Chris Evans’ Career: From ‘Captain America: The First Avenger’ to ‘Materialists’
Chris Evans is a globally recognized actor who became a household name for his iconic portrayal of Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He captured the hearts of audiences worldwide as the righteous and noble super-soldier, defining a central figure of the superhero genre for a generation. His career, however, began long before he picked up the shield, with early roles in teen comedies and action films.
Beyond his heroic persona, Evans has consistently proven his versatility as an actor, taking on a wide range of roles in independent dramas, thrillers, and romantic comedies. In recent years, he has deliberately subverted his heroic image by playing charismatic villains and complex anti-heroes. He has also stepped behind the camera as a director and producer, demonstrating his passion for all aspects of filmmaking and establishing a career defined by both blockbuster success and thoughtful, character-driven work.
‘The Newcomers’ (2000)
In one of his first film roles, Evans appeared in this family drama. The story follows a family from Boston that decides to leave the city and start a new life in a small town in Vermont after their youngest son gets into trouble.
Evans played Judd, a local boy in the town who becomes a love interest for one of the family’s daughters. The minor role was an early step for the young actor, giving him experience in a feature film production.
‘Not Another Teen Movie’ (2001)
Evans had his first leading role in this parody film that spoofs popular teen movies of the 1990s. He played Jake Wyler, the popular high school jock who makes a bet that he can turn the nerdy girl into the prom queen.
The film was a commercial success and introduced Evans to a wide audience. His charismatic and funny performance as the stereotypical jock demonstrated his natural comedic timing and leading man potential.
‘The Perfect Score’ (2004)
Evans starred in this teen heist comedy alongside Scarlett Johansson. The film is about a group of six high school students who team up to steal the answers to the SAT exam to ensure they get into their desired colleges.
He played Kyle, the group’s charismatic leader who comes up with the initial plan. The film further established him as a rising young actor in Hollywood, and it marked his first on-screen collaboration with his future Marvel co-star.
‘Cellular’ (2004)
In this action thriller, Evans played the lead role of Ryan. His character is a carefree young man who randomly receives a frantic phone call from a kidnapped woman who has managed to patch together a broken telephone. He is suddenly thrust into a race against time to find and save her.
The role was a significant step for Evans, proving he could carry an entire film as an action hero. His performance was praised for bringing an everyman quality to an extraordinary situation, making the high-stakes plot feel grounded and relatable.
‘Fierce People’ (2005)
Evans took on a supporting role in this independent drama. The film follows a teenage boy who moves with his mother to a lavish country estate to live among a tribe of wealthy and eccentric elites.
He played Bryce Langley, a handsome and privileged member of the wealthy family who is also hiding a dark and violent nature. The villainous role was an early opportunity for him to play against type and explore more complex, unlikable characters.
‘London’ (2005)
In this raw and dialogue-heavy independent drama, Evans played Syd, a man spiraling from a combination of heartbreak and substance abuse. The majority of the film takes place in a bathroom at a party, where Syd and another man engage in an intense, drug-fueled conversation about love, sex, and despair.
The role was a stark departure from his more mainstream work. His intense and volatile performance was praised by critics and showed his commitment to taking on challenging, character-driven projects outside of the studio system.
‘Fantastic Four’ (2005)
Evans had his first taste of superhero fame as Johnny Storm, the Human Torch, in this big-budget comic book adaptation. His character is a cocky and wisecracking astronaut who gains the ability to engulf his body in flames and fly after being exposed to cosmic radiation.
The film was a major box office success that introduced Evans to a global audience. His charismatic and energetic performance was widely considered a highlight, and his portrayal of the charming hothead made him a fan favorite.
‘Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer’ (2007)
He reprised his role as the Human Torch in this sequel, which saw the team face the world-ending threat of Galactus and his herald, the Silver Surfer. Johnny Storm’s powers evolve in the film, as he temporarily gains the abilities of his teammates during a key confrontation.
While the sequel received mixed reviews, Evans’ performance was once again praised for bringing humor and energy to the story. The role further cemented his status as a comic book movie star, years before he would famously take on the mantle of Captain America.
‘TMNT’ (2007)
In this computer-animated film based on the ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’, Evans provided the voice for Casey Jones. His character is a hot-headed vigilante who wears a hockey mask and fights crime with an array of sports equipment. He becomes an ally to the turtles.
The voice role allowed Evans to be part of a beloved pop culture franchise. He brought the right amount of attitude and energy to the fan-favorite character.
‘Sunshine’ (2007)
Evans was part of the ensemble cast in this sci-fi thriller directed by Danny Boyle. The film is about a team of international astronauts on a mission to reignite the dying sun. Evans played Mace, the ship’s pragmatic and logical engineer.
His character often clashes with the mission’s more idealistic physicist, serving as a source of tension and realism. The role in the critically acclaimed film showcased his ability to handle serious, thought-provoking material.
‘The Nanny Diaries’ (2007)
In this romantic comedy starring his ‘Perfect Score’ co-star Scarlett Johansson, Evans played a supporting role. The film follows a college graduate who takes a job as a nanny for a wealthy New York family.
