Chris Evans on Ghosted: A Role He’d Rather Forget

For many, Chris Evans will always be associated with the shield-wielding hero of the Marvel universe. Yet, his career has been far from one-dimensional. Over the years, Evans has demonstrated a willingness to take on diverse and unconventional parts, collaborating with a range of notable directors and often subverting expectations. His performances as a doomed astronaut in Sunshine, a self-important actor in Scott Pilgrim vs the World, a revolutionary in Snowpiercer, and a sardonic suspect in Knives Out all suggested a performer keen to avoid being boxed in.

Following the conclusion of Avengers: Endgame, which saw Steve Rogers hand over his iconic role, Evans appeared poised to continue this adventurous streak. However, his subsequent choices left many scratching their heads. Rather than pursuing more nuanced or ambitious projects, he found himself in a string of middling blockbusters and streaming releases. The action thriller The Gray Man and the festive comedy Red One, where he starred alongside Dwayne Johnson, did little to showcase his range or challenge his abilities.

Ghosted: A Misstep in the Spotlight

Among these, Ghosted stands out as a particular low point. Cast as an unremarkable everyman struggling to find romance, Evans seemed miscast from the outset. The film, a romantic comedy co-starring Ana de Armas, leaned heavily on tired tropes and outdated conventions, feeling out of step even by the standards of a decade ago. The result was a production that failed to resonate with either critics or the public.

To his credit, Evans has not shied away from acknowledging the shortcomings of the project. In a candid moment, he remarked,

“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. 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.”

Rather than deflecting blame, he recognised that the film simply did not live up to its potential.

Turning Towards More Ambitious Work

Despite the disappointment of Ghosted, Evans appears to have taken the experience as a lesson. His recent choices suggest a renewed commitment to more interesting and riskier roles. In 2025, he took on parts in Ethan Coen’s Honey, Don’t! and Celine Song’s Materialists, both of which allowed him to explore more layered characters and move beyond the reliance on his natural charm. While neither film was universally praised, Evans’ performances were frequently singled out as highlights, hinting at a promising new chapter in his career.

Even the most critical reviews noted his ability to bring depth to roles that might otherwise have been overlooked. This willingness to embrace character-driven work, rather than simply trading on his established persona, marks a significant shift in his approach.

Looking Ahead: A Possible Return?

There remains speculation about whether Evans might reprise his most famous role in future Marvel instalments, such as Avengers: Doomsday or Avengers: Secret Wars. Whether this would be a fleeting cameo or a more substantial return is yet to be determined. For now, though, it seems he is content to pursue projects that challenge him and allow for greater artistic expression, rather than simply playing it safe.