For years, Disney hinted at moving on from the original Avengers, shifting the spotlight to new heroes and teams. However, the tides seem to be changing.
Disney has already confirmed that Robert Downey Jr. is stepping back into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)—but this time, he’s not suiting up as Iron Man. Instead, he’s set to portray Doctor Doom in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday (2026).
Now, Chris Evans’ potential return as Steve Rogers is also gaining traction, even though Marvel hasn’t officially confirmed it.
Sebastian Stan, known for his role as Bucky Barnes, recently weighed in on these game-changing returns. In an interview, he praised Marvel’s creative flexibility. “They just want to keep exploring,” Stan said, emphasizing that this open-minded approach often leads to stronger stories. His excitement seems to capture how many fans feel about the prospect of reuniting with some of the MCU’s biggest stars.
Why the sudden pivot? After Avengers: Endgame (2019), the MCU shifted gears, introducing fresh characters like Shang-Chi and the Eternals. But despite these efforts, the post-Endgame era has struggled to maintain the same level of box office dominance and fan enthusiasm. Bringing back Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans—even in different forms—might be Disney’s way of rekindling that spark.
Some fans worry that this nostalgia-driven strategy could overshadow Marvel’s newer storylines, but the multiverse plotline offers a clever way to blend the old with the new. Instead of simply repeating past successes, Marvel has an opportunity to reimagine beloved characters in new ways. Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom? That’s a move no one saw coming—and it could be exactly the kind of bold twist the franchise needs.
The timing also couldn’t be better. With Avengers: Doomsday set to kick off the final stretch of the Multiverse Saga, Marvel seems to be aiming for a grand finale that brings everything full circle. If these rumored castings pan out, fans might finally get the blend of innovation and nostalgia they’ve been waiting for.
As Sebastian Stan hinted, the return of familiar faces doesn’t just bank on nostalgia—it paves the way for some of Marvel’s most exciting storytelling yet. Whether Evans returns or not, one thing is clear: Disney’s willingness to pivot and listen to its audience could be what keeps the MCU thriving for years to come.
