The first teaser for Avengers: Doomsday, released in December 2025, instantly became a global sensation when it confirmed that Chris Evans would reprise his role as Steve Rogers after a five-year absence from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The brief clip shows Rogers, older and with a child in his arms, looking at his old Captain America uniform before riding off on his motorcycle. The teaser ends with the words “Steve Rogers will return for ‘Avengers: Doomsday’” appearing on the screen, followed by a countdown to the film’s release in December 2026.
Marvel Studios has confirmed that S teve Rogers will play a pivotal but not central role in the film . Instead of reclaiming the mantle of Captain America, Rogers will be tasked with returning the Infinity Stones to their rightful places across the multiverse, a mission that sets up the film’s multiverse-heavy plot.
This storyline was teased in earlier leaks and is now officially confirmed, positioning Rogers as a guide through the chaos of collapsing timelines, a role that fits the film’s epic stakes.
Evans’ return marks the first time he has played the character since Avengers: Endgame, where Rogers famously passed the shield to Sam Wilson and disappeared into a quiet life with Peggy Carter. His reappearance has reignited excitement among fans and sparked speculation about the future of the MCU.
The film is set to feature an all-star cast, including Evans, Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson, Tom Hiddleston as Loki, Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom, and many others. With such a stacked lineup, Avengers: Doomsday is poised to be a turning point for the franchise.
Legacy and Controversy: Balancing Two Captains
The return of Steve Rogers is not without controversy. Sam Wilson, played by Anthony Mackie, has been established as the new Captain America through the Disney+ series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and the 2025 film Captain America: Brave New World.
In Brave New World, Wilson faces political challenges, international intrigue, and personal struggles as he tries to uphold the legacy of Captain America in a world that is not always ready to accept him.
Fans of Wilson’s journey have voiced concern that bringing back Evans could overshadow Mackie’s version of the character or undermine the significance of the transition.
Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has addressed these concerns, stating that Avengers: Doomsday will honor both Rogers’ legacy and Wilson’s evolution as Captain America. The film is set to feature both characters, with Evans’ Rogers acting as a mentor and ally rather than a replacement.
Chris Evans (Credit: BBC)
Fan reactions have been mixed. While many welcome Evans’ return, others worry that it could stall the growth of Sam Wilson’s Captain America or create confusion in the MCU’s continuity.
Some online discussions suggest that Evans’ role is more of a supporting character, possibly even a variant of Steve Rogers, rather than the original timeline’s hero. Marvel has yet to clarify the exact nature of Evans’ involvement, but the teaser and early reports indicate that his presence will be meaningful, if not central.
What’s Next for the MCU?
Avengers: Doomsday is set to be a turning point for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, kicking off a new phase that will see the Multiverse Saga reach its climax with the follow-up film, Avengers: Secret Wars.
The Russo Brothers, who previously directed some of the MCU’s biggest hits, are back at the helm, promising a story that will blend action, emotion, and multiversal stakes.
With Chris Evans’ return, the film will likely explore themes of legacy, sacrifice, and the cost of heroism. Steve Rogers’ mission to restore balance to the multiverse could set up future storylines, including potential crossovers with other franchises such as the Fantastic Four and X-Men.
The film’s release in December 2026 is highly anticipated, with fans eager to see how Marvel will balance its classic heroes with the new generation.
As the MCU continues to evolve, the return of Steve Rogers in Avengers: Doomsday is a reminder that some legacies never truly fade. Whether Evans’ role is a final farewell or a new beginning, his presence is sure to leave a lasting impact on the franchise and its fans.
The finale of Chad Powers’ Season 1 left fans with plenty to unpack . Russ Holliday, the disgraced former college quarterback, managed to keep his true identity hidden from most of the South Georgia Catfish team, but not from Ricky, Coach Hudson’s daughter and assistant coach.
As the season closed, Ricky discovered that Chad Powers was actually Russ in disguise, but she chose not to expose him, knowing the revelation would damage her father’s career and the future of the team. This cliffhanger sets the stage for a tense, drama-filled Season 2.
Steve Zahn, who plays Coach Jake Hudson, has given fans a sneak peek at what’s coming next. He revealed that the new season will explore the aftermath of the National Championship game, showing how the team and Russ/Chad handle the pressures of fame and face the consequences of their actions.
Coach Hudson’s own heart attack at the end of Season 1 adds another layer of emotional weight, with Zahn teasing that Hudson’s health will be a major storyline in the next chapter.
The show’s creators, Glen Powell and Michael Waldron, have also hinted at bigger , wilder twists in Season 2, promising more intense football action and deeper character drama.
The writing team is reportedly considering incorporating real college football programs and even bringing in cameos from well-known coaches and players, adding a fresh, authentic edge to the story.
Complex Relationships and Character Dynamics
One of the most compelling aspects of Chad Powers is the web of relationships between its characters, and Season 2 is expected to deepen these connections. The dynamic between Russ/Chad and Ricky will be at the center of the drama, with Ricky now holding the power to ruin Russ’s second chance at redemption.
Steve Zahn described their evolving relationship as “complex and fraught with tension,” suggesting that the two will navigate a delicate balance between trust, betrayal, and mutual dependence.
Ricky’s decision to keep Chad’s secret not only protects her father’s legacy but also puts her in a precarious position. She must now work alongside Russ, knowing the truth, while maintaining the illusion for the rest of the team.
