Chris Evans back in Captain America shape

Chris Evans attended the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2025 for the premiere of his film Sacrifice. Photographers captured the 44-year-old actor on the red carpet with his co-stars. Fans online quickly noticed his muscular physique and clean-shaven look, both resembling his portrayal of Steve Rogers/Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Chris Evans looks jacked and ready to return to MCU in TIFF photos

Marvel did not include Chris Evans in the list of 27 stars for Avengers: Doomsday. Still, his physical transformation reignited speculation about a return. Fans compared his TIFF photos to past MCU images and highlighted the strong similarity in his build, noting his arms and chest looked like his Captain America days.

Social media commentary highlighted that Evans has appeared with a beard in recent years. His new clean-shaven look mirrored the style of his Marvel character. A person who claimed to be at the premiere commented, “Since everyone is talking about it, and as someone who was very close to him sitting in the front row, yeah, Chris Evans is back for Doomsday/Secret Wars. He was jacked in real life, like, shockingly so.”

Industry chatter has further fueled the speculation. In August, insider Daniel Richtman reported that Evans had been filming scenes for Doomsday in the U.K. The shoot may include Steve and Peggy Carter’s house from the end of Avengers: Endgame.

Other reports suggest that Avengers: Doomsday will unite returning Marvel veterans and new cast members. Joe and Anthony Russo direct the film, with Robert Downey Jr. playing Doctor Doom.

Evans has publicly denied his involvement, saying earlier this year, “It’s sad to be away. It’s sad to not be back with the band,” while adding that he stays close with Robert Downey Jr. and the Russo brothers.