Chris Evans sparks Captain America return rumors after muscular appearance amid Avengers Doomsday filming

Chris Evans’ muscular look at Toronto Film Festival fuels speculation of his Captain America return in Avengers

Chris Evans has reignited speculation about his return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe after new photos showed the actor looking notably muscular at the Toronto International Film Festival. Fans are now debating whether Evans could reprise his role as Captain America in Avengers: Doomsday, despite his character’s farewell in 2019’s Avengers: Endgame.

Evans, who appeared at TIFF to promote his new action-adventure comedy Sacrifice—starring alongside Anya Taylor-Joy, Salma Hayek, and John Malkovich—was photographed looking visibly more physically built than in recent years. This prompted social media discussions about whether he is preparing for a Marvel role. “Since everyone is talking about it… yeah, Chris Evans is back for Doomsday/Secret Wars,” critic Brandon Lewis wrote on social media, adding that Evans’ physique was “shockingly” impressive in person.

Chris Evans or should I say Steve Rogers 🫢 pic.twitter.com/BBaMhk0QEk

— Mari🌟 (@st4rstucky) September 7, 2025

Marvel fans also chimed in. “WE’RE GETTING HIM BACK,” wrote one user, while another observed, “NO BEARD! STEVE ROGERS IS BACK.” Many have interpreted Evans’ clean-shaven appearance and physical condition as subtle hints toward a potential reprisal.

In Avengers: Endgame, Evans’ Steve Rogers retired his shield to live in the 1950s with Peggy Carter, played by Hayley Atwell. However, set reports have suggested both actors may return in Avengers: Doomsday, with their characters’ “happily ever after” possibly disrupted.

Speculation has been fueled further by comments made in 2021 by director Joe Russo, who noted that he and his brother Anthony had “a clear idea” of what Rogers experienced when traveling back to return the Infinity Stones—teasing that untold stories remain.

Avengers: Doomsday has already confirmed appearances by several past and present Marvel stars, and filming is now in its sixth month. The film is scheduled for release on December 18, 2026, though fans continue to await confirmation of whether Evans’ Captain America will be part of the ensemble.