Chad Powers (Credit: IMDb)
This setup opens the door for plenty of dramatic confrontations and unexpected alliances, with the potential for both personal growth and devastating fallout.
The show’s supporting cast, including Perry Mattfeld as Ricky, Quentin Plair as Coach Byrd, Wynn Everett as Tricia Yeager, and Frankie A.
Rodriguez, as Danny, will also play a crucial role in the unfolding drama. As the story moves forward, viewers can expect more layers to be added to each character, revealing hidden motivations and surprising backstories.
What’s Next: Filming, Release, and Fan Expectations
With the official renewal for Season 2 confirmed by Hulu, fans are eagerly awaiting more details about the show’s future. Filming is set to begin in January 2026, a sign that the creators have been planning the next season for some time and are ready to hit the ground running.
The showrunner, Michael Waldron, has stated that if the series follows its previous release pattern, Season 2 could premiere around October 2026.
The buzz around Chad Powers continues to grow, with fans and critics alike praising the show’s blend of sports comedy and heartfelt drama.
Glen Powell, who stars as Russ/Chad, has expressed his excitement for the next chapter, saying there’s “much more story to unfold” and teasing that the new season will push the boundaries of what viewers expect from the series.
As anticipation builds, the Chad Powers team is working to deliver a season that matches the excitement and emotional depth of the first. With Steve Zahn’s hints at more twists, deeper relationships, and high-stakes drama, Season 2 promises to be bigger, wilder, and more unpredictable than ever.
Chad Powers has quickly become one of Hulu’s most talked-about comedies, and the upcoming season is set to cement its place in the sports comedy genre. Fans can look forward to a story that balances laughs with heart, secrets with suspense, and football with family drama.
Marvel’s latest chapter, led by Avengers: Doomsday, has become a lightning rod for criticism. The film’s promotional campaign, featuring the return of Chris Evans as Steve Rogers and Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom, is being seen by many fans as a desperate attempt to recapture the glory of the early MCU days.
While nostalgia can be a powerful tool, in this case, it feels less like a heartfelt callback and more like a calculated move to distract from years of underwhelming releases and creative missteps.
The decision to bring back Steve Rogers, after what was widely accepted as a final and meaningful send-off in Avengers: Endgame, has sparked intense backlash.
Many fans feel that Marvel is undermining the journey of Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson, who took up the mantle of Captain America and proved himself worthy in his own right. Social media is filled with complaints that the studio is belittling Sam Wilson’s legacy and undoing a pivotal moment for representation and character growth.
The move is seen as a signal that Marvel values familiar faces over meaningful progression, prioritizing box office returns over genuine storytelling.
This reliance on nostalgia is not limited to casting choices. The film’s marketing and leaked trailers suggest a heavy-handed approach to fan service, with little regard for the consequences on newer characters or the franchise’s future.
Instead of building on the legacy of the MCU, Avengers: Doomsday appears to be retreating into a comfort zone, leaving fans questioning whether Marvel still dares to innovate or if it is simply coasting on past successes.
Creative Missteps and Fan Disappointment
The backlash against Avengers: Doomsday goes beyond casting. Many fans and critics are expressing concern over the film’s creative direction. The decision to make Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom a multiversal variant of Tony Stark, rather than a true villain, is viewed as a missed opportunity.
Longtime Doom fans wanted a character defined by his arrogance, ambition, and mastery of science and sorcery, not a watered-down version that borrows heavily from Iron Man’s legacy.
There are also worries about the film’s tone and pacing. With so many plotlines and characters to juggle, fans fear that the story will become overstuffed and rushed, sacrificing emotional depth for spectacle.
Avengers: Doomsday (Credit: Disney+)
The concern is that Marvel is trying to do too much, too quickly, without giving each character or storyline the attention it deserves. This could result in a film that feels more like a checklist of fan service than a cohesive narrative.
The controversies surrounding Marvel’s recent projects h ave only deepened skepticism. From the firing of X-Men ’97 showrunner Beau DeMayo amid allegations of workplace tensions and identity politics to production delays and lackluster promotion for diverse projects like Blade, Ironheart, and Echo, Marvel’s brand has taken a hit.
These issues have created a sense that the studio is more focused on protecting its image than delivering high-quality content.
What’s Next for Marvel?
As Avengers: Doomsday prepares for release, the question on everyone’s mind is: Can Marvel recover from this wave of criticism? The studio’s reputation has been built on innovation, bold storytelling, and memorable characters.
However, recent decisions suggest a shift toward risk-averse strategies and a reliance on familiar faces to draw audiences. If Marvel continues down this path, it risks alienating both longtime fans and newcomers who are looking for something fresh and meaningful.
The box office performance of Marvel’s 2025 releases has already shown signs of decline, with several films failing to meet expectations. This could force the studio to reevaluate its approach, focusing more on quality storytelling and character development rather than simply banking on nostalgia.
The future of the MCU depends on Marvel’s ability to adapt, take creative risks, and prove that it still has something valuable to offer audiences.
For now, Avengers: Doomsday stands as a symbol of Marvel’s current struggles. The film’s reliance on nostalgia, creative missteps, and fan backlash highlight the challenges facing the franchise as it enters a new era.
Whether Marvel can overcome these obstacles and regain its former glory remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the studio’s future will be defined by the choices it makes in the coming years.
