Marvel

Chris Evans shares his initial reaction to Robert Downey Jr.'s villain casting in 'Avengers: Doomsday'

By Sophia Soto | Last updated Jun 11, 2025 1:41 PM ET

Chris Evans' time as Steve Rogers / Captain America came to an end in 2019's Avengers: Endgame, and while the character thankfully got a sweet ending, fans were definitely sad to see the longtime fan favorite make his Marvel Cinematic Universe exit.

He first joined the MCU in Captain America: The First Avenger, which came out in 2011. Now, we will be experiencing the first Avengers movie since then with Avengers: Doomsday.

"I talk to them all the time," he told ScreenRant, referring to his colleagues and friends who are confirmed for Doomsday. "It's where Pedro [Pascal] is right now. I mean, it's sad to be away. It's sad to not be back with the band, but I'm sure they're doing something incredible, and I'm sure it's going to be that much harder when it comes out and you feel like you weren't invited to the party."

Robert Downey Jr. will be returning to the party, but is taking on a different role. Instead of Tony Stark / Iron Man, who died in Endgame, he will be playing the film's big bad, Doctor Doom.

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"I mean, I can't wait to see what he does. I'm sure it's going to be incredible," Evans shared. "When I first heard it, I was like, 'Huh?' But it's almost like cheese and the crust. You're like, 'There's nothing more we can do with this pizza,' and then you're like, 'Oh, damn. You know? What else? What if we did this? (makes flipping motion). Whoa.'"

He later discussed how he and Downey really connected and how he felt a sense of value as an actor. "He was the one who kind of talked me into it. I didn't want to take the role. I said no a few times and he was the one that kind of gave the knowledge," he explained. "I know. Just didn't want to do it. I was scared, I was intimidated. I didn't know. It was a big commitment and I was kind of thinking about leaving acting in general."

Avengers: Doomsday will be released on December 18, 2026.

Sophia Soto

Sophia Soto is a writer and interviewer with a passion for all things entertainment. She is a Senior Reporter at The Nerds of Color and contributes to Yardbarker, Screensphere, Den of Geek, What to Watch, Nerdtropolis, and Temple of Geek. You can see her past work on Remezcla, Young Hollywood, Looper, Paste Magazine, Primetimer, Soundsphere, and Starry Constellation Magazine

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