The Marvel Cinematic Universe is the highest-grossing film franchise of all time, and for good reason. It features a diverse cast of characters, exciting action sequences, and heartwarming stories. However, the popularity of the MCU today can be largely attributed to the indomitable spirit of Captain America and the charismatic genius of Iron Man.

Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr.
Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr. played two of the most important characters in the franchise, and they helped to make the MCU the success that it is today. Recently, Joanna Robinson, the writer of MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios talks about what Kevin Feige thought of any replacement when they would leave the franchise.

Kevin Feige Knew the Key Players Would Eventually Leave

The unparalleled performances of Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr. have elevated the MCU to unparalleled heights, leaving an enduring mark on the world of cinema and securing their places as two of the greatest superheroes in film history.

Evans and Downey Jr. have both since left the MCU, but their legacy remains. However, President Kevin Feige already knew that they would have left the franchise one day as the MCU evolved.
Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr.
Joanna Robinson, the writer of MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios said in his book:
“[Marvel] had a plan. They’re like we know we’re losing our varsity players, we know they’re leaving. So they’re seating in Paul Rudd [and] Benedict Cumberbatch. They put Chadwick Boseman in a really prominent important place. They put Brie Larson in.”
Kevin Feige earlier in an interview with GQ admitted how these two worked as a foundation of the studio.

Chadwick Boseman Thought of Becoming the Future of MCU

Chadwick Boseman’s first appearance as Black Panther was in Captain America: Civil War. His character quickly became one of the most popular in the franchise. He then starred in his own solo film, Black Panther, in 2018. Boseman reprised his role as Black Panther in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.

As the main force behind the MCU’s success, Chris Evans or Robert Downey Jr. decided to leave the franchise, Chadwick Boseman had in his mind that he and some others would be the leading faces in the MCU.
Chadwick Boseman in Black Panther
In the new book, MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios, author Joanna Robinson cited:
“[Chadwick Boseman] told me the story about how on the set of Endgame, he and Brie Larson and Tom Holland sat around and talked about how they were the future of Marvel and how exciting that was for them.”
He also added:
“[Then] you look at the breakdown between the Sony-Marvel deal over Spider-Man, you look at Chad Boseman passing away, and you look at Brie Larson either not being a great fit or just, you know, being damaged by toxic fandom. So many factors came into play that sort of knocked their plan out [from] under them.”
Chadwick Boseman passed away in 2020 leaving a remarkable legacy in the franchise and his death somehow derailed MCU’s plan.