Actor Chris Evans has revealed that he turned down numerous offers to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe since his character Captain America bowed out in Avengers: Endgame, including a proposed film centred on the Nomad persona, as well as "dozens" of other pitches. He explained that what finally changed his mind was learning that Robert Downey Jr., his former co-star as Iron Man, was also coming back to the franchise, suggesting their on-screen partnership was central to his decision to return.

Evans had previously said his emotional farewell in Endgame felt like a fitting conclusion to the character's arc, making him reluctant to revisit the role despite repeated approaches from Marvel Studios. His willingness to return only once Downey Jr.'s comeback was confirmed underscores the pull of their shared history in the MCU, and points to renewed excitement around both actors appearing together in Marvel's upcoming slate.