Marvel fans were treated to an electrifying surprise as Chris Evans officially returned as Steve Rogers, a.k.a. Captain America, in a teaser trailer for the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. The brief teaser, which debuted before screenings of Avatar: Fire and Ash and was later released online on December 23, 2025, shows Evans cradling a newborn baby—signaling a new chapter for the iconic superhero.

First Look at Steve Rogers in Avengers: Doomsday

The teaser begins with the text: “Steve Rogers will return for Avengers: Doomsday,” before launching into a countdown leading up to the movie’s December 18, 2026, release date. This marks a dramatic return for Evans, who first portrayed Captain America in 2011’s Captain America: The First Avenger and became a central figure in the MCU’s Infinity Saga.

Evans’ portrayal of Steve Rogers has been widely celebrated, with his journey culminating in Avengers: Endgame (2019), where an older Steve passes the Captain America shield to Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) after returning to the past to reunite with Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell).

Surprising Return Despite Earlier Statements

Earlier in 2025, Evans indicated that he might not reprise his role in Avengers: Doomsday, while promoting his film Materialists. He told ScreenRant in June, “It’s sad to not be back with the band, but I’m sure they’re doing something incredible… it’s going to be that much harder when it comes out and you feel like you weren’t invited to the party.” Fans were therefore stunned by the confirmation in the teaser trailer.

Introducing Doctor Doom and Major Villains

Avengers: Doomsday promises high-stakes action and introduces a formidable new villain: Doctor Doom, played by Robert Downey Jr., marking his official debut as the MCU’s next major antagonist. At San Diego Comic-Con 2024, Downey revealed his character with the phrase: “New mask, same task,” hinting at a complex role in the Multiverse Saga.

This new villain sets the stage for Avengers’ next phase after the Infinity Saga, and his presence is expected to reshape the Marvel Cinematic Universe dramatically.

Returning Heroes and New Additions

Alongside Evans, the teaser confirms the return of numerous fan-favorite heroes, including Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Mackie, Danny Ramirez, Paul Rudd, Tom Hiddleston, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, and Simu Liu.

The film also integrates members from Fantastic Four and Thunderbolts, expanding the MCU further:

• Fantastic Four: Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisibile Woman, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch, Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing
• Thunderbolts: Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes, Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, David Harbour as Red Guardian, Wyatt Russell as U.S. Agent, Olga Kurylenko as Taskmaster, Hannah John-Kamen as Ghost, Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, Lewis Pullman as Bob

In addition, several X-Men actors are set to appear, including Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, and Kelsey Grammer, signaling a major crossover between the MCU and X-Men properties.

What Fans Can Expect

While specific plot details remain under wraps, the teaser’s reveal of Steve Rogers holding a baby hints at personal stakes for Captain America and new story directions for the Avengers. The film is expected to explore family dynamics, legacy, and the responsibilities of being a superhero in the multiverse era.

With returning legends like Evans, Hemsworth, and Downey, alongside newcomers and crossovers, Avengers: Doomsday is shaping up to be one of the MCU’s most ambitious projects to date.

Release Date

Mark your calendars: Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters December 18, 2026. Fans can expect a high-octane, star-studded adventure that sets the stage for the next phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.