Chris Evans is, and will always be synonymous with one of Marvel’s greatest superheroes, Captain America. Beginning with his first standalone film in 2011 upto Avengers: Endgame in 2019, the celebrity has been an integral cog in the MCU wheel. While it is difficult to separate Evans from this character, fans will know that this was not the star’s first gig for the franchise.
In 2005, the Gifted actor was cast as Johnny Storm aka The Human Torch in Fantastic Four. In preparing for the role, Evans wanted to ensure that he understood all the nuances of the superhero well. He revealed that he did a lot of in-depth research for the part in order to be able to do full justice to it.
Chris Evans Was Determined To Make His First Marvel Role a Memorable One
Before becoming Captain America, Chris Evans took on his first superhero avatar in Fantastic Four which released in 2005. In the movie, The Gray Man actor portrayed the role of Johnny Storm aka The Human Torch. The character in the comics, gained his powers on a spacecraft bombarded by cosmic rays.
This allows him to engulf his entire body in flames, fly, absorb and control fire harmlessly into his own body. The celebrity who embodied all these qualities of the character, received praise from fans and critics for his portrayal of the superhero. This was well-deserved acclaim as he had put in a lot of work behind the scenes, by his own admission.
In a 2005 interview with CBM, the MCU actor revealed the thorough preparation and research he did to understand the various nuances of the character he was playing. Speaking of pouring over comics related to the superhero, Evans was particular that he did full justice to the role. He also wanted to ensure that ardent fans of the franchise were satisfied with his performance.
And as far as preparing, I just kind of went out and bought as many comic books as I could find. You know, you’re just aware that we’re doing something that so many people are so passionate about, you don’t want to screw it up for them. You know, I know what it’s like to love something and have it adapted to the screen and have it not work. So, none of us wanted to be a part of a disappointment.
While Fantastic Four received some negative reviews from critics, the film succeeded in achieving what the actor set out to do with regard to fan reactions. The film grossed over $330 million worldwide while also earning praise for Evans’ portrayal of The Human Torch. Yet, it is through Captain America that he attained cult status in the franchise.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier Has Chris Evans’ Heart
Marvel star Chris Evans has regaled audiences with his portrayal of Captain America in the MCU films. Having starred in the lead role in 3 solo films based on the superhero, Evans went on to become an important part of the Avengers franchise which made huge money at the box office.
When asked about which of the films in the MCU appealed to him the most, Evans chose 2014’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier as his favorite movie in his Marvel filmography. Speaking to Variety, he elaborated on why this particular film which was his second solo outing as the character, was a special experience for him.
It’s my personal favorite Marvel movie that I was a part of. It’s not just for the movie itself but the experience. The first film, I was so nervous. You know what you’re stepping into and as a result you’re playing defense and you’re playing not to lose. When ‘Winter Solider’ came around, we were playing to win.
And it’s the first movie with the Russo Brothers. We were taking more risks, and the character felt more fleshed out. It was one of the more satisfying experiences I’ve had in my Marvel run.
Evans’ choice was also echoed by Marvel buffs and critics as well. Captain America: The Winter Soldier holds an impressive 90% Tomatometer score and a 92% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Fantastic Four is streaming on Disney+.
