With Avengers: Infinity War on the horizon, many fans are looking ahead to some big things in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Some of the most beloved Phase 1 heroes are expected to go through some significant changes, and it sounds like Chris Evans' Captain America will be one to watch out for in the movie. In fact, with the release of Infinity War looming, it looks like Evans has become quite a bit more comfortable emphasizing his intention to leave the MCU behind by the time Phase 3 comes to an end. As Evans noted in a recent New York Times profile:
You want to get off the train before they push you off.
Chris Evans has flip-flopped on the topic of his tenure as Captain America over the years. Sometimes he has teased his eventual departure from the role, while other quotes offered up by the actors have suggested that he's in it for the long haul. However, with Avengers: Infinity War finally on the horizon (and with the culmination of Steve Rogers' arc apparently at hand) it looks like Evans has finally reached the point at which he's ready to "get off the train." He has filmed Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers 4, but beyond, he may not see much of a future as Cap beyond the Avengers 4 reshoots that will happen this fall.
Of course, one thing not explicitly noted in Chris Evans' profile by the New York Times is how he plans to exit the Marvel Cinematic Universe once his tenure as Steve Rogers officially comes to an end -- which is hardly surprising, given the sheer amount of secrecy surrounding these films. Considering everything that Avengers: Infinity War has teased, it's entirely possible that Cap could become one of the leading heroes to go down in a blaze of glory in the battle against Thanos (Josh Brolin) and his Black Order.
After all, it would make plenty of sense for Cap to die. In fact, it would even mirror his actual death in the original Infinity Gauntlet storyline.
On the other hand, it's also possible that Steve Rogers could get a happy ending that sees him merely retire from his life as a hero and ride off into the sunset. At this point, there are a few ways for Marvel Studios to wrap up his arc.
We should also note that Chris Evans isn't the only significant departure worth watching out for after Avengers 4 debuts. For example, Chris Hemsworth has similarly spoken up about the fact that his contract is coming to an end, and that Thor: Ragnarok could be his last Thor film unless an excellent pitch for Thor 4 comes up. Put all of these stories together, and it becomes evident that some changes are on the horizon with the conclusion of Phase 3.
Chris Evans' Steve Rogers will return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe next month when Avengers: Infinity War debuts on April 27. Once that film finally hits the silver screen, we will likely have a much better idea of what to expect from the character when Avengers 4 debuts the following year on May 3, 2019.
