Contrary to previous reports, Chris Evans has hinted at the possibility of extending his Marvel contract beyond Avengers: Infinity War and its 2019 sequel.
You may remember Evans’ interview with Esquire from last week, in which the Captain America star hinted that his time in the Marvel Cinematic Universe was drawing to a close. Indeed, the actor’s hesitancy sparked rumors that the Powers That Be were ready to pass over the iconic shield to Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), much like the same transition seen in Marvel’s original line of comics. And though Chris Evans will have fulfilled his contract by the time Avengers 4 crashes into theaters in May of 2019, the actor-cum-director is keeping an open mind when it comes to his potential future in the MCU.
When asked if he’s set to hang up the shield following Infinity War and its untitled sequel, Evans told Collider that:
“It’s really not up to me. My contract is up. I’m not going to sit here and say, ‘No more.’ I think Hugh Jackman has made 47 Wolverine movies, and they somehow keep getting better. It’s a character I love, and it’s a factory that really knows what they’re doing. The system is sound, over there. They make great movies. If they weren’t kicking out quality, I’d have a different opinion. But, everything Marvel does seems to be cinema gold. And like I said, I love the character. The only reason it would end is ‘cause my contract is up. After Avengers 4, my contract is done. Talk to Marvel. If we engage further, I’d be open to it. I love the character. It’s almost like high school. You certainly always look to senior year, and then, all of a sudden, senior year happens and you’re like, “I don’t know if I’m ready to go.” It’s tough thinking about not playing the guy.”
Evoking memories of Robert Downey Jr.’s contract standoff with Marvel following Iron Man 3, fans will be holding out hope that Chris Evans’ future in the MCU doesn’t spawn another prolonged dilemma. Of course, it’s difficult to gauge the situation when looking from the outside in, as the actor’s contract naturally hinges on the fate of Captain America in both Avengers: Infinity War and its 2019 follow-up. And given Marvel’s tendency to keep things under lock and key for as long as possible, not to mention the fact that the Russo brothers’ sequel is still 14 months away, don’t expect the studio to announce anything official anytime soon.
Currently lensing in Edinburgh – Vision (Paul Bettany) and Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) were recently spotted on the cobbled streets of the Scottish capital – Avengers: Infinity War is all set to light up theaters on May 4th, 2018. Directors Joe and Anthony Russo are filming both Infinity War and Avengers 4 back-to-back, with the latter expected to debut in May of 2019.