Evans played Hayden, a charming neighbor in the apartment building who is nicknamed “Harvard Hottie” and becomes a love interest for the main character. The role highlighted his natural charisma in a lighthearted setting.
‘Battle for Terra’ (2007)
Evans lent his voice to this animated science fiction film. The story is about a peaceful alien planet that is invaded by the last survivors of the human race, who are searching for a new home.
He voiced Stewart Stanton, one of the human military pilots who begins to question the morality of their mission to wipe out the native population. The role was part of a larger ensemble voice cast.
‘Street Kings’ (2008)
In this gritty crime thriller, Evans played Detective Paul Diskant, a young and idealistic robbery-homicide detective. He is tasked with investigating a veteran LAPD officer, played by Keanu Reeves, who is implicated in the death of his former partner.
The supporting role placed him alongside a cast of established actors in a dark and violent police drama. His performance as the by-the-book detective was a strong addition to the film’s tense atmosphere.
‘The Loss of a Teardrop Diamond’ (2008)
Evans starred in this romantic drama based on a long-lost screenplay by Tennessee Williams. He played Jimmy Dobyne, a young man from a poor family who is hired by a rebellious debutante to escort her to a series of high-society parties in the 1920s.
The role required him to adopt the persona of a character from a classic, dialogue-rich play. His performance captured the quiet dignity of a man caught between social classes and romantic entanglement.
‘Push’ (2009)
In this sci-fi action film, Evans played Nick Gant, a man with telekinetic powers who is living in hiding in Hong Kong. He is forced to team up with a young clairvoyant to find a woman who holds the key to bringing down a shadowy government agency that hunts people with powers.
As the lead, Evans once again proved his action-hero capabilities. The film centered on his performance as a reluctant hero trying to control his abilities and survive in a dangerous world.
‘The Losers’ (2010)
Evans was part of the ensemble cast of this action-comedy based on a comic book series. The film is about an elite U.S. Special Forces team that is betrayed and left for dead. They team up to get revenge on the man who set them up.
He played Jensen, the team’s quirky and wisecracking communications and tech specialist. His hilarious performance provided much of the film’s comic relief and stole many scenes.
‘Scott Pilgrim vs. the World’ (2010)
In this cult classic action-comedy, Evans had a memorable supporting role. He played Lucas Lee, a famous movie star and professional skateboarder who is one of the seven evil exes that Scott Pilgrim must defeat.
His portrayal of the arrogant and self-obsessed action star was a comedic highlight of the film. He perfectly lampooned the stereotype of a Hollywood celebrity in a short but unforgettable performance.
‘Puncture’ (2011)
Evans took on a challenging lead role in this independent legal drama based on a true story. He played Mike Weiss, a brilliant but deeply troubled lawyer who is also a functioning drug addict. He takes on a massive healthcare conspiracy case that could change the industry.
The role was one of his most dramatic and transformative performances. He earned critical praise for his raw and committed portrayal of a man battling both his personal demons and a powerful corporation.
‘What’s Your Number?’ (2011)
In this romantic comedy, Evans starred opposite Anna Faris. He played Colin Shea, a musician who lives across the hall from a woman who decides to track down all her ex-boyfriends in the hope that one of them is “the one.” Colin agrees to help her in exchange for a place to hide from his one-night stands.
The film showcased his charm and comedic ability as a romantic lead. His chemistry with Faris was a highlight of the movie, which allowed him to play a more lighthearted and carefree character.
‘Captain America in the MCU’ (2011-2019)
Evans’ career was defined by his role as Steve Rogers, Captain America. He embodied the character’s unwavering morality, courage, and leadership across a decade of films, including ‘Captain America: The First Avenger’, ‘The Avengers’, ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’, ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’, ‘Captain America: Civil War’, ‘Avengers: Infinity War’, and ‘Avengers: Endgame’.
He took the character on a remarkable journey from a scrawny kid from Brooklyn to a super-soldier, a man out of time, a fugitive, and ultimately, the moral compass of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His portrayal became synonymous with the character and is considered one of the most successful and beloved superhero performances in film history.
‘The Iceman’ (2012)
Evans took on a dark supporting role in this biographical crime film about the real-life contract killer Richard Kuklinski. He played Robert Pronge, another contract killer known as “Mr. Freezy,” who partners with Kuklinski on several hits.
The role required him to be almost unrecognizable, with long hair and a cold, detached demeanor. It was another example of his willingness to play against type and take on gritty, villainous roles in independent films.
‘Snowpiercer’ (2013)
Evans starred in this critically acclaimed sci-fi action film from director Bong Joon-ho. Set in a future where a failed climate-change experiment has frozen the Earth, the last of humanity lives on a perpetually moving train. Evans played Curtis Everett, the leader of a revolution from the impoverished tail section of the train.
His performance as the haunted and reluctant revolutionary leader was a powerful and gritty departure from his Captain America persona. The film was an international success and is considered one of his finest performances.
‘Before We Go’ (2014)
Evans made his directorial debut with this independent romantic drama, in which he also starred. The film follows two strangers, Nick and Brooke, who meet by chance in Grand Central Terminal and spend one eventful night together in New York City.
