Chris Evans Says Goodbye to Captain America After Wrapping Avengers 4

Chris Evans has made no secret of the fact that his days as Captain America are numbered, but as of today, it appears he’s officially hung up the shield.

“Playing this role over the last 8 years has been an honor,” Evans tweeted Thursday, appearing to confirm that Avengers 4, out next year, will mark his last appearance as the patriotic superhero.

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.

— Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) October 4, 2018

The news follows months of moves on Evans’ part signaling the end of his Captain America run. In a March profile with the New York Times, a mustached Evans, there to promote his Broadway debut in a production of Kenneth Lonergan’s Lobby Hero, said, “You want to get off the train before they push you off.” Last month, Evans was also announced to be making his TV return as star and executive producer of Apple series Defending Jacob, his first regular series role in over two decades.

This is the first time, though, that Evans has commented on his long-anticipated exit from the Marvel Cinematic Universe with its Avengers: Infinity War follow-up. Marvel Cinematic Universe mainstays like Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Hemsworth, whose contracts are up with the forthcoming Avengers installment, are also expected to leave alongside Evans.

Fans left Infinity War with a sense that big changes were coming to the Marvel universe, and it looks like those changes are finally coming to pass. They can enjoy one last ride, though, when Avengers 4 arrives next May.