Overview
- Chris Evans has faced challenges in sustaining his stardom after the MCU, lacking opportunities that highlight his acting range.
- In contrast, Sebastian Stan has embraced a variety of roles outside the MCU, demonstrating substantial growth in his craft.
- For Evans to successfully move beyond his Captain America persona, he needs to take cues from Stan and pursue more varied and ambitious roles.
Chris Evans and Sebastian Stan made their notable introductions in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) with the release of Captain America: The First Avenger in 2011. Portraying Steve Rogers/Captain America and Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier respectively, both actors made significant contributions to the franchise over multiple phases, culminating in the blockbuster Avengers: Endgame. However, in the five years following that monumental film, their career trajectories have diverged significantly, with one actor refining his technique through diverse roles while the other has struggled to maintain his cinematic status.
Since stepping away from his iconic role as Steve Rogers, Chris Evans has not fully realized his acting potential. While he delivered an impressive performance in Rian Johnson’s Knives Out, subsequent projects such as Lightyear, The Gray Man, Ghosted, and the more recent Red One have, unfortunately, failed to bolster his reputation or showcase his versatility. This is in stark contrast to fellow MCU star Robert Downey Jr., who achieved an Academy Award for his role in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer and received an Emmy nomination for The Sympathizer.
On the other hand, Sebastian Stan has continuously demonstrated his commitment to evolving as an actor. Despite his ongoing involvement in the MCU, his forays into other projects reveal a dedication to diverse storytelling, with standout performances in acclaimed roles such as the Emmy-nominated portrayal in the miniseries Pam & Tommy and films like Dumb Money and A Different Man. His portrayal of a young Donald Trump in The Apprentice garnered considerable attention and acclaim, showcasing his ability to take on complex characters.
What Defines a Movie Star?
In 2022, renowned filmmaker Quentin Tarantino ignited debate regarding the status of MCU actors as true movie stars during an appearance on the “2 Bears, 1 Cave” podcast. He remarked:
“Part of the Marvel-ization of Hollywood is…you have all these actors who have become famous playing these characters […] But they’re not movie stars. Right? Captain America is the star. Or Thor is the star. I mean, I’m not the first person to say that. I think that’s been said a zillion times […] but it’s like, you know, it’s these franchise characters that become a star.”
Chris Evans echoed Tarantino’s perspective in a 2023 interview with GQ, acknowledging the tendency for characters to overshadow the actors:
“That was the beauty of working on Marvel films. You never really had to be front and center […] Even in your own films sometimes. Quentin Tarantino said it recently and I was like, you know, he’s right. The character is the star. You’re there, but you don’t feel the burden of it.”
The irony lies in the fact that while Evans appears to resonate with Tarantino’s viewpoint, his post-Endgame career choices indicate a desire to be recognized as an A-list action star. His latest role in a project alongside Dwayne Johnson exemplifies this ambition. However, by immersing himself in films of lesser impact, he seems to overlook the benefits of exploring roles that embody greater complexity, similar to those pursued by Sebastian Stan.
In addition to his main roles, Evans has made brief appearances in films like Free Guy, Don’t Look Up, and Deadpool & Wolverine, where he reprised his role as Johnny Storm from the earlier Fantastic Four films. While these guest spots provided fun fan service, including a notable cameo this summer, they underscore the need for Evans to achieve a more substantial film success amidst rumors of his return for an undisclosed role in Avengers: Doomsday.
Some may draw parallels between his comeback and Robert Downey Jr.’s return in the role of Doctor Doom; however, Downey’s impressive performance in Oppenheimer had already solidified his status as a versatile actor. Conversely, Evans has yet to replicate such significant post-MCU accomplishments, aside from his notable performance in Knives Out, where he portrayed a morally ambiguous character that starkly contrasts with the virtuous Steve Rogers.
Seeking Inspiration from Bucky
As Avengers: Doomsday gears up for filming in Spring 2025, Chris Evans is poised to reconnect with Sebastian Stan on set. If he seeks to broaden his career beyond the MCU, taking a cue from Stan regarding choosing more engaging and varied roles could be beneficial.
Evans finds himself facing a challenge reminiscent of that experienced by Christopher Reeve after his tenure as Superman, as audiences often associate him with Captain America just as they do with Reeve and Superman. Fortunately, portraying a beloved superhero can provide actors with the leeway to explore different genres and narratives. As evidenced in the documentary Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, Reeve sought roles beyond the Superman franchise in both film and theater to distinguish his artistic identity.
Chris Evans not only has Sebastian Stan to draw inspiration from but can also look at actors like Benedict Cumberbatch, who, while still a key figure in the MCU as Doctor Strange, has successfully engaged with prestigious filmmakers such as Jane Campion for critically acclaimed roles, such as in The Power of the Dog. With his history of working alongside visionary directors like Rian Johnson, Edgar Wright, and Danny Boyle, perhaps Evans could reconnect with these creatives for future endeavors.
Chris Evans is undeniably charismatic and talented, and with careful choices, he can cultivate a more diverse filmography, mirroring Sebastian Stan’s career trajectory. Though he may always be recognized as Captain America, there is potential for his career to be remembered for a broader spectrum of work. Ultimately, being known as Steve Rogers is a significant accomplishment, but the exploration of varied roles could secure his legacy as more than just a superhero.
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