Chris Evans On Captain America Role: 'Nothing Lasts Forever'

CBR

By Liam Nolan

Published Apr 5, 2017

As Chris Evans approaches the end of his contract with Marvel, the 36-year-old actor contemplates what it means to depart the role.

As Captain America actor Chris Evans approaches the end of his contract with Marvel Studios, the matter of his departure from the iconic role has been a staple interview question for him. While Evans still insists that the choice isn't up to him, he did offer his thoughts on what leaving the role might mean to him while speaking with USA Today.

"I'd be lying if I said it wouldn't be hard for me," said Evans. "But the passing of time and the passing of torches is part of the experience. Nothing lasts forever. There's a beauty in that departure, even if it can be sad at times. It's also joyful."

"I've had a great run," the actor continued. "Superheroes are reinventable entities, like Batman or even James Bond. These movies find new incarnations and new ways to tell the story. I am all for it. However they want to proceed after 'Avengers 4,' it's really up to them. I walk away with no regrets and endlessly thankful."

It's unknown who, if anyone, will take up the role if Evans departs sooner rather than later. In the comics, both Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes have used the moniker, so it's possible that one of them might take up the shield in the event of Evans' departure.

The interview, which was in promotion of Evan's upcoming role in the drama "Gifted," also had some light moments. Speaking about the prospect of no longer having to workout to get in shape for the role, Evans joked, "When you're creeping on 36, working out is a little bit harder. Not impossible, but it just gets a little bit more daunting. I'm just going to get fat. Potato chips, ice cream before bed. It's like, 'Guess what, everyone!'"

First taking up the shield in 2011's "Captain America: The First Avenger," Evans has played Joe Simon and Jack Kirby's creation in five movies, with uncredited cameos in "Ant-Man" and "Thor: The Dark World." The actor has expressed interest in doing more cameos, especially in "Spider-Man: Homecoming." When Evans took up the role, he was no stranger to superhero movies, having already played Johnny Storm in two "Fantastic Four" movies.

"Avengers: Infinity War" is set to pit the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe against Thanos, the Mad Titan, who is attempting to collect the six Infinity Stones and unlock the absolute power of the Infinity Gauntlet. Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, "Avengers: Infinity War" arrives May 4, 2018. The sequel, which is currently untitled, is scheduled for release May 3, 2019.