As the final installment in the MCU’s Phase 3, Avengers 4 is set to serve as the end of an era for this superhero saga, which most likely means a few Phase 1 characters will be exiting the franchise. Steve Rogers in particular looks ready to hang up the shield after the Avengers: Infinity War sequel, and while a lot of fans are saddened by this predicted development, one of Chris Evans’ old co-stars thinks that the time is right for Cap to move on.
Frank Grillo played the part of Brock Rumlow, aka Crossbones, in Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Captain America: Civil War, but though the pair were enemies on screen, the actor shows nothing but respect for his former colleague. When Larry King recently asked the star if he was surprised to hear that Evans will soon be leaving the series, Grillo instead suggested that he was sympathetic towards the decision.
“No, no.” Grillo explained. “That ran its course, and those guys are all getting a bit old. I love him. He’s a great guy. He’s a Boston kid. He’s a lovely, lovely man.”
While Marvel Studios has yet to give any official confirmation on whether Cap will have a continuing presence in the MCU beyond this next film, Evans certainly seemed to back up the predictions of his departure when he tweeted a heartfelt message earlier this month reflecting on his time in the role. And while the star has since insisted that his message contains no spoilers, and that he was simply feeling sentimental after an emotional day of filming, many of his fans have continued to mourn Steve’s exit in advance.
We’ll find out what fate has in store for Cap when Avengers 4 hits theaters on May 3rd, 2019.