Before Captain America became a household name, Chris Evans was known for a very different Marvel role, the Human Torch. It’s easy to forget now, but back in the 2000s, when 20th Century Fox still held the reins before Disney acquired it in 2019, Evans was just starting out in his career.
Starring as the flamboyant flame-thrower in the Fantastic Four films, he was still relatively inexperienced and quite young. Those movies, despite the mixed opinions they garnered, admittedly marked a significant turning point in his life and career, shaping him into the star the fans know him today.
Chris Evans’ Marvel Role That Changed His Life, But No One Talks About!
In a recent chat with Entertainment Weekly about his career, Chris Evans reflected on his early role as the Human Torch, and his first venture into the Marvel universe. At the time, he had no way of knowing what the future held for him, but he thoroughly enjoyed the experience of making the film and working with the team.
Despite the less-than-stellar reviews the movies received, Evans has no regrets. He reminisces about those days with genuine fondness and sees them as a cherished part of his journey. He said,
It’s nothing but fond memories,–Those were a big chapter of my life. I was 23 when I did the first one, and it was my first bigger studio film. I had done a couple movies at that point, but nothing at that level. These careers are little milestones, little corners that you round. Doing that movie, you turn a corner and it just feels like it brought me to the next level of my career. I loved working with the people that were on that film. I loved the role. It was nothing but love and affection for that time.
At just 23, Chris Evans stepped into the role of the Human Torch, a character that marked his entry into the superhero realm. Back then, he was relatively unknown, but his charismatic portrayal left a lasting impression. Although his later role as Captain America dramatically shifted his career trajectory, so much so that many fans now scarcely remember his earlier work as the Torch, Evans looks back on that initial opportunity with gratitude.
He acknowledges that this being his first major film role and a departure from the norm, Fantastic Four was an important milestone in his career. One thing is clear now, Evans was always destined to be a superhero.
Joseph Quinn Has “Big Boots” to Fill as Human Torch!
As the reboot of Fantastic Four takes shape, the Stranger Things breakout star Joseph Quinn has been cast to take on the role once played by Chris Evans. Quin has openly acknowledged the challenge ahead of him, recognizing the significant shoes he has to fill as the Human Torch.
In a separate conversation with Entertainment Weekly, Quinn admitted that he’s a huge fan of Evans’ portrayal of the character and sees it as a high bar to reach. He said,
I remember really enjoying Chris Evans’s performance as Johnny in the previous films, and it felt like this would be a really exciting opportunity; I was absolutely signed up.
Although he feels nervous, his excitement far outweighs his anxiety. While he has a deep admiration for Evans’ portrayal of Johnny Storm, Quinn is also determined to make the character his own in this new reboot. As he further added,
No. I mean, you’re going to make it your own. It’s big boots [to fill].
Marvel revealed the cast for their highly anticipated Fantastic Four reboot on Valentine’s Day this year. The lineup features Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as The Thing. Additionally, Ozark and Inventing Anna star Julia Garner will bring a new twist to the classic comics character as Shalla-Bal, a fresh take on the Silver Surfer. Fans are buzzing with excitement to see the iconic team back in action.
