In the aftermath ofAvengers: Endgame, many of theMarvel Cinematic Universewere given the opportunity to take risks on more creative projects. Playing a single role for over a decade can become draining, and many of these actors were able to use their clout to appear in smaller films that would not have received as much attention otherwise.Robert Downey Jr.earned an Academy Award for his performance inOppenheimer,Scarlett Johanssondid heartbreaking work inMarriage Story, andMark Ruffalowas allowed to get very weird inPoor Things. Unfortunately,Chris Evanshas made a series of forgettable, bland filmsthat feel like the types of projects that would have starred Lucas Lee, the character that he portrayed inScott Pilgrim vs. The World.Now thatRed Onehas become a critical and commercial failure, it is time for Evans to remind the industry that he is actually a very talented actor.
Chris Evans Has Become a Caricature
Evans was perfectly cast as Steve Rogers in the MCU because he embodied the selfless, wholesome heroism of one of the most famous comic book characters of all-time. Unfortunately,Evans has settled by appearing in generic films,many of which debuted directly on streaming services.The Red Sea Diving Resortwas a dramatically inert attempt at a prestige drama,The Gray Manwas a borderline unwatchablehomage to 1990s action films,Ghosteddidn’t take advantage of his inherent comedic charm, andPain Hustlerstook a oddly comedic approach to the very serious issue of opioid abuse.Red Onewas seemingly marketed on the chemistry that he shared withDwayne Johnson, but the appeal of seeing two likable stars on screen together was not enough to save a strangely plotted PG-13 action film that took a militarized approach to Christmas.
Box Office: Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans’ ‘Red One’ Takes The Crown From ‘Venom: the Last Dance’
It’s officially the holiday season at the movies.
Ironically,ChrisEvans is making the type of choices now thathe made fun of inScott Pilgrim vs. The World,in which he plays an abrasive Hollywood actor who takes himself far too seriously.Edgar Wrightcleverly inserted trailers and clips from many of the fake films that Lucas theoretically starred in, such asAction Doctor, You Just Don’t Exist,andThe Game is Over. The brilliance of Evans’ performance was his self-awareness; whileScott Pilgrim vs. The Worldwas released a year beforeCaptain America: The First Avenger, Evans was still a big enough star that he could laugh at the types of critically derided projects that he could have turned down. It’s unfortunate that Evans lacks this self-awareness now, as he risks diluting his commercial viability. There’s a point in which those that had admired Evans’ work will stop showing up to see his films, as his involvement is no longer an indication of quality.
Evans Needs To Return to His Roots
What is most upsetting aboutthe disastrous debut ofRed Oneis thatEvans is a truly great actor who has given dynamic performancesearlier on in his career. Between playing a grizzled revolutionary inBong Joon-ho’s post-apocalyptic thrillerSnowpiercer, starring as a wholesome father in the charming family filmGifted, and getting gritty forDanny Boyle’s mind-blowing space operaSunshine, Evans has proven that he can shed his “movie star” persona and embrace his talents as a character actor. Evans’ last great performance was inKnives Out, in which he proved that the comedic side he showed inScott Pilgrim vs. The Worldwas not a fluke. Films likeRed Onecertainly tried to let Evans be funny, but the general lack of originality put a ceiling on how much he was able to accomplish.
While it does look pretty dire right now,Evans has a few upcoming projects that could reignite his career. He will next be starring alongsidePedro PascalandDakota Johnsoninthe upcoming romantic comedyThe Materialists, which comes from the Academy Award-nominated director ofPast Lives; he will also take another stab at comedy inEthan Coen’s new ensemble filmHoney, Don’t!While it was certainly sad to see him bid farewell to playing Captain America, Evans has proven himself capable of taking on a wide variety of roles. Hopefully, this brief decline in his creative output is merely a “phasing out” period that predates a truly exciting career.
Red Oneis in theaters now.
Get Tickets
After Santa Claus is kidnapped, the North Pole’s Head of Security and a notorious bounty hunter embark on a globe-spanning mission to rescue him. This action-packed adventure unfolds as they navigate various challenges to safeguard Christmas, emphasizing teamwork and determination against a backdrop of festive intrigue.
