In a cinematic universe where surprises are the norm, Deadpool & Wolverine stands out as one of the most adventurous Marvel movies to date. The film, loaded with unexpected cameos and timeline-crossing shenanigans, delighted fans with its humor and action-packed sequences. But one moment in particular had audiences gasping: the return of Chris Evans. However, it wasn’t as straightforward as fans anticipated.
Chris Evans’ Shocking Return: Not Captain America, But Johnny Storm!
Amid the chaos and the continuous bombardment of Easter eggs, one scene had fans on the edge of their seats. Chris Evans, draped in a mysterious cloak, emerges with a beard and a rugged appearance. Fans in the theater erupted with excitement, many believing that Captain America was back, perhaps as an alternate universe version of Steve Rogers.
As the scene unfolds, Deadpool himself, portrayed with unmatchable wit by Ryan Reynolds, shares in the excitement, almost breaking the fourth wall with his anticipation of Evans’ character delivering the iconic “Avengers Assemble!” line. But the twist that follows leaves everyone, including Deadpool, in disbelief. Evans’ character yells, “Flame On,” and in a fiery display, reveals himself not as Captain America, but as Johnny Storm, the Human Torch from Fantastic Four.
The Writers’ Intention: A Deliberate Mislead
In an interview with IndieWire, the co-writers of Deadpool & Wolverine revealed their intention behind this deceptive scene. The idea was to play on the audience’s expectations and nostalgia. The writers, Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, knew that fans would naturally jump to the conclusion that Evans was reprising his role as Captain America. But, as Reese explained:
“There’s that one moment where Captain America — or, well, who you think is Captain America — actually turns out to be Johnny Storm. It was our way of having fun with the audience’s expectations.”
The scene was crafted to make fans second-guess themselves. Was this a different Captain America from another timeline? Or was there something more unexpected at play? The subtle clues, like the unexpected swear word from Evans’ character, were there to signal that this wasn’t the Steve Rogers we all knew.
The Road Not Taken: Could Nomad Have Made an Appearance?
While Johnny Storm’s surprise appearance added a layer of humor and unpredictability to the film, the possibility of another Captain America variant wasn’t completely off the table. In Marvel Comics, Captain America has taken on several identities, one of the most iconic being Nomad.
Who is Nomad? A Brief History of Captain America’s Alter Ego
In December 1974, Marvel Comics introduced Nomad in Captain America #180. This storyline saw Steve Rogers becoming disillusioned with the American government after discovering that a high-ranking official was the leader of a terrorist organization, the Secret Empire. Feeling betrayed, Rogers abandons the Captain America mantle and adopts the identity of Nomad, a hero without a country.
This storyline remains one of the most memorable arcs in Captain America’s history. Had the writers of Deadpool & Wolverine chosen to introduce Nomad, it would have made for an equally iconic, albeit different, cameo. The notion that fans initially believed Evans was portraying a Nomad variant of Captain America makes sense given the character’s history and the MCU’s exploration of alternate timelines.
The Legacy of Deadpool & Wolverine
With its unexpected twists and cleverly orchestrated misleads, Deadpool & Wolverine has cemented itself as a film that keeps the audience guessing. Chris Evans’ return, albeit not as the Cap fans expected, is a testament to the film’s ability to subvert expectations while still delivering moments that resonate with the audience.
The movie’s success is reflected in its ratings, with an impressive 8.1/10 on IMDb and 78% on Rotten Tomatoes. Fans across the globe are flocking to theaters to witness these jaw-dropping moments firsthand.
Whether as Johnny Storm or a potential Nomad, Chris Evans’ cameo will be remembered as one of the most talked-about moments in recent superhero cinema history. As Deadpool & Wolverine continues to dominate the box office, fans are left wondering what other surprises Marvel has up its sleeve.
Deadpool & Wolverine is currently screening in theaters nationwide. Don’t miss your chance to see the unexpected unfold on the big screen.
