A major leak has sent shockwaves through the Marvel fandom, with a secret trailer for the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday revealing the unexpected comeback of a beloved hero.
Leaked Footage Reveals Major Comeback
The teaser, which was unofficially shared online ahead of its planned cinema debut, confirms that Chris Evans will reprise his role as Steve Rogers. The footage shows a character, later revealed to be Rogers, arriving home on a motorcycle and contemplating his old superhero suit. A caption in the trailer explicitly states: “Steve Rogers will return in Avengers: Doomsday.”
This revelation is particularly surprising as Evans has consistently denied rumours of his involvement since his character's apparent retirement in Avengers: Endgame in 2019. Since then, Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson has taken up the Captain America mantle, starring in his own film, Captain America: Brave New World, earlier this year.
Fan Concern and Narrative Implications
The immediate reaction from a section of the fanbase has been one of concern. Many feel the move undermines the significant narrative investment in Sam Wilson's journey to becoming the new Captain America.
However, the leaked material offers crucial context. The trailer pointedly does not refer to Rogers as 'Captain America'. Furthermore, it shows him holding his baby with Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell), suggesting a deep reluctance to return to battle. This strongly indicates that Sam Wilson remains the active Captain America within the story.
A Massive Ensemble and Villainous Return
Avengers: Doomsday is shaping up to be the Marvel Cinematic Universe's most ambitious project yet. Directors Joe and Anthony Russo have described it as “bigger than anything we have ever done.” The film will unite a vast array of heroes, including new additions from the recent Fantastic 4 reboot and, significantly, the X-Men.
Characters portrayed by Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Rebecca Romijn, and James Marsden are expected to appear, following Disney's acquisition of Fox in March 2019 which returned the film rights to Marvel.
In a major twist, Robert Downey Jr. will return to the MCU after seven years, not as Iron Man, but as the iconic villain Doctor Doom. The star-studded cast also includes Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Sebastian Stan (Bucky Barnes), Tom Hiddleston (Loki), and Letitia Wright (Shuri).
The leaked teaser is believed to be one of three, building towards a full trailer that will showcase this enormous ensemble. Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled for release on 18 December 2026.
