Marvel boss Kevin Feige shuts down rumor that Chris Evans is returning as Captain America

Chris Evans is unlikely to be reprising his role as Captain America, despite fevered speculation to the contrary.

Reports made the rounds in January that Chris Evens may be returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Steve Rogers after seemingly retiring the character in 2019’s Avengers: Endgame.

‘News to me,’ the 39-year-old actor Tweeted at the time in response to the rumors. 

Now Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has shut down the reports during an interview with EW released on Wednesday.

‘I rarely answer no to anything anymore because things are always surprising me with what happens, but that rumor, I think, was dispelled rather quickly by the man himself,’ he told the publication.

Seems clear that fans shouldn’t expect to see Evans when spinoff series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier premieres on Disney+ on Friday.

The news comes on the same day as Marvel Comics company announced the first gay Captain America on Tuesday. He will debut in the The United States of Captain America #1 during Pride Month in June.

The new character is named Aaron Fischer and represents the first LGBTQ person to pick up the hero’s shield in the comic’s 80-year history. 

The historic move comes as as the comics giant expands its increasingly diverse roster of characters. 

The limited series will follow the original Captain America, Steve Rogers, as he searches for his missing shield. Along the way, he encounters those who have been inspired by the symbol of Captain America to help their own communities.

Known as ‘Captain America of the Railways’, writer Joshya Trujillo described the character in a statement: ‘Aaron is inspired by heroes of the queer community: activists, leaders, and everyday folks pushing for a better life.

‘He stands for the oppressed and the forgotten. I hope his debut story resonates with readers and helps inspire the next generation of heroes,’ he added. 

While the LGBTQ character doesn’t possess super powers, he does his best to protect runaways and unhoused teens in the comic.

Marvel provided a first look at the hero, who will be clad in blue overalls featuring red stripes and the signature white star, as well as a white tank top and black high-top sneakers.

Aaron will don the Cap’s blue face mask, as well as a red neckerchief and matching gloves. He also sports an array of tattoos and piercings. 

His issue of The United States of Captain America hits stores June 2, followed by other stories that will focus on different kinds of Captain Americas.