Some Marvel Stars Will Leave After 'Avengers 4'

Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige has often spoke about the next Avengers movies being the end of an era in the cinematic universe.

The new profile of Marvel Studios in this month's issue of Vanity Fair addresses the inevitable changing of the guard after Avengers 4, with the contracts for many of the main players being fulfilled.

Each of the actors of the core members from Earth's Mightiest Heroes will have fulfilled their Marvel duties after the release of 2019's epic crossover film, including Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, and Jeremy Renner.

Of course, it doesn't specifically state who is going to be exiting the Marvel Cinematic Universe after that film — and no one wants to spoil the events of Avengers: Infinity War or its sequel — it wouldn't be surprising to see one or more of those characters dying on screen.

But there's also the possibility of the actors sticking around, depending on the capacity. Hemsworth seems to have a renewed interest in the franchise after the experience making Thor: Ragnarok with director Taika Waititi. Johansson could probably be convinced if Feige finally gives her a solo Black Widow movie. And Downey Jr. could be open to smaller appearances akin to Iron Man's inclusion in Spider-Man: Homecoming.

It might be harder to get Evans to stick around for another appearance as Captain America. He has previously stated he wants to get behind the camera in future projects and try his hand at directing. And while a Marvel Universe without Captain America seems almost sacrilegious, there is a precedent to have someone else take the mantle, such as Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) and Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie).

Feige does have a plan for the future of Marvel Studios, as it's said they're currently working on many different movies to take the superhero universe in many different directions, including possible spinoffs for the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise.

Avengers: Infinity War is scheduled to premiere in theaters on May 4, 2018.