential death of Rogers' child, remains a subject of fan discussion, though the ultimate plot details are still unknown.
Adding to the mystery, trailers for Avengers: Doomsday have depicted Steve Rogers with two distinct appearances, leading some fans to theorize he might appear as two alter egos. Alternatively, this could signify an older, bearded version of Rogers, implying his child is also older.
The context of the film also includes the upcoming Avengers: Secret Wars, a project that is expected to significantly alter the MCU's continuity. This raises the possibility that any tragic events befalling Steve Rogers or his family could be rectified through multiversal plot devices.
Evans' decision to return to the role after reportedly being presented with "at least a dozen pitches" for other MCU projects underscores the compelling nature of the story. Avengers: Doomsday is slated for release on December 18.