If you’re a fan of comic books and superhero storytelling in that medium, you know that “dead” doesn’t actually mean “dead.” Just because you see a hero like Captain America “die” in one issue, he could definitely be back several issues later. So, even though it might come as a surprise to some that Marvel Studios is reportedly considering a return of its original “Avengers” cast for an upcoming film, it actually does make a bit of storytelling sense. Even if it is really a crutch to try to reinvigorate the MCU, which has been struggling in a post-‘Endgame‘ world.
According to a new report from Variety, sources tell the outlet that there have been discussions amongst folks at Marvel Studios to bring back the original cast of “Avengers” for an upcoming film. That would mean folks like Chris Evans, Robert Downey, Jr., and Scarlett Johansson, who were clearly given real endings in “Avengers: Endgame,” would be given at least one more opportunity to suit up. The report does say the studio hasn’t committed to the idea of bringing them back, especially because it would cost a lot of money. However, when you consider all the talk about Marvel Studios struggling, especially with the negative reports about angry VFX workers, trouble developing films, etc…, perhaps this sort of big move is what is needed now.
To be fair, this kind of rumor and speculation has been going on from fans for nearly years now, many assuming Downey or Chris Evans as Captain America would probably return for “Avengers: Secret Wars.” It’s a theory that the writers of the recent book “MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios,” have been repeating a lot too.
And really, “Avengers: Secret Wars” is really the right movie to bring those people back, if that’s what the studio wants to do. ‘Secret Wars’ is the culimination of the Multiverse Saga that encapsulates Phases 4, 5, and 6. It’s a story that brings together all different types of universes (thus a cheat code to bring back “dead” characters like Iron Man and Black Widow) and has a huge assortment of heroes teaming up to take down the bad guy, restoring one prime universe. (Yes, this also allows for Marvel Studios to create a new universe from scratch and recast actors or kill off characters.)
So, while there are plenty of pundits who would roll their eyes at news of original “Avengers” actors returning to the fold, it’s not at all surprising and actually pretty expected. We’ll just have to see if Marvel Studios is willing to spend the money, and if the actors are willing to make it happen.