Chris Evans might be known best for his role of Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but has made quite a name for himself outside the realm of the superhero verse. One of the most talented actors in the film industry today, the actor had humble beginnings as a kid from Boston.
While his starting in the film industry was not easy and came with several setbacks, it was Marvel’s first Fantastic Four movies that gave him the much-needed breakthrough. Yet, it was also the role that put his Captain America casting in jeopardy, nearly making him lose the role.
Fantastic Four Helped Turn Chris Evans’ Life Turn Around
When the 2005 movie Fantastic Four was released, it received a mediocre response, and currently has a 28% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Although fans seemed to love the movie and even its sequel, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, the movies were seen more of a failed attempt at bringing Marvel’s first family to the big screen.
Yet despite the critical response it received, Chris Evans is eternally grateful for the movies and the paycheck that came with it. Starring as the Human Torch aka Johnny Storm, the actor in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter‘s podcast remarked,
“That was back when the superhero thing was just taking off… You try to remember the moments in your life when you get those phone calls to get a job and I’m ashamed to admit that I can’t always remember getting those calls but that one I remember. There was a lot of other personal things. I think I had just been dumped. I needed a win. I remember getting that phone call and just thinking, ‘Aw, yes!’ It was really a role that I enjoyed, it was the best paycheck I had ever gotten. It felt like a little bit of a corner had been turned and maybe I could parlay this into something else.”
While the movies and the role helped make him a star and got him out of the jitters following a bad breakup, Evans’ feat as Johnny Storm nearly cost him his other and even more famous Marvel role of Captain America.
Fantastic Four Nearly Made Chris Evans’ Lose Captain America
Chris Evans might have played a Marvel superhero twice, but it is his second outing that will forever remain iconic and overshadow his first feat. Despite being apprehensive and nervous about entering a franchise deal with Marvel, Evans recalls it as one of the best decisions of his life (via THR).
Yet, he might have never donned the blue, white, and red suit and swung the vibranium shield, or even picked up Thor’s hammer, had Kevin Feige given into his fears. While talking to The Hollywood Reporter, Feige recalled how Marvel Studios was initially not keen on casting him due to his role of Johnny Storm.
After much deliberation and talks, Feige finally followed his heart and rang Chris Evans. Although the actor did not sign up at once, Evans’ acceptance of the role and Feige’s persistence eventually led to one of the best castings that Marvel Studios has ever made.
The entire MCU and the Fantastic Four movies can be streamed on Disney+.
