To many the first Iron Man still remains the most important entry in the MCU, as it cemented Robert Downey Jr as the next big thing in the superhero realm since Christopher Reeves. So it makes sense why his MCU co-stars, including Captain America star Chris Evans, hold extreme respect and admiration for the actor, as his impact on the superhero landscape is second to none.
But following his stature in the MCU, initially, other Marvel actors, who were still yet to cement themselves as global superstars. were extremely intimidated by the Kiss Kiss Bang Bang star.
Chris Evans Was Initially Intimidated by Robert Downey Jr
By the time Chris Evans entered the MCU, Robert Downey Jr had already cemented himself as a giant in the comic-book landscape, thanks to the success of Iron Man and its sequel. Although Evans was also a pretty accomplished actor when he initially took the Captain America gig, he and the other Avengers stars were intimated by RDJ, as they were looking to get his stamp of approval. While recounting the experience, Evans explained,
“I was terrified. I will say I was terrified. Everybody on the Avengers set was intimidated because it was Downey.”
But despite the actor’s formidable stature in the industry, Robert Downey Jr was pretty welcoming to Evans, as the Knives Out star felt deserved to act alongside the Tropic Thunder actor.
Chris Evans Considered Passing His MCU Role Before Robert Downey Jr Convinced Him
Even though Chris Evans’s decision to take the Captain America gig turned out as the best decision of his life, initially he was hesitant about the idea. Considering the actor’s previous Marvel flicks, Fantastic Four, and its 2007 sequel were panned by the critics, it’s reasonable to see why he had his doubts about taking the long-term MCU contract. But despite his hesitancy, he eventually took the role, thanks to Robert Downey Jr, who successfully convinced the Knives Out Star. Evans recalled,
“Just hearing him [Robert Downey Jr] kind of give you that little nudge of encouragement, it just made me feel a little bit more like I was part of the gang and not so intimidated.
Following the duo’s chemistry, the bond between Robert Downey Jr’s Iron Man and Chris Evans’ Captain America remains the highlight of the MCU. And after leaving Marvel behind, both actors are putting their acting skills to the test, with Evans taking acclaimed projects like Knives Out, and Downey showcasing his excellence in Nolan’s Oppenheimer.
Source: People Magazine
