Doomsday's return could finally undo a problem I thought could never be solved

Avengers: Judgment Day marks the return of Chris Evans to the biggest franchise in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and I'm convinced that it could finally lead to the solution to a big problem for Bucky Barnes. There are some strong friendships in the MCU, like those between Peter Parker and Ned Leeds or Tony Stark and Rhodey; however, few friendships come close to that of Bucky Barnes and Steve Rogers. Starting in 2011 Captain America: The First Avengeran underrated film that I believe is one of the best films in the MCU, Steve and Bucky showed their love for each other.

Not even death could separate them, as Bucky Barnes was saved by Hydra after being presumed dead, only to become the Winter Soldier. I loved how the MCU changed the dynamics of their relationship over the years, allowing it to become multifaceted like no other friendship in the franchise. Steve managed to make Bucky remember who he was, went against the world to make sure his best friend was safe, even separating the Avengers in the processand much more. However, Marvel failed their friendship in a scathing way, which Avengers: Judgment Daythe story of now can be corrected.

I don't like a major aspect of Captain America's MCU ending

Avengers: Endgame made a controversial decision

Despite being my favorite of the MCU Avengers films and really liking what he did with Captain America, Avengers: Endgame made a mistake when it came to Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes' friendship. I completely understood Steve's desire to go back to the past and live a full life alongside Hayley Atwell's Peggy Carter, especially after seeing her up close when he went to the past while the Avengers searched for the Infinity Stones. However, there was a huge problem with this choice, as Steve should never have left Bucky behind.

Everything we've seen of these characters in the MCU has made it seem like they were destined to always be there for each other. Captain America was the leader of the Avengers and Bucky's rock, and all of that was left behind when Steve chose to pursue a life with Peggy in the past. Although Bucky was decidedly on a better path Avengers: Endgamehe still needed Steve. The Falcon and the Winter Soldierr showed Bucky's struggle to make peace to his Winter Soldier days, and Steve's help would have helped a lot in that process.

Chris Evans' MCU Return Points to Steve Rogers

Avengers: Doomsday is shaping up to be huge

I was shocked by the casting of Chris Evans Avengers: Judgment Day. Although I expected the actor to return for the end of the Multiverse Saga, Avengers: Secret WarsI thought Robert Downey Jr. returning now as Doctor Doom in the next Avengers movie would be that in terms of the original Avengers returning for that movie. Evans' Avengers: Judgment Day role and how much he will appear in the film have not yet been revealed. However, other MCU casting has added an interesting element to Evans' reported return, and it points to the return of Steve Rogers.

After Evans was announced to be returning, a new report from Deadline stated that Hayley Atwell had been cast Avengers: Judgment Day. The actress is returning as Agent Carter. Given Steve Rogers' deep ties to Peggy Carter in the MCU, if Atwell and Evans appear in the next Avengers film, then it would make sense if the pair reprise one of the MCU's most beloved couples. Deadline also revealed that the stars had in talks with Marvel in 2021 to star in an independent MCU film as Steve and Peggyteasing the return of Evans' Captain America now.

Captain America may return to right Bucky's mistake

An MCU future for Chris Evans would make everything even better

If Chris Evans really does return as Steve Rogers in Avengers: Judgment Dayso Marvel will likely pair him with Sebastian Stan's Bucky Barnes again. Although Bucky has not yet been confirmed for the film, it has been announced that Rays* characters will appear in the film, which makes Bucky a clear choice for a role. With Hayley Atwell joining Evans in Avengers: Judgment Daythere is a high chance that Marvel may be bringing back the MCU's original Captain America and Atwell's Peggy Carter from the end of Avengers: Endgamewhich would be the ideal way to right Steve's Bucky mistake.

Steve Rogers' return would allow him to be part of Bucky Barnes' healing process. Rays* will establish Bucky as the leader of an MCU teamgiving him another thing in common with Captain America. I want to see Avengers: Judgment Day show how Bucky can learn how to be a better leader from Steve, with the duo bonding over their past experiences and Steve learning about how Bucky is doing.

If Evans sticks around for more later Avengers: Judgment DayMaybe with Peggy also in the present, it would be great to see Steve be a part of Bucky's life again. That being said, even a one-off appearance by Chris Evans in Avengers: Judgment Day could lead to a more satisfying ending than Avengers: EndgameIt's for the two best friends.

Every Upcoming MCU Movie Announced

• Release date

  February 14, 2025
  

• Rays*

• Release date

  July 25, 2025
  

• Release date

  July 24, 2026