The project was a personal one for Evans, showcasing his interest in smaller, character-focused stories. His work as a director was praised for its sincerity and for capturing a sweet and intimate tone.
‘Playing It Cool’ (2015)
In this romantic comedy, Evans played a screenwriter who does not believe in love but is hired to write a rom-com screenplay. His perspective changes when he meets a woman, played by Michelle Monaghan, and falls for her, despite her being engaged to another man.
As both the star and an executive producer, Evans played a character who frequently imagines himself and others in various romantic scenarios. The film played with the conventions of its genre, with Evans at the center.
‘Gifted’ (2017)
Evans starred in this heartwarming drama as Frank Adler, a single man raising his child prodigy niece, Mary. Frank is determined to give Mary a normal childhood, which brings him into a custody battle with his formidable mother, who wants to send Mary to a school for gifted children.
His performance was praised for its warmth and sensitivity. The role of a protective and loving father figure was a departure from his action roles and showcased his talent for subtle, emotional storytelling.
‘The Red Sea Diving Resort’ (2019)
In this historical thriller based on true events, Evans played Ari Levinson, an Israeli Mossad agent. In the early 1980s, his character leads a team to run a secret operation to smuggle Ethiopian-Jewish refugees to Israel, using a deserted holiday resort in Sudan as a front.
The role of a determined and resourceful secret agent allowed Evans to portray a different kind of hero. He led the ensemble cast in a compelling story about bravery and humanitarianism.
‘Knives Out’ (2019)
Evans played against type in this smash-hit murder mystery from director Rian Johnson. He portrayed Hugh “Ransom” Drysdale, the spoiled and arrogant grandson of a wealthy patriarch who is found dead. Ransom is one of the key suspects in the investigation.
His performance as the smug and entitled antagonist was a comedic and villainous delight. Audiences and critics loved seeing him shed his heroic persona to play such a deliciously unlikable character.
‘Lightyear’ (2022)
Evans provided the voice for the iconic character Buzz Lightyear in this animated sci-fi adventure. The film is the origin story of the hero that inspired the famous toy, following the legendary Space Ranger on an adventure to a hostile planet.
Taking on a role made famous by Tim Allen was a major challenge. Evans brought his own spin to the character, portraying a more serious and heroic version of Buzz with courage and determination.
‘The Gray Man’ (2022)
In this big-budget action thriller, Evans played the main villain, Lloyd Hansen. His character is a sadistic and sociopathic former CIA agent who is hired to hunt down and kill the film’s protagonist, a skilled operative played by Ryan Gosling.
Evans fully embraced the role of an unhinged villain with a gleeful and chaotic energy. His performance as the mustache-twirling antagonist was a fun and menacing departure that critics and audiences enjoyed.
‘Ghosted’ (2023)
Evans starred opposite Ana de Armas in this romantic action-comedy, which he also produced. He played Cole Turner, a down-to-earth farmer who, after a great first date, discovers that the woman he is falling for is secretly a CIA agent.
The film playfully flipped the typical action movie script, with Evans playing the “damsel in distress” who is in over his head. The role allowed him to blend his skills in comedy, romance, and action.
‘Pain Hustlers’ (2023)
In this crime drama, Evans played a supporting role as Pete Brenner, a morally bankrupt executive at a pharmaceutical company. The film follows a single mother who takes a job at the company and gets involved in a dangerous racketeering scheme.
His character is a slick and greedy sales representative who helps drive the company’s corrupt practices. The role was another opportunity for him to play a character with questionable ethics in a serious drama.
‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ (2024)
In a crowd-pleasing and meta appearance, Evans reprised his role as Johnny Storm, the Human Torch. His appearance connected his past Marvel role from the ‘Fantastic Four’ films with the modern Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The surprise return was a fun nod to his long history in comic book movies. It was celebrated by fans as a hilarious and nostalgic moment that broke the fourth wall.
‘Red One’ (2024)
Evans co-starred in this holiday action-comedy alongside Dwayne Johnson. The film reimagines the mythology of the North Pole, with Evans playing Jack O’Malley, the leader of the E.L.F. organization.
The big-budget movie blended action, comedy, and holiday cheer. His role as a high-ranking figure in Santa’s operation was a key part of the film’s world-building and adventure.
‘Honey Don’t!’ (2025)
In this black-comedy mystery, Evans plays Reverend Dean Devlin. The film is set in Bakersfield, California, and follows a private investigator who is looking into the death of a young woman who was a member of Devlin’s mysterious cult-like church.
The role of a charismatic but potentially sinister cult leader is an intriguing and complex part. It continues his trend of taking on challenging roles that explore darker themes.
‘Materialists’ (2025)
Evans is part of the ensemble cast for this A24 romantic comedy. The film is set in New York City and is said to follow a high-end matchmaker who gets involved with a wealthy man, but still harbors feelings for her ex-boyfriend.
His role in the highly anticipated film places him in a sophisticated, character-driven story. It marks his collaboration with acclaimed writer-director Celine Song.
From the righteous hero to the charming villain, which Chris Evans role is your favorite? Let us know in the comments.
