Summary

• Original Avengers actors open to MCU returns, eager to reprise iconic roles for fans of the franchise.
• Despite deaths and retirements, interest in the return of original Avengers remains high among fans.
• Future of original Avengers' return uncertain, with some actors expressing optimism and others caution.

The actors that made up the original MCU roster of The Avengers are often asked about their potential returns to the franchise, each speaking to the possibility of a reunion. Since the earliest days of the MCU’s timeline of movies, the franchise has angled toward an eventual team-up of its heroes. Starting with Iron Man, Marvel introduced multiple heroes to the MCU before having them assemble to stop Loki from conquering Earth in 2012’s The Avengers.

The MCU’s original Avengers – Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Black Widow, and Hawkeye – have since been explored in numerous movies and TV shows in the MCU. Narrative developments have seen some of the franchise’s original heroes die or retire, with others taking a back seat to the MCU’s newer characters. However, due to their importance within the franchise, there is always interest in seeing the original Avengers return, and their respective actors are often asked about reprising their roles. Here is what the actor for every original Avenger has said about returning to the MCU.

7 Iron Man - Robert Downey Jr

Downey Jr. Is Open To Returning

There are few figures that were as vital to the MCU’s early success as Tony Stark. The character embodied everything that made the franchise popular and also acted as the unofficial leader of the Avengers once they had assembled. Robert Downey Jr. truly made the role his own, with many considering his casting one of the most perfect choices in MCU history. Considering the popularity and importance of Iron Man, there are fans who hope to see him return to the MCU in upcoming Marvel movies.

When asked about the possibility of a future return to the franchise, Downey Jr. has given MCU fans reason to hope. Not only is the actor open to returning, but his enthusiasm for Marvel movies seems to have remained entirely intact. In an interview with Esquire Magazine, Downey Jr. described the role as an “integral part of my DNA,” making his stance on whether he would return clear by saying:

Happily. It’s too integral a part of my DNA. That role chose me. And look, I always say, ‘Never, ever bet against Kevin Feige.’ It is a losing bet. He’s the house. He will always win.

6 Captain America - Chris Evans

Evans Hasn't Ruled Out A Return In The Future

Another of the MCU’s key figures, particularly in its early years, was Steve Rogers. Chris Evans portrayed Captain America in multiple movies in the MCU throughout the Infinity Saga, with the character peacefully retiring into the past at the end of Avengers: Endgame. When asked about a potential return, Evans said:

“Look, I would never say never, but I really — I’m very protective. It’s a very precious role to me, so it would have to be just right.”

Though Evans admitted he hadn’t been approached about any return in the near future, he was decidedly open to the idea due to his connection to the character. However, Evans’ answer is somewhat non-committal, demonstrating that he has the character’s best interests at heart. Even so, by Evans’ own admission, it’s not impossible that he would return as Steve Rogers at some point in the MCU’s future.

5 Thor - Chris Hemsworth

Hemsworth Appears Wary Of Outstaying Thor's MCU Welcome