Chris Evans Opens Up About His Biggest Film Regret
Chris Evans reflects on his post-Marvel career, admitting Ghosted was a misstep and sharing how he's now embracing riskier, more interesting roles for 2025.
After hanging up the shield as Captain America, Chris Evans found himself at a crossroads. While many would have coasted on the success of a blockbuster superhero run, Evans seemed keen to avoid being boxed in. Over the years, he’s shown a knack for picking offbeat roles with directors who like to shake things up. Whether it was a doomed astronaut in Sunshine, a self-important actor in Scott Pilgrim vs the World, a rebel leader in Snowpiercer, or a sharp-tongued suspect in Knives Out, Evans looked set to dodge the typecasting trap that snags so many action stars.
With Avengers: Endgame wrapping up his time as Steve Rogers, the door was wide open for Evans to keep chasing those prestige projects. Instead, his choices left punters scratching their heads. Rather than sticking with the quirky, character-driven films, he turned up in a string of big-budget flicks and streaming releases that didn’t exactly set the world on fire. The Gray Man, a forgettable action piece, and Red One, a brash holiday comedy with Dwayne Johnson, both failed to impress. But it was Ghosted, a romantic comedy with Ana de Armas, that really had folks taking the mickey out of Evans’ post-Marvel career.
Ghosted: A Misstep in the Spotlight
Ghosted saw Evans cast as an awkward bloke who couldn’t land a date, a stretch for someone with his on-screen charm. The film leaned hard into tired tropes and gags that felt stale even a decade ago. It was a far cry from the inventive roles that had made Evans stand out. The reaction from critics was swift and unforgiving, and even fans struggled to get behind it.
To his credit, Evans didn’t shy away from the criticism. In a chat with Variety, he owned up to the film’s shortcomings, making it clear he wasn’t blaming the audience or reviewers.
“I didn’t think audiences had outgrown it prior, and I still don’t think they have, despite the fact, I mean, technically I think we did OK on, in terms of viewership,” Evans said, “Critics didn’t like it, but that’s more the fault of the movie as opposed to the appetite of the audience. I think the appetite’s there, if it’s done properly. We could have been better.”
Turning the Page: New Roles and Fresh Risks
Ghosted might have been a low point, but Evans hasn’t let it define him. He’s since taken on roles that show he’s willing to push himself and try something different. In 2025, he’s set to appear in Ethan Coen’s Honey, Don’t! and Celine Song’s Materialists. Both films gave him the chance to dig into more complex characters, moving away from the easy charm he’s known for. While neither film has been hailed as a masterpiece, reviewers have singled out Evans’ performances as a highlight, proof that he’s still got plenty to offer when he’s given the right material.
There’s also the lingering question of whether Evans will ever return to the Marvel universe. With talk of Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars swirling, fans are left wondering if he’ll pop up for a cameo or something more substantial. For now, though, Evans seems content to carve out a new path, one that’s less about playing it safe and more about taking chances.