Chris Evans: History Boy

The first Avenger looks back over his multi-film journey.

Mission audition

“I remember being really, really nervous when I went for the first audition. It was such a daunting task and it was also a really long commitment, so it was… scary, y’know? Luckily all those fears have kind of diluted over the years – the films have been fantastic and it’s ultimately been the best choice of my life.”

Costume drama

“That suit didn’t feel like it belonged to me when I first put it on. I felt like I was sneaking into someone else’s closet, trying on something I shouldn’t be. It felt foreign. It actually felt like Marvel was making a mistake to be honest. I think I was just worried that I was going to let people down.”

First time nerves

“I just remember being nervous throughout that whole first movie. It was fun, don’t get me wrong. But it was like walking through landmines whenever I even talked about the film because I couldn’t give stuff away. I guess about half way through The First Avenger I started to think, OK, I can do this.”

Team games

“When I first met the other Avengers, so to speak, our film hadn’t actually been released yet – so that was weird. But they were all great. Just hanging out with guys like Downey and all the more experienced actors in the cast – Ruffalo, Sam Jackson – I was in awe. They were all such wonderful people to work with.”

True grit

“I loved the Russos straight away. I loved the way their brains work – they cut out the fat when they’re speaking. I really liked the direction Winter Soldier took. Nothing against Joss Whedon, he’s epic, but the difference is that Joss makes comic book movies and the Russos make dramas about people who happen to have heightened abilities.”