WARNING: This article contains major SPOILERS for Avengers: Endgame.
Steve Rogers received a beautiful sendoff in Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe? Even though the future of Marvel Studios is still bright, the superhero lineup underwent a dramatic shift with the loss of Tony Stark, Natasha Romanoff, and presumably, Steve Rogers.
Technically, Steve Rogers is not dead unlike a few of his fellow Avengers, but his time as Captain America has officially come to an end. Ever since his introduction with 2011's Captain America: The First Avenger, Steve Rogers has become a cornerstone to the MCU, leading the Avengers team with his unrelenting eagerness to never give up on a fight. He fought to the end, greatly assisting in taking down Thanos for good. But by the end of the movie, Steve ed on the Captain America torch.
alternate dimension to reunite with Peggy.
How Steve could then return back to the Endgame timeline as an old man remains unclear, but he knew exactly when and where to return to on the mantle to Sam Wilson (Bucky Barnes was expected to be the new Captain America, but the decision to pick Falcon also makes sense). Regardless of method, Avengers: Endgame seemed to be the closing chapter of Steve Rogers. Or did it? In truth there are multiple ways Chris Evans could appear in future Marvel projects.
The Avengers Could Get Steve Rogers To Fight A New Threat
Time travel has already been established as a key aspect of the MCU by Avengers: Endgame (even if it can have very serious consequences). If the Avengers find themselves in serious need of an experienced, they could travel to the 1940s to re-recruit Steve Rogers for their cause, bringing him to the future briefly before returning him to his life with Peggy.
While the Cap vs. Cap fight in 2012 suggests it'll be difficult to convince him).
Of course, there's now the presence of the multiverse as introduced per the as is (allegedly) the case with Mysterio. Could the Avengers find a Steve Rogers from another dimension willing to help out with a future threat?
Older Captain America Could Mentor Falcon
But there's still a Captain America without any time travel: Old Man Steve. Clearly, he would no longer be able to take part in the field with his current state, but that doesn't remove him playing a role in future events. When Steve suddenly aged in a recent comic book storyline, he also gave up the Captain America role to Sam, but stayed involved by becoming a coordinator for the Avengers, planning their various missions. Despite his age, Steve keeps hold of his sharp mind and intuitions. It's possible that the MCU could go in a similar path but instead have Steve mentor Sam during his transition into Captain America.
As a veteran of the United States Air Force Pararescueman who kept his jetpack-powered wings, Falcon fought closely beside Steve following his introduction in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. The pair formed a strong bond based on their mutual respect for one another, with the fact that they were both soldiers giving them a better understanding of the other's lives.
Sam will undoubtedly need some guidance as he takes over as Captain America. Even though he has extensive experience fighting alongside the Avengers, he's never been a primary member. Sam transition from Falcon to Captain America is assumed to be a focus in the Disney+ series, aged up Chris Evans also appeared in the series to make Sam's transition a little easier.
Would Chris Evans Return To Marvel?
Chris Evans has made Steve Rogers into one of the most beloved characters in the MCU, playing the character in nine movies (seven as a lead). Captain America, and more specifically Steve Rogers, has become the heart of soul of the Avengers. Losing his character will leave a giant hole in the franchise. But would Chris Evans return to Marvel for future projects?
All signs are pointing that Evans is done with Marvel, at least for the time being; he's been hinting at his departure as early as 2014 and now his Marvel contract is finally up. Of course, deals can easily be renegotiated but Evans has stated that he would like to branch out to different roles outside of the superhero genre. He's even expressed interest in stepping aside from acting and instead focus more on directing.
If for some reason Evans does agree to return in the short-term, it would most likely be in a limited role like a brief cameo, credits stinger, or flashback, possibly even using already-filmed scenes. However, looking further into the future to the late 2020s, a nostalgic return akin to the original trilogy cast in Star Wars: The Force Awakens could be a surefire way to hype-up Avengers 5, 6, or 7.
