The Incredible Journey: How Chris Evans' Marvel Misstep Paved the Way for Captain America's Epic Rise

Summary

Chris Evans reflects on his time working on the Fantastic Four movies and how it was a helpful experience for him when he joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Evans was a perfect fit for the role of Johnny Storm as his portrayal of the character's response to having superpowers mirrors his own genuine reaction.

In upcoming MCU projects, like Deadpool 3 and Avengers: Secret Wars, there may be potential for Evans to reprise his roles as both Captain America and Johnny Storm.

Chris Evans discusses the benefits of his experience working on the Fantastic Four movies prior to becoming Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Unlike many of his fellow MCU actors, Evans had the opportunity to portray multiple Marvel superheroes, with Captain America being the more prominent role. Despite the success and recognition he gained from his MCU role, Evans acknowledges that his performance as Johnny Storm in the Fantastic Four movies was well-received and beloved by fans, even though the films themselves were not as successful.

In a GQ interview conducted before the SAG-AFTRA strike, Evans reflects on his time working on the original Fantastic Four movies and highlights the advantages it provided him as an actor, particularly in handling large budgets, performing stunts, and shooting action sequences. He also admits that playing Johnny Storm resonated with him personally, as the character's reaction to gaining superpowers aligns with how he imagines he would react in real life.

How Chris Evans Can Return To The MCU As Captain America And Johnny Storm

: My interest in comic books was not particularly strong at first - however, lately, I have delved into them quite extensively [laughs]. Back then, with the exception of the 80s and early 90s Batman and Superman, along with the rise of new superhero films like Spider-Man and the X-Men, the landscape was just beginning to change. It was an exhilarating time - Marvel hadn't yet reclaimed its name, and the film was under the wing of Fox. This project marked a significant milestone in my career, filling me with absolute delight. The role I portrayed was immensely enjoyable, brimming with vitality, and akin to the way I would have responded if bestowed with superhuman abilities. It was my first foray into performing monumental action stunts - I would arrive on set to find a sprawling expanse spanning blocks, adorned with colossal cables, explosive pyrotechnics, and vast green screens. It embodied the spectacle seen during the making of other films, rendering a realization that I was now a part of the moviemaking world, which was truly sensational. The camaraderie shared with the cast was fantastic; we had an absolute blast. This occurred in the early 2000s, a time before the advent of social media when it was common for everyone to sport a trusty Nokia flip phone. Consequently, there existed an environment wherein individuals conversed during breaks rather than being consumed by their phones. We engaged in lively discussions, and in the evenings, we socialized. It was an era of my early twenties, filled with fond memories.

Despite the upcoming Fantastic Four reboot by Marvel Studios and Sam Wilson taking the reins as Captain America, there are still opportunities for the MCU to reintroduce Evans as Steve Rogers and Johnny Storm. With the Multiverse Saga embracing the inclusion of variants from other dimensions, the perfect chance for Evans to return as the Human Torch could be in Deadpool 3. Given Deadpool 3's tendency to break the fourth wall and involve 20th Century Fox, along with potential connections to other Marvel films outside the MCU, this approach could unveil the long-hidden link between the Fantastic Four and X-Men universes.

In Avengers: Secret Wars, it would be a logical choice for both Human Torch and Captain America to have Evans reprise his roles, allowing him to portray two characters in the same film. For Steve, there are two possibilities within the MCU - he could return as a past version through time travel or as a variant from a world where he didn't retire or turned evil. It would also bring comedic value to see Johnny and any version of Steve cross paths and question why their respective counterparts are different superheroes in their worlds.

There is a strong possibility that Evans may make his return as Captain America in Deadpool 3, potentially as a secret cameo that is being kept under wraps. If Evans doesn't return at all, it doesn't diminish his significant contribution and impact as Captain America. Only time will tell if Evans will reprise his roles as Captain America or the Human Torch, but hopefully, the MCU will find a way to make it happen before The Multiverse Saga concludes.

Source: GQ