Robert Downey Jr and Chris Evans might not have started in the MCU together, but they left at the same time after finishing their work as Iron Man and Captain America in Avengers: Endgame.
Now, the godfather of the MCU himself, RDJ, is talking about retiring his jersey along with Evans, proving that despite the fact their characters clashed on-screen, there’s a lot of brotherly love for each other off-screen.
According to ComicBook.Com, Downey revealed why he and Evans had to leave the MCU in an interview with Disney Twenty-Three magazine.
“We had to get off. We opted to, and knew it was part of the job to get off the bus while it rolled on to other destinations.”
“There’s something very sobering about it. I’m glad he and I will be there to welcome others as they retire their jerseys.”
The pair knew they’d have to finish their work with Marvel at some point, and for Downey, it involved Tony Stark sacrificing himself for the rest of the world in a heroic death at the end of Endgame.
For Evans, Steve Rogers got to actually live his life, passing his Captain America shield to Anthony Mackie’s Falcon.
It was initially predicted by fans that it would be Steve who died in Endgame as Evans spoke about leaving the MCU after Avengers 4 for a long time.
Downey has previously spoken to Off Camera about wanting to distance himself from the character of Tony Stark, saying he didn’t want to get too comfortable in the role and forget that he’s not actually the superhero he plays.
Evans has been very open about wanting to follow Stark’s lead and start a family with someone.
Downey also told the Disney magazine that he will be looking to his fellow Avengers stars for real-life hero inspiration.
“I really don’t need to look any farther than my co-stars. Mark Ruffalo is an activist, Chris Evans is a diehard American and proponent of true democracy. I don’t really have the gumption, the skill set, the drive, or the humility either of those guys do.”
Now they’re “off the bus”, both actors have other projects lined up with Downey’s next film being The Voyage of Doctor Dolittle which co-stars Spider-Man actor Tom Holland. Evans will star in Knives Out with Daniel Craig.