Endgame, Marvel has the opportunity to pay off one of the best comic book references in the MCU film

7 years later, the MCU has an excellent opportunity to pay off one of its Avengers: Endgame best comic book references. As a huge surprise, it was recently reported that Chris Evans will return to the MCU in the next Avengers film. As such, the MCU's next crossover could establish an incredible connection between the two. End of the game and the original comics.

As first reported byThe wrap, Chris Evans will make his return to the MCU in 2026 Avengers: Judgment Day. However, it is currently unknown whether he will return as his original MCU character Captain America, reprising his former Marvel role as Johnny Storm's Human Torch, as he did in Deadpool and Wolverineor as a completely new character like Robert Downey Jr., who will return as Marvel's main villain Doctor Doom. To that end, the MCU has a great chance with Evans' return to yield a major comedic reference that was first made in Avengers: Endgame.

Avengers: Endgame “Hail Hydra” moment referenced by Marvel Comics

Referencing Captain America: The Winter Soldier and 2017 Secret Empire Crossing

In Avengers: EndgameSteve Rogers' Captain America finds himself in an elevator full of Hydra agents during the Time Heist and New York mission in 2012, mirroring the scene from the 2014 film. Captain America: The Winter Soldier. However, instead of having to fight them like he did in the sequel, Rogers whispers “Save Hydra” in Agent Sitwell's ear, making him think he is also a member of his secret terrorist organization incorporated into S.H.I.E.L.D.

An unwavering moral hero like Captain America saying “Hail Hydra” was also a clear reference to Marvel Comics. Secret Empire crossing. In the comic book crossover event, Rogers was revealed to be a secret sleeper agent for Hydra, the result of Red Skull's manipulation of reality. Becoming known as “Hydra Supreme”, Rogers took control of the entire country and subjugated many of his fellow heroes before being defeated and the original Captain America restored. To that end, this is a great comedic reference that the MCU can now take even further with the next Avengers: Judgment Day.

Chris Evans' Casting in Avengers: Doomsday Could Make Up for Endgame Reference

Becoming “Hydra Supreme” for real this time

Considering the current Multiverse Saga, which should culminate with Judgment Day and Avengers: Secret Wars, Chris Evans returning as a legitimate “Hydra Supreme” variant of Captain America is well within the realm of possibility. After all, Robert Downey Jr. is returning as a major villain, so why not Evans? That being said, there are plenty of other characters Evans could return to play, if not the original Steve Rogers he once played. However, it's hard to deny that playing a dark opposite of the First Avenger would be very exciting, while also serving as an excellent payoff for Avengers: Endgame reference.

Avengers: Judgment Day is set to be released on May 1, 2026.

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  July 24, 2026