The one role Chris Evans regrets missing out on
In recent years, Chris Evans has transformed into the epitome of the amiable leading man. Whether portraying the lovable jerk in Scott Pilgrim vs the World or the antagonistic family member in Knives Out, Evans has maintained an undeniable charm in every role. Despite his willingness to explore diverse characters, he acknowledges that one role stands out as particularly significant.
Before gaining recognition for his iconic roles, Evans secured a position in one of the most prominent superhero franchises that a young actor could aspire to join. Transitioning from teen movies, he assumed the role of Johnny Storm, a significant hero in the Marvel Universe.
Before the Marvel Cinematic Universe evolved into the cinematic powerhouse it is today, Evans was among the first to portray one of the popular Fantastic Four onscreen, co-starring with Jessica Alba as his sister, Sue Storm. Despite receiving mixed reviews from both comic book enthusiasts and critics, it didn’t take long for Evans to find a new home within the Marvel universe.
Although Captain America was a significant breakthrough for Evans, it may come as a surprise to some that he initially turned down the role. “They wanted a six-picture deal, and the worry about a six-picture deal is that it can potentially be spread out over 10 years,” he told Playboy in 2012. “So you’re making a decision for the next ten years of your life. Films typically work one at a time. If one movie explodes and your life changes, you’re afforded the opportunity to take a break, if you need it, to get your head back on straight. The fear I had was that I was compromising this control.”
In the same interview, Evans was also asked whether there was anybody on set he would trade places with. “God, yeah, absolutely,” he answered. “Pretty much anybody, though some days Robert Downey would have to get into the Iron Man suit, and that looks pretty difficult. But outside of that, the Thor costume looks pretty comfortable. The Hulk has a great deal. Whenever he Hulks out, he just wears those little green CGI jumpsuits. It looks comfy as hell.”
Although Evans clearly appreciated his contributions to the Marvel universe, there’s one separate role that he didn’t get—one that he regrets missing out on: “I remember I really wanted that movie Fracture that Ryan Gosling ended up doing,” he admitted. “I had a really good audition, and the director and I had gotten along incredibly well. He called me and said, ‘Listen, you’re my guy for this thing.’ But Ryan was on the way up as well, and I think he just read it and liked it. And Anthony Hopkins was in it. You can’t beat working with him.”
Although Evans missed out on the seminal Fracture role, he continues to be grateful for being able to bring Steve Rogers to life on screen. He explained that it was one of his biggest career accomplishments in an interview with Timeout, saying: “I’m sure there will be some tears when I have to hang up the suit. [Playing Captain America] has been the best decision I’ve ever made in my life.”