Chris Evans on Everything from Captain America and Politics to his friendship with Robert Downey Jr
Empire Magazine recently sat down with Chris Evans for an epic interview, as if anything with Chris would be less. Discussing everything from Captain America and his film Gifted to politics and Robert Downey Jr., the interview was as interesting as it was informative.
Chris is a pretty low-key guy, and as a celebrity at his level, that may first be hard to believe. After all, he is Captain America, but much like Steve Rogers, Chris didn’t aim to live his life in the spotlight for fame, he just wants to bring justice and fairness to a world that’s usually without.
‘I’m certainly not an actor who’s equating world notoriety with success.‘
He took the entirety of 2016 off to spend time with family and get out of the spotlight for a bit. He went to his hometown, saw his brothers and sisters and his nieces and nephews. He got to see the seasons change, for him, that place is his home and his childhood and reconnecting was important.
In terms of his latest film, Gifted, Chris actually wanted to direct the film, but they contacted him to star in it instead. The role was something he loved because he’s drawn to films with adults talking to children as peers, which is what Gifted‘s premise pretty much is. He also said that he doesn’t necessarily decide he’s only going to play good guy roles sometimes, it’s just what’s happening.
Another thing that’s happening is that people are paying attention to what Chris is saying, which isn’t new, but he is saying what some people with a platform are afraid to. He isn’t doing this to be hailed a hero, nor is he channeling Captain America, he’s just wondering how he could sit back and NOT say something.
‘I’m not trying to carry some torch or be some example of what it is to be moral and noble. I just happen to have a profession where people are looking.‘
He went on to talk about Robert Downey Jr and how he’s a large part of why Chris signed on for Captain America. In fact, he turned the role down 3 times before accepting it. Now, he can’t see his life having not taken the role, he actually joked about what he’d be doing if he said no to playing Cap. He decided to take the role, after some negotiating, and Robert was part of what influenced him.
‘He’s a very soothing source for me which is strange because he is the epitome of what a movie star is. I feel like he walks in a room and he just glows. He owns the oxygen but for some reason, he has a very calming affect on me. He can speak to you and make you feel like you’re the only person in the room and that you have his undivided attention. There’s a genuine care. He’s clearly been through a lot in his life so nothing feels saccharine or unctuous.’
He went on to say that Robert has helped him with his anxiety as well, which is something Chris has spoken honestly and openly about in the media. So much so that he admitted that some red carpet events for his role as Captain America have made him incredibly nervous. Both on set, at red carpet events, and in their day to day lives – Robert is a blessing in Chris’ life.
‘There have been plenty of times where my little noisy brain can start getting loud. He’s really good at helping me recalibrate and get back down to earth. I feel so much safer when he’s around. It’s like when you’re a kid if Dad’s with you, nothing bad can happen. Not to make Downey seem like my father but there’s something about him that makes you feel very protected.‘
The entire interview can be read in Empire Magazine’s May Issue, which is out now.
‘…but I knew him’
