What was called a break from acting a few weeks ago is now a full on retirement according to CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER star Chris Evans. Evans, whose six picture deal with Marvel ends after six films (that is two more after THE AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON) is claiming that he will honor his commitment to the studio but will not be appearing in any other films outside of this contract.
Evans spoke to Variety about his upcoming directorial project, 1:30 TRAIN with Alice Eve, and said that is where his true passion lies. So, once his Marvel project is up by 2017 or so, that will be it for the actor.
“If I’m acting at all, it’s going to be under Marvel contract, or I’m going to be directing,” he says. “I can’t see myself pursuing acting strictly outside of what I’m contractually obligated to do.”
Evans initially turned down the role of Captain America because he didn’t want to be locked in for a nine-picture deal. Marvel’s Kevin Feige and Robert Downey Jr convinced him to come on board and the deal was adjusted to a six picture contract. Evans clearly knows Marvel has given him the visibility to get his directorial projects made and that is why he plans to stick with them through his agreement.
“For all I know, in five years, I might say, ‘Shit, I miss acting.’ Right now, I just want to get behind the camera and make movies.” He recently had a candid conversation with his team about it. One of his agents even tried to twist his arm, asking, “What if, hypothetically, some role came along and it was great?” Evans wouldn’t budge. “We are turning a corner,” he told his rep.
I respect that Evans, who is only 32, plans to follow his passion for film-making on his terms. Actors like Sean Penn, Brad Pitt, and George Clooney have moved from acting to behind the scenes work where they have all excelled, but they also continue to act. Evans is right, he may change his mind, but you have to respect him for not taking other jobs just to pad his wallet.
CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER opens on April 4th.