The Marvel cinematic universe has become one of the biggest, most popular, and most lucrative film franchises around, and while that is great for all involved, Captain America himself is starting to feel the weight of being a part of it. After all, starring in big budget superhero movies not only runs the risk of defining one’s acting career, but it’s also a lot of work. Filming, as well as doing any necessary reshoots or ADR recording, takes about six months, followed by extensive press commitments surrounding each and every release. And considering how productive Marvel Studios is, and how quickly they start working on new properties, I imagine that going from film to film would feel a bit endless.
While many of the Marvel stars have found success and other acting jobs outside of the MCU, it’s hard for them to move forward with their careers when they’re tied to not only their own franchises, but Avengers sequels as well.
Chris Evans recently spoke with Variety about his contractual obligations to don the star spangled suit of the first Avenger, and discussed how daunting Marvel’s long contracts can be:
“Initially, it was a nine-movie contract. And they said, if these movies take off and do very well, and my life changes and I don’t respond well, I don’t have the opportunity to say, listen, I need a f–king break. That just scared me.
They called back and they tweaked the deal. It went from nine [films] to six. I said no again. My family was even going, ‘Are you sure you’re making the right decisions?’ It started to feel like maybe this is what I’m supposed to do.”
Evans is now halfway through that six-film contract, not counting the upcoming release of Captain America: The Winter Soldier. After that film he’ll have two more to go: the recently announced Captain America 3 and, most likely, the third Avengers film. After that, my guess is the actor won’t return for any future outings (like Robert Downey Jr. is doing with the two Avengers sequels following his original four-film obligation). As far as where that may leave the MCU, we recently learned that Sebastian Stan has signed on for nine movies, meaning he could very well take over as the new Captain America when Evans vacates the role.
As for Evans’ career post-Marvel, he’s looking to leave acting behind and step behind the camera. He recently directed his first feature, 1:30 Train, and thanks his tenure at Marvel for that particular opportunity, saying:
“I’ve known for a while I wanted to direct. But (time) never really opens up. There’s another movie to do, there’s another acting job. It just got to a point where I was like, you know what — I have to do this.
Without these movies, I wouldn’t be directing. They gave me enough overseas recognition to greenlight a movie. And if I’m speaking extremely candidly, it’s going to continue to do that for as long as the Marvel contract runs.
If I’m acting at all, it’s going to be under Marvel contract, or I’m going to be directing. I can’t see myself pursuing acting strictly outside of what I’m contractually obligated to do.”
Evans has done a great job in the role of Captain America so far, and let’s not forget that he even played Johnny Storm in two Fantastic Four films. So, it’s understandable that he’s beginning to grow a little tired of wearing the tights and being obligated to throw his shield around every couple of years.
Tell us, what do you think of what Evans had to say? Will you be sad to see him go, or will you be ready to see a new Captain America by the time his contract is up? Sound off in the comments below!