Chris Evans is contracted to play Captain America through "Avengers 4," and then, the actor says, it's up to Marvel whether he continues or not.

Last week, a bruised and tired Evans told Esquire he was ready to quit since his contract was up. According to the article, "He's hurting all over because he just started his workout routine the day before to get in shape for the next two Captain America films. The movies will be shot back to back beginning in April."

But while out promoting his new film "Gifted" this week, he told Collider it's hard to think of giving up playing the iconic red-white-and-blue character: "It's really not up to me. My contract is up. I'm not going to sit here and say, 'No more.' I love the character. The only reason it would end is 'cause my contract is up."

He added, "Talk to Marvel. If we engage further, I'd be open to it. I love the character. It's almost like high school. You certainly always look to senior year, and then, all of a sudden, senior year happens and you're like, 'I don't know if I'm ready to go.' It's tough thinking about not playing the guy."

If Evans doesn't come back as Cap, there are ready-made options to replace him. In the comics, both Winter Solider Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) and Falcon Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) pick up Cap's shield at some point.

Per Movieweb, Stan teased that it might already happen in "Avengers: Infinity War" by sharing an Instagram photo a few months ago of him carrying a shield very similar to Cap's.

Since each "Captain America" movie has made more money than the last -- "Captain America: Civil War" earned $408 million just in the U.S. -- it seems unlikely Marvel wouldn't jump at the chance to continue such a profitable relationship.

Fans have probably already started petitions to keep Evans on as true blue Steve Rogers.