Which MCU Character Should Take Captain America's Place If Chris Evans Leaves?

Chris Evans just wrapped up filming Avengers 4, and after an emotional post, people are left wondering what's next for Captain America.

Marvel / Via marvel.com

Chris Evans just left us with this emotional tweet after shooting for Avengers 4

Chris Evans @ChrisEvans

Officially wrapped on Avengers 4. It was an emotional day to say the least. Playing this role over the last 8 years has been an honor. To everyone in front of the camera, behind the camera, and in the audience, thank you for the memories! Eternally grateful.

05:11 PM - 04 Oct 2018

Twitter / Via Twitter: @ChrisEvans

Evans has mentioned leaving the MCU after Avengers 4

Ah yes, the infamous Marvel contract. After the release of Age of Ultron, Evans is set to return to the Marvel fold three more times, in 2016's Captain America: Civil War, and in the two-part Avengers: Infinity War in 2018 and 2019. And then that’s it. "So halfway through!" he says, throwing up his arms in his trailer with an enormous grin. "I mean, I'm going to miss these when they're done. I really will. This has been a lot of fun, and they're only getting more fun. Especially because there's a trust in Marvel that you're going to make something good. It would really be lousy to be stuck in a contract knowing that you're making shit. And I just don't feel that way. It's really a blessing that this kind of fell in my lap. Sometimes you don't really feel deserving of it. But I'll take it."

This has led to speculation that perhaps Cap would die in Avengers 4

Marvel

And, if so, who would wield the shield next?

Marvel / Via marvel.com

Black Widow

Marvel / Via marvel.com

For awhile now, Black Widow has been on the back of people's minds for a film project. And Earth without Captain America would definitely put Black Widow in the forefront of Avengers leadership. Although most people would probably want a Black Widow movie rather than her being Captain America, she is certainly worthy of being given Steve's shield.

Falcon

Marvel / Via marvel.com

One favorite to wield Captain America's shield is Falcon. In the comics, Sam Wilson was in fact chosen by Steve Rogers himself to be his replacement. Although I'm not sure Marvel would want Falcon's use of wings to be replaced by a shield, among the present list of characters in the cinematic universe, only Falcon and Bucky Barnes have taken the mantle of Captain America, and we know that Marvel takes after the comics.

Bucky Barnes

Marvel / Via marvel.com

As someone who started being Steve Roger's sidekick in the comics, I think it would be poetic justice for the Bucky Barnes to become the next Captain America in the MCU. We know that Shuri has already cured the Winter Soldier from Hydra's control, and Cap's been trying to save him for most of the films.

Iron Patriot

Marvel / Via marvel.com

Among the present characters with the Avengers, noone epitomizes the goodness of Captain America than James Rhodes. Filling the gap to become the government appointed successor likely wouldn't be a hard decision either, given War Machine's track record. Plus, it would be a great evolution for his character.

Hawkeye

Marvel / Via comicstore.marvel.com

Clint Barton is another favorite to become the next Captain America. And with a great actor like Jeremy Renner playing America's quintessential hero, I think Marvel could get around to trying it. Last time we got a glimpse of Hawkeye, he was considered vigilante after the events of Civil War, and in the event of Steve Rogers putting his life on the line, it would be wonderful for him to turn into Captain America instead of Ronin.

Or he can just stay

Marvel / Via marvel.com

Not disregarding the idea that perhaps the shield could be retired and not have another Captain America with the Avengers, I'd say the best idea is for Marvel to find a way to extend Chris Evans' contract so that he stays on. Afterall, they figured it out with RDJ. Plus the Fantastic Four are coming into the mix soon, and someone better stop the Hulk and Thing from butting heads.

Marvel / Via marvel.com