I’ve lost count of how many times Chris Evans has denied returning to Marvel, but here we are again. According to a recent Instagram post from @thesupremecinephile, Chris (42) has already wrapped filming a cameo for The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
Yes, apparently, Chris Evans is officially back.
What’s the latest rumour?
The scoop comes from Instagram account @thesupremecinephile, which reported simply:
Chris Evans has already finished the shooting of Fantastic Four.
Short, sweet, and pretty exciting.
Who might Chris play?
@Marvel Studios
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Now, Marvel hasn’t confirmed this yet, obviously. But popular scooper @MyTimeToShineH also claimed recently on X (formerly Twitter) that Chris would appear in Fantastic Four: First Steps.
Fans are already guessing if he’ll return as a variant of Johnny Storm from his early Fantastic Four days or perhaps an alternate version of Captain America. Either way, it’s clear Marvel’s multiverse plans are going full steam ahead.
Why Fantastic Four: First Steps matters
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is shaping up as a pretty big deal for Marvel. Directed by Matt Shakman, the film introduces a new Fantastic Four lineup featuring Pedro Pascal (49) as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby (36) as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn (30) as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (47) as Ben Grimm.
The story is set in a 1960s-inspired New York, where this Fantastic Four team is supposedly the only group of heroes on their Earth. They’ll face off against Galactus, played by Ralph Ineson (54), and the Silver Surfer, played by Julia Garner (30).
Could Chris be playing Johnny Storm again?
@Marvel Studios
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Let’s be honest, fans would love to see Chris back as Johnny Storm—his character from the 2005 and 2007 Fantastic Four films. It’d be a nice, nostalgic nod, especially since Chris briefly reprised this role in Deadpool & Wolverine.
But this time, the twist could be that he’s an evil Johnny Storm variant from a different universe. I’d be completely up for seeing Chris play a villainous version of a beloved hero.
Or maybe Captain America?
The other obvious guess is Captain America, but possibly a darker variant aligned with Doctor Doom. Marvel’s Avengers: Doomsday is set to explore multiversal storylines heavily, so an evil Cap variant isn’t off the table.
Imagine the shock value of seeing Chris as a corrupted Captain America. It’s precisely the kind of cameo Marvel loves throwing at audiences these days.
Chris has denied MCU returns before
@Marvel Studios
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It’s worth noting that Chris has consistently denied MCU comeback rumours. Earlier this year, in an interview with Esquire, he said:
That’s not true, though. This always happens. I mean, it happens every couple years—ever since Endgame. I’ve just stopped responding to it. Yeah, no—happily retired!
But let’s face it—actors deny involvement in Marvel films all the time. Remember Andrew Garfield’s constant denials before Spider-Man: No Way Home?
Exactly.
The multiverse angle
Marvel’s current obsession with the multiverse makes Chris’s cameo feel believable. With variants and alternate timelines now a huge part of MCU storytelling, it’s easier than ever to bring back characters.
So, while Chris genuinely seemed ready to retire from the MCU after Avengers: Endgame, the multiverse loophole might be too tempting to resist—even for him.
How will this affect Avengers: Doomsday?
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The Fantastic Four: First Steps is confirmed to connect directly with Avengers: Doomsday, meaning Chris’s cameo could set the stage for larger events. An evil Johnny Storm or a villainous Captain America variant working with Doctor Doom would immediately raise the stakes for Marvel’s big upcoming crossover.
It also sets a precedent for more unexpected returns, keeping fans on their toes.
Other confirmed cast
Besides the main team and villains, Fantastic Four: First Steps has also cast Paul Walter Hauser, John Malkovich (70), and Natasha Lyonne (45) in undisclosed roles. Whatever roles these three play, it’s clear Marvel is packing this movie with some serious talent.
Marvel hasn’t confirmed much yet
@Marvel Studios
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Of course, Marvel hasn’t said anything official about Chris’s involvement yet. Knowing Marvel’s usual tactics, they’ll likely keep quiet until an event like Comic-Con or D23.
Until then, we’ll rely on scoops and speculation—something Marvel fans have gotten very good at.
Honestly, I never fully believed Chris Evans would stay retired from Marvel forever. The MCU is famously addictive to actors, and the multiverse opens endless possibilities for quick cameos and surprises.
Whether he returns as Johnny Storm or a twisted Captain America, it’s great news for fans—and, personally, I’m thrilled he’s reportedly filmed this cameo already.
Now, all we need is official confirmation from Marvel itself.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps will be released in cinemas in the UK on 25 July 2025.
