Chris Evans Opens Up About His Biggest Post-Marvel Regret
Chris Evans candidly discusses his disappointment with Ghosted, reflecting on his career after Marvel and his renewed focus on challenging roles for 2025.
After hanging up Captain America 's shield, Chris Evans found himself at a crossroads. While his time as Steve Rogers made him a household name, Evans had already proven his range by taking on unexpected roles with visionary directors. Whether he was a doomed astronaut in Danny Boyle’s Sunshine, a self-absorbed actor in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, a revolutionary in Snowpiercer, or a sharp-tongued suspect in Knives Out, Evans consistently sidestepped typecasting and kept audiences guessing.
When Avengers: Endgame wrapped up with Rogers passing the torch to Sam Wilson, it seemed like Evans was poised to keep chasing ambitious projects. Instead, his choices took a puzzling turn. He signed on for big-budget but forgettable movies and streaming exclusives, like the Russo Brothers ’ The Gray Man and the over-the-top holiday flick Red One alongside Dwayne Johnson. But nothing drew more criticism than Ghosted, a romantic comedy with Ana de Armas. The film cast Evans as an awkward everyman unlucky in love, but leaned so hard into tired tropes that it felt out of place even a decade ago.
Facing the Fallout from Ghosted
Evans didn’t shy away from the backlash. In a candid interview, he admitted that Ghosted missed the mark, but he didn’t blame audiences or critics for its failure. Instead, he pointed to the creative team behind the project.
“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.”
For Evans, Ghosted represented a low point, but it also became a turning point. He recognized the need to be more selective and take on roles that challenged him, rather than relying on his established charm or star power.
Taking Risks and Embracing New Roles
Looking ahead, Evans has started to pivot toward more daring projects. 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 complex characters and step away from the leading-man persona. While neither movie received universal praise, critics consistently highlighted Evans’ performances as standout moments.
This willingness to experiment signals a new chapter for Evans. He’s no longer content to coast on his Marvel legacy or play it safe with formulaic blockbusters. Instead, he’s seeking out roles that push his boundaries and let him explore new sides of his craft.
What’s Next for Chris Evans?
Despite his recent focus on character-driven films, rumors continue to swirl about a possible return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Whether Evans will make a cameo or reprise his iconic role in upcoming Avengers installments remains uncertain. For now, though, he seems determined to chart his own course, learning from past missteps and embracing the risks that come with reinvention.