With Avengers: Endgame, the Marvel Cinematic Universe had to say goodbye to two of its most popular heroes: Tony Stark, aka Iron Man, and Steve Rogers, the original Captain America. The first sacrificed themselves, the second retired, a duo that has raised the MCU to its level in a few years. And if Robert Downey Jr hadn’t brought his two cents to the MCU cast, Chris Evans would never have been Captain America.
when the MCU could have been much different
Recently came out The Story of Marvel Studios: The Making of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, book in which are gathered a multitude of anecdotes concerning the underside of Marvel productions. Many of the great pundits of the Maison des Idées spoke there, an opportunity for fans of its franchises to learn more about some of Hollywood’s most popular productions. And here is that recently emerged an anecdote sharing the involvement of Robert Downey Jr in the recruitment of Chris Evans. If RDJ hadn’t been there, Chris Evans probably would never have been Captain America.
In March 2019, during an interview in the columns of The Hollywood Reporter, Chris Evans explained in particular having twice refused the advances of Marvel studios concerning the role of Captain America. It was after a studio tour and chatting with family and friends that Evans finally accepted this tempting offer. But as the actor explains in The Story of Marvel Studios: The Making of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it was the implication linked to a contract for several films that made him hesitate for a long time.
“It’s a big commitment to make these Marvel movies. Initially, the offer was nine films, then it increased to six. But six films can take a very long time. I was worried that this would be a life changing experience and that the next engagement would be more than I could handle. But that didn’t turn out to be the case. It’s the best decision I ever made.”
RDJ or the trigger
What about Robert Downey Jr in this story? Well if this book is to be believed, initially producers Kevin Feige and Stephen Broussard were willing to make Sebastian Stan the MCU’s Steve Rogers in Captain America: First Avenger. In addition to Stan, the studios had also moved closer to John Krasinski, Wilson Bethel and Wyatt Russell. Nevertheless, Sebastian Stan seemed best suited for this role. On the other side of the desk, producer Joel Silver was trying to make himself heard as much as possible by rehashing that the perfect actor for this role was not Stan but indeed Chris Evans. The producer had even spoken with Evans to try to seduce him.
Convinced of this choice, Robert Downey Jr would also have discussed with Evans about the role. A discussion that will have finally been the trigger for the signing of Chris Evans at Marvel Studios. Without Robert Downey Jr, and without the agreement of Chris Evans, of course, the MCU would not have been the one we know today. As for Sebastian Stan, the actor will not have waited long before joining this big house in turn, recruited for the role of James “Bucky” Barnes, aka the Winter Soldier, from Captain America first of the name.
