LOS ANGELES: With a suit of stars and stripes, and a loyal Marvel fan base behind him, actor Chris Evans once again brandishes the shield of superhero Captain America in a new film. In real life, the actor finds himself at odds with the demands of fame.
Walt Disney Co’s Marvel Studios sequel Captain America: The Winter Soldier, out in U.S. and Canadian theaters on Friday, thrusts the patriotic superhero into battle with an elusive enemy. The film catches up with Captain America’s alter-ego Steve Rogers after he emerged from being frozen for 70 years and helped save New York in 2012’s blockbuster superhero ensemble The Avengers. Rogers is now living in Washington and adjusting to modern life. The former soldier has joined the spy agency S.H.I.E.L.D. and teams with the Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) to unravel a conspiracy.
The 32-year-old Evans talked about what drives Captain America, dealing with the press, and what makes him feel like a kid again.
What has changed about Captain America in the sequel?
He has always been a servant for the people. The problem now is given the current technological advancements, in order to preserve the freedom that we try to promise people, you may have to bend the rules in order to keep people safe.
What do you think makes him stand out among the Marvel characters?
His fight for morality. He puts himself last. For the most part, the majority of other superheroes in the world, their personal conflict is the main conflict. I think Cap tries to not burden other people with his own issues.
You have a couple other projects coming up. One is 1:30 Train, which you are directing and starring in. Why did you want to direct it?
Acting, you are one small piece of the puzzle. I wanted to be involved in a few more of those choices. I really wanted to build a movie. I wanted to set shots. I wanted to cast characters. I wanted to pick music. I wanted to actually construct the film.
There seems to be a humility about him or a reluctance. Is that part of the character?
There is certainly a level of selflessness. He has no desire for fame or accolades.
You said you are going to take a little break from acting. What are you going to do?
I’d like to direct. I just enjoyed it. You know when you are a kid and you get a hobby? You find something you like, and you wake up on a free day, and it’s the first thing you think about? You just wake up and you run to do it. Directing was that thing I felt. I love acting and I’ll still act. But I think when I have a little more free time from the Marvel universe, I will probably try and pursue that first.
You always play the hero. Would you ever want to play the bad guy?
I would love to. I hope I get that opportunity. Maybe I can direct something where I get to play the villain. Why not?
Published in The Express Tribune, April 4th, 2014.
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