Chris Evans may be swapping his vibranium shield for a lightsaber—or something equally cinematic—if the latest industry whispers prove true. According to insider Daniel Richtman, Lucasfilm is eyeing the Captain America star for a still-unrevealed project within the Star Wars Universe. Whether it’s a theatrical release or a Disney+ series, the potential crossover is already stirring the fandom pot.
Evans isn’t new to navigating franchise multiverses. In 2024, he reprised his 2005 Fantastic Four role as Johnny Storm in Deadpool & Wolverine—a cameo Richtman himself had flagged two years earlier. Now, the question isn’t whether Evans could pull off Star Wars—that’s almost a given—but whether Marvel Studios will loosen their grip long enough for him to moonlight in another Disney powerhouse. His possible jump comes as the MCU’s 2026 tentpole Avengers: Doomsday teases a return for Robert Downey Jr., now reimagined as Doctor Doom, leaving fans speculating if Steve Rogers’ story is truly finished.
On the Lucasfilm side, the production slate is anything but empty. The Mandalorian & Grogu lands in theaters on May 22, 2026, kicking off a new wave of big-screen Star Wars. Shawn Levy’s Star Wars: Starfighter, starring Ryan Gosling and Mia Goth, is locked for a 2027 release. Daisy Ridley’s New Jedi Order and James Mangold’s Dawn of the Jedi remain in development, alongside series expansions like Ahsoka Season 2 and the much-whispered-about Obi-Wan Kenobi return.
If Evans joins, he’d be stepping into a well-trodden corridor. The crossover club is already crowded: Natalie Portman (Padmé Amidala / Jane Foster), Samuel L. Jackson (Mace Windu / Nick Fury), Oscar Isaac (Poe Dameron / Moon Knight), Lupita Nyong’o (Maz Kanata / Nakia), Hannah John-Kamen (First Order Officer / Ghost), Paul Bettany (Dryden Vos / Vision), Pedro Pascal (Din Djarin / Reed Richards), Taika Waititi (director/actor in both worlds), Kumail Nanjiani (Haja Estree / Kingo), Emilia Clarke (Qi’ra / G’iah), and Dafne Keen (Jecki Lon / X-23). It’s less a rare occurrence than a rite of passage for modern franchise actors.
There’s a business logic to it. For Lucasfilm, attaching an MCU heavyweight is instant credibility with mainstream audiences; for Evans, it’s a chance to reinvent himself within another cultural juggernaut without the burden of carrying its entire continuity. The real challenge lies in role selection. Miscast him, and it’s another “stunt cameo” lost in the streaming churn. Get it right, and you’ve got the kind of long-term character that bridges generational fanbases.
I’ve seen this game before—back when Star Wars casting news could headline the trades for a week instead of an afternoon. Now, the conversation burns fast. Evans’ name will trend, the rumor will either fade or crystallize, and by the time The Mandalorian & Grogu hits in 2026, the next casting storm will already be brewing. Still, if there’s one thing Star Wars thrives on—aside from endless desert planets—it’s the power of a well-timed surprise.
Why Chris Evans Could Change the Star Wars Casting Game
- From Super Soldier to Galactic Figure
Evans’ MCU legacy as Captain America brings instant gravitas to any sci-fi or fantasy role, making him a valuable asset for Lucasfilm’s upcoming projects. - Fits the Franchise Crossover Trend
Many actors—from Portman to Pascal—have successfully navigated roles in both Marvel and Star Wars, proving audiences embrace multi-franchise performers. - Strategic Release Alignment
With The Mandalorian & Grogu debuting in May 2026 and other films in 2027, Lucasfilm has the runway to introduce Evans in a high-profile way. - Potential to Avoid “One-and-Done” Syndrome
If cast in a meaningful, recurring role, Evans could anchor a new era of Star Wars storytelling instead of being a blink-and-you-miss-it cameo. - Industry Buzz Factor
Even without confirmation, Evans’ rumored involvement keeps Star Wars in the headlines during a competitive, IP-driven market.
So—shield down, blaster up? Or will this be another casting rumor that fades into the void?
