Russo brothers confirm what Marvel fans already assumed the moment the first teaser was dropped—Steve Rogers is not a cameo in Avengers: Doomsday; he is a part of the story. In a February 2026 interview with Empire Magazine, the Russo brothers confirmed what fans already assumed the moment the first teaser dropped—Chris Evans’ return is a part of the story. When asked about the return of Captain America in the film, Anthony Russo explained, “We have a special affinity with the character; we can’t see this narrative without his central role in it, basically. The special place he holds among the ensemble, he sort of retains that moving forward.”
The teasers weren’t just teasers
Marvel dropped a series of teasers featuring the characters in the film, and the Russo brothers assure fans they are not just teasers but also carry; as “each one of these trailers is narrative information,” within themselves. Steve Rogers’ teaser showed the Captain America star riding a motorcycle and going home, putting away his Captain America suit, and holding a newborn baby with Peggy Carter. “Victor von Doom demands a certain tone,” Joe Russo added.
From the teaser, it is assumed the film will delve into the alternate timeline created by Captain America when he chose to stay back in the past at the end of Avengers: Endgame. The child in the teaser is reportedly named James Rogers. Sam Wilson is still the official Captain America of the MCU. The question on everyone’s mind is, who is Steve now? Leaks indicate that he won’t be getting the shield back. Instead, he might take on the identity of Nomad, which is what Steve Rogers became when he lost faith in institutions and the government. The most interesting news is that he will be wielding Mjolnir instead of the shield. He is reportedly going to have a second chance at the “worthiness” scene that shocked fans everywhere when it happened in Avengers: Endgame.
The return of Robert Downey Jr. as the villainous Doctor Doom is a huge game-changer emotionally. Theories have been floating that the multiverse was fractured because of Steve’s decisions, causing the rise of the villain. This would mean that Steve’s “happy ending” is actually a disaster.
The emotional impact is undeniable: the moral center of the MCU is facing off against a villain who is a doppelganger of his dead friend. Doomsday is coming on December 18, 2026. The film boasts a huge ensemble cast, including the Fantastic Four, X-Men from the Fox universe, and the Thunderbolts. The film is reportedly going to be dark and grounded, with most of the sets built practically instead of using a lot of green screens.
