Chris Evans may be done as Captain America after ‘Avengers: Infinity War’

Over the course of five films, Chris Evans has successfully brought to life one of the most iconic superheroes in comic book history: Captain America.

The actor first appeared as the Star Spangled Avenger in Marvel Studios’ 2011 picture “Captain America: The First Avenger.” The character has since gone from his World War II origins to the present, where he is fights alongside other heroes like Iron Man, Thor, and The Incredible Hulk and is the de facto leader of the Avengers.

This will change, given the consequential events in 2016's “Captain America: Civil War” where the Avengers effectively split up. Earth’s Mightiest Heroes are looking to reunite once more in 2018’s “Avengers: Infinity War,” but it looks like Evans is ready to move on from his role as Captain America after he completes his work on the film.

According to a feature in Esquire, the actor is looking forward to a time when he no longer has to wield the shield. The Esquire piece sums up the situation best:

“Back in 2010, Marvel presented Evans with a nine-picture deal. He insisted he'd sign on for no more than six. Some family members thought he was nuts to dial back such a secure and lucrative gig. Evans saw it differently.

“It takes five months to shoot a Marvel movie, and when you tack on the promotional obligations for each one, well, shit, man. Evans knew that for as long as he was bound to Captain America, he would have little time to take on other projects. He wanted to direct, he wanted to play other characters—roles that were more human—like the lead in Gifted, which will hit theaters this month. The script had brought him to tears. Evans managed to squeeze the movie in between Captain America and Avengers films.”

After five movies, “Avengers: Infinity War” will fulfill Evans’ contractual obligations as Captain America for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. If this upcoming movie is indeed his swan song, it may be time to pass the mantle of Cap to either his longtime friend Bucky Barnes, or to Sam Wilson, much like in the comics.

“Avengers: Infinity War” is scheduled to be released in May 2018. — BM, GMA News