The Marvel Cinematic Universe has been around for some time now. There have been 22 films over ten years - with many of Marvel's more obscure heroes making their way to the forefront. With the likes of the X-Men and (for a little while) Spider-Man being owned by other studios, they had to make the best of what they got.

This led to Iron Man being their first release in 2008, a movie which was not only successful, but helped to launch an entire universe of characters who could cross over in other movies. After The Avengers was a smash hit at the box office, earning over $1 billion, the stage was set for the rest of their movies to dominate cinemas for years to come.

One character that surprised many was Steve Rogers, aka Captain America. While many rolled their eyes at the superhero literally draped in the US flag when he first entered the fray, in 2011's Captain America: The First Avenger, he soon won over the hearts of millions. By now, he's had three of his own films and starred in three Avengers movies to boot. However, even the lengthy multi-movie contracts the MCU's actors sign come to an end at some point.

Next year we will see the as-of-yet untitled Avengers 4, the sequel to this year's Avengers: Infinity War, which will close off the story that has been told across all these movies. Seeing as Chris Evans' contract has run out, and with the finish line within sight, many has predicted that Captain America may not be making it out alive.

Evans confirmed in a profile for the New York Times earlier this year that he in fact "has no plans" to return to the series after Avengers 4, making it seem as if the reshoots in September will be the last time he gets to play the character. "You want to get off the train before they push you off," he said at the time.

It's unclear whether he was 100% honest here, as it has been known for actors to negotiate through the press by saying things such as this - Robert Downey Jr. looked like he'd be done after Iron Man 3, but got a nifty pay rise and appeared in more after that trilogy came to an end. Now, however, Evans has heavily implied that he will not be playing the star-spangled man any longer.

In a tweet posted on Thursday, he said:

"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."

Many have taken this to mean that he is hanging up the shield, and Twitter reacted accordingly - with even Deadpool actor Ryan Reynolds getting a little emotional.

And some think this may spell doom for the character in Avengers 4.

Either way - we'll have to wait until next year to find out!

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has been around for some time now. There have been 22 films over ten years - with many of Marvel's more obscure heroes making their way to the forefront. With the likes of the X-Men and (for a little while) Spider-Man being owned by other studios, they had to make the best of what they got.

This led to Iron Man being their first release in 2008, a movie which was not only successful, but helped to launch an entire universe of characters who could cross over in other movies. After The Avengers was a smash hit at the box office, earning over $1 billion, the stage was set for the rest of their movies to dominate cinemas for years to come.

One character that surprised many was Steve Rogers, aka Captain America. While many rolled their eyes at the superhero literally draped in the US flag when he first entered the fray, in 2011's Captain America: The First Avenger, he soon won over the hearts of millions. By now, he's had three of his own films and starred in three Avengers movies to boot. However, even the lengthy multi-movie contracts the MCU's actors sign come to an end at some point.

Next year we will see the as-of-yet untitled Avengers 4, the sequel to this year's Avengers: Infinity War, which will close off the story that has been told across all these movies. Seeing as Chris Evans' contract has run out, and with the finish line within sight, many has predicted that Captain America may not be making it out alive.

Evans confirmed in a profile for the New York Times earlier this year that he in fact "has no plans" to return to the series after Avengers 4, making it seem as if the reshoots in September will be the last time he gets to play the character. "You want to get off the train before they push you off," he said at the time.

It's unclear whether he was 100% honest here, as it has been known for actors to negotiate through the press by saying things such as this - Robert Downey Jr. looked like he'd be done after Iron Man 3, but got a nifty pay rise and appeared in more after that trilogy came to an end. Now, however, Evans has heavily implied that he will not be playing the star-spangled man any longer.

In a tweet posted on Thursday, he said:

"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."

Many have taken this to mean that he is hanging up the shield, and Twitter reacted accordingly - with even Deadpool actor Ryan Reynolds getting a little emotional.

And some think this may spell doom for the character in Avengers 4.

Either way - we'll have to wait until next year to find out!