Chris Evans, Jennifer Garner surprise Comic-Con fans during ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ panel

Warning: This article contains spoilers about Deadpool & Wolverine.

Chris Evans has officially returned to the Marvel Cinematic Universe — and Comic-Con.

The former Captain America appears in Deadpool & Wolverine in a massive twist: Not as Steve Rogers, but as his Fantastic Four character, Johnny Storm, 17 years after he last played the character.

And to celebrate the full circle moment, Evans came out as a surprise along with other cameo guest stars during the film’s panel at Comic-Con 2024 in San Diego on Thursday night after Hall H attendees were treated to a screening of the Marvel movie.

When the screening ended, Ryan Reynolds welcomed Evans, Dafne Keen, Jennifer Garner, Channing Tatum, and Wesley Snipes onstage with Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin, director Shawn Levy, and Marvel boss Kevin Feige.

Jackman and Keen shared a sweet hug before the rest of the stars began embracing and smiling too. Garner was wearing an Elektra-red dress, Tatum was wearing a Gambit t-shirt, and Reynolds introduced Snipes as “my good friend.” 

Deadpool & Wolverine resurrects the former Marvel characters from their pre-MCU days: Garner’s Elektra from 2003’s Daredevil and 2005’s Elektra, Tatum’s failed Gambit movie, and Snipes from his Blade trilogy (in which Reynolds appeared in 2004’s Blade: Trinity).

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“If there was any doubt that movies are better with a crowd … that was one of the best movie experiences of my life,” Feige said during the panel.

“That was the best movie experience of my life, from 2015 to now,” Reynolds added. “I was a mess; I’m soaking wet. It is an enormous honor and a privilege standing up here next to the X-Man, Hugh Jackman.”

“I agree, Kevin — for me, that was one of the most incredible experiences of my life,” Jackman said. “I feel so privileged to have watched it all with you. It’s been 24 years since I first played Wolverine. Thank you everyone. Shawn and Ryan, thank you for giving me a reason to come back.”

Deadpool & Wolverine is now playing in theaters.