Chris Evans, known worldwide as the fearless Captain America, reveals a more vulnerable side when faced with the prospect of hosting “Saturday Night Live” (SNL). Despite his heroic on-screen personas, Evans confesses to a daunting anxiety that keeps him from stepping onto the comedy stage, a venue where his fellow Avengers have shone brightly.
Chris Evans: The Reluctant Comedian
Chris Evans’ tenure as Captain America brought him face-to-face with formidable foes, both on and off-screen. While he adeptly handled cosmic threats in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the real-life challenge of live comedy seems to be his undoing. In candid interviews, including a revealing 2022 chat with MTV News, Evans disclosed his struggles with public performances.
he admitted, discussing his apprehension about live comedy, which he finds far outside his comfort zone.
Despite the comedic chops displayed in roles like “Not Another Teen Movie” and “Knives Out,” Evans remains convinced that humor isn’t his forte. This self-doubt was echoed during the promotion of “Ghosted,” when Ana de Armas stepped up to the SNL plate, and Evans notably did not. His absence spoke volumes, affirming his stance in an ET Canada interview.
“I’ve avoided hosting SNL like the plague for years now just because I’m so scared,”
he shared. The thought of hosting triggered visions of sleepless nights and relentless anxiety, fearing a never-ending cycle of regret.
Evans’ candidness about his fears reveals a side seldom seen by the public. It contrasts sharply with the bravery often expected of those who portray superheroes, suggesting that the actor values his mental comfort over conforming to the adventurous spirit of his on-screen alter ego.
Scarlett Johansson: The SNL Veteran
In stark contrast to Evans, Scarlett Johansson has embraced the SNL stage, not just once but six times, solidifying her status in the show’s prestigious Five-Timers Club. Her ease and versatility in comedy sketch roles have made her a favorite, with a Reddit fan from the SNL Network podcast noting her impressive tally of 52 sketch appearances, excluding her monologues. Johansson’s fearless approach to live comedy even led her to meet her husband, Colin Jost, at Studio 8H, further intertwining her personal and professional lives with the iconic show.
The Broader Avengers’ SNL Spectrum
While Johansson represents the pinnacle of SNL success among the Avengers cast, not all share her enthusiasm. Mark Ruffalo, another key member of the Avengers team, shares Evans’ trepidation. Revealed in a candid conversation on Marc Maron’s WTF podcast, Ruffalo’s fear of live audiences and his dyslexia have deterred him from accepting Lorne Michaels’ invitation.
“I don’t think Lorne Michaels likes it when you say no,”
Ruffalo recounted, hinting at the high stakes and intense pressure that SNL hosting entails.
Conclusion: Overcoming Personal Demons
The divergence in responses to SNL hosting among the Avengers stars highlights a profound lesson: overcoming personal fears is a hero’s journey unto itself. Whether facing down a cosmic enemy or a live studio audience, the battle is deeply personal and equally daunting.
For fans and observers, the hope remains that Chris Evans might someday conquer his fear, encouraged perhaps by the success and support of friends like Scarlett Johansson. Until then, his honesty offers a valuable glimpse into the complexities behind the superhero façade, reminding us that courage comes in many forms, including the strength to acknowledge one’s fears.