The name Chris Evans has long been synonymous with heroism, leadership, and a shield-wielding Avenger who inspired millions worldwide. However, since his departure from the role of Steve Rogers / Captain America after Avengers: Endgame, the actor’s career trajectory has sparked concern among fans and critics alike. His recent film, Red One, has joined a string of underwhelming post-MCU projects, leaving many questioning if Evans’ career will ever reach the heights it once did.
A String of Misses: Evans’ Box Office Struggles Post-Endgame
The highly anticipated Red One, a holiday action-comedy starring Chris Evans alongside Dwayne Johnson, has been met with a wave of negative reviews following its international release. Critics have panned the film, describing it as lackluster and uninspired—a familiar narrative for Evans’ recent projects. With Red One slated for its U.S. debut, its prospects at the box office already appear grim.
The film’s poor reception highlights a troubling pattern for Evans. Since bidding farewell to his role as Captain America, he has struggled to land consistent box office hits. Notably, his direct-to-streaming ventures, such as The Gray Man, Ghosted, and The Red Sea Diving Resort, failed to impress critics despite achieving some success on streaming platforms. Even his animated theatrical release, Lightyear, was a financial disaster, reportedly losing Disney a staggering $106 million, according to Deadline.
Knives Out: A Lone Success Among Box Office Failures
Among Evans’ post-MCU roles, Knives Out stands out as a rare gem. In this murder mystery directed by Rian Johnson, Evans shone as the villainous Hugh “Ransom” Drysdale, delivering a performance that reminded audiences of his talent for playing layered characters. The film not only performed well at the box office but also garnered critical acclaim, proving that Evans could thrive outside the superhero mold—if given the right material.
However, such successes have been few and far between. Fans have noted that Evans’ current choices lean heavily on commercial viability rather than projects that challenge his acting skills or offer depth, like Snowpiercer or Gifted. Both films showcased his range and solidified his reputation as a serious actor before he donned Captain America’s iconic shield.
Intentional Choices or Career Missteps?
Evans’ career decisions post-Endgame seem to have been guided by a desire to explore lighter, less demanding roles. Speaking on The View, he explained why he chose to star in Red One over a high-concept space film that had also been offered to him:
“Last year… there were two opportunities, one was a movie about space and one was Red One. I love space, but like I said, I’ve been doing this a while, and Christmas movies just don’t happen enough. I had to jump at it.”
While Evans’ enthusiasm for diversifying his portfolio is admirable, critics argue that this pivot has come at a cost. Films like Ghosted and The Gray Man, while commercially ambitious, have failed to capitalize on his strengths as a performer. In contrast, projects like Defending Jacob and his recent voice work for Scott Pilgrim Takes Off have showcased his talent in more meaningful ways.
Is It Time for Evans to Reclaim the Shield?
For fans, the question remains: should Chris Evans return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe? While the actor has expressed his satisfaction with the conclusion of Steve Rogers’ story arc, many believe that revisiting the role—even temporarily—could reinvigorate his career. Evans reportedly earned a hefty $15 million base salary for Avengers: Endgame, and a return to the MCU would undoubtedly provide the box office success that has eluded him in recent years.
Alternatively, Evans could focus on more grounded, character-driven stories like Gifted or Snowpiercer. These films utilized his acting prowess to great effect and helped establish him as a versatile performer. Such a shift could help him rebuild his critical reputation and remind audiences of his range beyond action-packed blockbusters.
What’s Next for Chris Evans?
While Red One faces an uphill battle to win over audiences, it’s clear that Chris Evans needs to reassess his career trajectory. The actor’s undeniable talent and charisma remain, but his recent choices have left many fans disappointed. Whether through a return to Marvel, a bold indie project, or a high-profile dramatic role, Evans has the tools to reignite his career.
For now, audiences can only hope that Evans finds the right path forward—because Hollywood is undoubtedly better with him at his best.