Chris Evans Was Nervous About Playing Captain America Because He Didn't Want To Make "Shitty" Movies

Actor Chris Evans is famous for playing Captain America in the Marvel superhero series, but he was originally pretty hesitant about signing on for the part. In a new Vanity Fair piece, Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige said Marvel offered Evans a nine-movie deal, with no audition required, but Evans didn't say yes right away.

"Getting the offer felt, to me, like the epitome of temptation," the actor said. "The ultimate job offer, on the biggest scale. I'm supposed to say no to this thing. It felt like the right thing to do. You see the pictures, and you see the costumes, and it's cool."

Evans said he enjoys his privacy and worried that if Captain America: The First Avenger was a success, he wouldn't get time off because he would be rushed back to make another film. Evans said he "felt good" about saying no to Captain America--until Iron Man actor Robert Downey Jr. called and convinced him to take the part.

Vanity Fair reported that Downey Jr. told Evans that the fame of starring in such a big movie would bring him would allow Evans to expand his acting opportunities, not reduce them. Evans eventually came back to the bargaining table and signed on for six movies, down from nine, including three Captain America movies and three Avengers films.

"Maybe the thing you're most scared of is actually the thing you should do," Evans said.

Still, the actor admitted he had doubts about the role, even after signing his deal. "I just signed my death warrant; my life's over. I can't believe I did this. This isn't the career I wanted." But things turned around for Evans due to the high quality, in his eyes, of the Captain America films.

"The biggest thing I was worried about was making shitty f**king movies," he said. "I don't want to make shitty movies and be contractually obligated to make garbage."

Evans also spoke about his diet and exercise program to get into shape to play Captain America. Steve Rogers undergoes a massive physical transformation in the first film, from a skinny kid to a jacked giant, and this involved some serious eating and training.

"Just eating all the time," he said. "You think it sounds nice, but it’s not, like, cheeseburgers. You have to eat these bland, naked pieces of chicken and rice. You're just so full--it's a pretty uncomfortable feeling."

Evans is now done playing Captain America, though he hasn't ruled out returning as America's greatest hero either. But for now, Evans said he just wants to chill. "I'd like to just smoke a joint, put on some music, and like, get into pottery," he told GQ.

The next Captain America movie, 2024's Brave New World, features Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson/Captain America.