In a recent interview, Kevin Feige, the president of Marvel Studios, suggested that the return of Robert Downey Jr and Chris Evans to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) could be on the horizon, inspired by Hugh Jackman’s comeback as Wolverine in “Deadpool & Wolverine.”
Kevin Feige Discusses the Future of Iron Man and Captain America in the MCU
Kevin Feige, known for his strategic vision in the MCU, expressed optimism about the potential return of Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man and Chris Evans as Captain America. Speaking with DiscussingFilm, Feige acknowledged that Hugh Jackman’s return as Wolverine had set a precedent for reviving beloved characters. According to Feige, Jackman’s reappearance in “Deadpool & Wolverine” demonstrates that iconic characters can be reintroduced thoughtfully and meaningfully.
Feige emphasized that it took Marvel Studios nearly two years to figure out how to bring Wolverine back in a fresh way. This careful planning and execution, he believes, could serve as a model for reintroducing other key characters. He noted, “We’re just proud that we, I think, have figured it out for Wolverine. I think Hugh’s appearance and starring role in [Deadpool & Wolverine] is a great sign that it can be done if great care is taken.”
Feige’s comments suggest that Marvel is open to exploring new ways to incorporate Downey and Evans into the MCU without undermining the impact of their previous character arcs.
What Does Robert Downey Jr. Think About Returning as Iron Man?
Robert Downey Jr., who famously portrayed Iron Man, has also hinted at the possibility of reprising his role. In an interview with Esquire Magazine, Downey expressed his willingness to return, describing the role as a significant part of his identity. He said, “It’s too integral a part of my DNA. That role chose me. And look, I always say, ‘Never, ever bet against Kevin Feige.’ It is a losing bet. He’s the house. He will always win.”
Downey’s comments reflect his appreciation for the character and his trust in Feige’s ability to craft compelling narratives. Despite Iron Man’s dramatic death in “Avengers: Endgame” (2019), where he sacrificed himself to defeat Thanos, Downey’s openness to returning highlights his connection to the role.
Chris Evans’ Departure and Possible Return
Chris Evans also left a significant mark on the MCU as Captain America. His character’s storyline concluded with the passing of the shield to Anthony Mackie in “Avengers: Endgame.” Evans has previously stated that he was content with how Captain America’s story ended, but the possibility of a return remains a topic of interest among fans and insiders.
Hugh Jackman’s Return as Wolverine and Its Implications
Hugh Jackman had initially retired from playing Wolverine after his acclaimed performance in “Logan” (2017). Jackman’s decision to return for “Deadpool & Wolverine” was driven by a desire to honor the character while ensuring that Logan’s legacy remained intact. This comeback is facilitated through Marvel’s timeline manipulation concept, which allows for character returns without disrupting established storylines.
“Deadpool & Wolverine” is scheduled to hit theaters on July 26th, and Jackman’s return has already generated significant excitement. His involvement in the film underscores Marvel’s approach to bringing back characters in a way that respects their previous arcs while exploring new storytelling avenues.
Future Prospects for Marvel’s Iconic Heroes
As the MCU continues to evolve, the possibility of seeing Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans return in some capacity remains open. Feige’s comments suggest that Marvel Studios is considering various creative approaches to reintegrate these characters while preserving the impact of their previous storylines.
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