Summary

Chris Evans, best known for playingCaptain America, cheekily admits that some of his recent film roles have been so questionable that they’ve practically torched his career.

Many actors ride the superhero wave to long-term fame, but not all manage to stay afloat once the cape comes off. Chris Evans stepped away fromCaptain AmericaafterAvengers: Endgamein 2019, and like Tom Holland and Paul Rudd, he’s struggled to match that level of success outside the Marvel spotlight. The challenge often lies in shaking off the superhero image, navigating typecasting, and competing with the continued dominance of comic book films. For some stars, escaping their iconic role proves more challenging than saving the world.

Chris Evans recently reflected on his latest roles with a rare dose of honesty. While his post-Marvel career hasn’t quite soared like his days asCaptain America, he may be eyeing a comeback withMaterialists, a sharp romantic comedy starringMadame Web’sDakota JohnsonandMCU’s Fantastic Four star Pedro Pascal. During a playful moment in a recent interview, the cast was asked whether they’d rather revisit their most embarrassing interviews or be allowed to choose each other’s future films. Evans didn’t hesitate to joke that he’d cast both Johnson and Pascal in his own projects, just to “ruin both those careers,” he quipped with a laugh.

Post-MCU, Chris Evans wowed audiences as the smug antagonist inKnives Out, but his career momentum quickly faltered. He leaned into darker roles inThe Gray ManandPain Hustlers, admitting he enjoys playing villains because it offers more creative freedom. Still, despite his enthusiasm, the projects haven’t landed.The Gray Man, a star-studded Netflix thriller from the Russo Brothers, fizzled despite its massive budget.Pixar’sLightyearoffered a brief spark, but underperformed at the box office. Meanwhile,GhostedandRed Onedrew lukewarm receptions. Evans has even confessed he doesn’t feel like a “movie star” but more like a bystander in his own filmography. The former Captain America clearly needs a stronger team behind him, as his recent roles fall short of his talent.

Chris Evans recently opened up about his surprise return as theHuman Torch inDeadpool & Wolverine, calling the cameo a joy. He shared that revisiting Johnny Storm felt meaningful, especially since he has a soft spot for the character and would jump at any chance to collaborate with Ryan Reynolds. Evans described shouting “Flame on!” again as a moment of pure nostalgia. However, the actor appears ready to close that chapter for good when it comes toCaptain America. While he called the role deeply cherished and one of his all-time favorites, Evans clarified that some stories are better left untouched.

Another reunion with Ryan Reynolds could be a win for Marvel, especially since Evans’ surprise appearances inFree GuyandDeadpool & Wolverinestand out as some of his strongest post-Endgame moments. As buzz continues around Chris Evans potentially suiting up again,possibly forAvengers: DoomsdayorSecret Wars, fans still cling to theories about a twisted HYDRA version of Cap joining forces with Doctor Doom. Marvel hasn’t confirmed anything yet, but the multiverse keeps those rumors alive.