Malcolm Spellman, showrunner of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, confirmed Marvel discussed having Chris Evans cameo as former Captain America Steve Rogers in the Disney+ show. Evans was introduced as the Marvel Cinematic Universe's first Star-Spangled Man in 2011's Captain America: The First Avenger, and carried the shield as Steve Rogers up until 2019's Avengers: Endgame. After the climactic battle against Thanos' forces, Steve essentially retired as a superhero, handing the Captain America shield over to Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie). Sam's story continued with Marvel Studios' Falcon and the Winter Soldier TV show, which saw Mackie's character team up with Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan).

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier followed Sam's journey to understanding the true legacy of the Captain America shield and the U.S. government's Super Soldier program, as well as wrestling with the idea of what it would mean to be the first Black Captain America. Ultimately, Sam decided to pick up the shield and forge his own legacy as Captain America in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier's finale. And on the day that episode released, it was reported Captain America 4 is in development, with Spellman set to write. However, though Falcon and the Winter Soldier wrapped up without seeing a return of Steve Rogers, Spellman teases an Evans cameo was discussed at some point.

Related: Falcon & Winter Soldier Ending Explained & MCU Future Setup

Kevin Poloway of Yahoo Entertainment spoke to Spellman about The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and specifically asked if they'd ever talked about bringing Evans' old Steve Rogers back for a cameo. "It was discussed, I think. I don't know. I am officially saying I don't know," Spellman said, seemingly confirming discussions were had before walking it back. When Poloway clarified Spellman's answer by saying, "You're officially saying it may have been discussed, but you don't know what exactly was discussed," the showrunner agreed, saying, "That's exactly right."

Anthony Mackie as Captain America Sam Wilson breaking through window in Falcon and the Winter Soldier

Before Captain America 4 was reported to be in development, and before The Falcon and the Winter Soldier premiered, there were reports of Evans returning as Captain America in the MCU. At the time it was unclear which movie or show he would appear in, and many speculated at the time that it could be The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Now that the show has released all six episodes, we know he doesn't cameo in the Disney+ series. Based on  Spellman's comment, it seems Marvel did discuss bringing Evans back as Steve Rogers in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, but it never came to fruition. The reason for that is unclear and could be anything from Marvel not wanting to dilute Sam's story by bringing Steve back so soon, to Evans simply not wanting to return for a cameo. Until Spellman or Marvel offer more information, it'll remain unknown.

As for Evans' MCU return, new details were revealed along with the reports of Captain America 4. While it would make sense for that film to be when he returns, Evans' MCU project is reportedly separate from Captain America 4. Perhaps these plans for Evans' Steve Rogers are why Marvel nixed the Falcon and the Winter Soldier cameo idea. With an actor and character as beloved as Evans and Steve Rogers' Captain America, it would make more sense to bring him back in a bigger way than a cameo - if Evans is game, of course. The actor has certainly proved he's up for small cameos and bit parts in MCU movies - including Thor: The Dark World and Spider-Man: Homecoming. But after the conclusion to Steve's story in Endgame, it makes more sense that if Evans were to return to the MCU, it would be in a major way rather than a cameo in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. So perhaps it's for the best that these discussions never went anywhere.

Next: Captain America 4: Sam's MCU Future After Falcon & Winter Soldier Explained

Source: Yahoo Entertainment

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