Chris Evans Returns as Johnny Storm in Deadpool & Wolverine: A Nostalgic Cameo That Stole the Show
When Ryan Reynolds extended an unexpected offer to his friend Chris Evans, inviting him to make a surprise cameo in the record-breaking film Deadpool & Wolverine, Evans jumped at the chance. This opportunity allowed Evans to reprise his role as Johnny Storm, also known as the Human Torch, from the Fantastic Four series. The excitement surrounding this cameo has fans buzzing, as Evans' return to the superhero he first portrayed nearly two decades ago is both thrilling and nostalgic.
The Initial Offer
In an interview with People magazine, Chris Evans shared the story of how this cameo came to be. “It was a couple of years ago, and I got a text from Ryan. We're buddies,” Evans recalled. “He just said, ‘Listen, if you don't like this idea, no worries whatsoever. But I have something that could really bring the house down and would let you play a character from your past.'”
Evans, who starred alongside Reynolds in the 2021 film Free Guy, has a history of trusting Reynolds' creative instincts. “I mean, honestly, I would do anything Ryan asked. He gave me a great cameo in Free Guy already, and I just trust him completely. So the chance to be Johnny again, I couldn't pass up. I loved it. It was fun to shoot, fun to watch, all of it,” Evans continued.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
Chris Evans is widely recognized for his iconic portrayal of Steve Rogers, also known as Captain America, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). However, before donning the shield and becoming an Avenger, Evans was Johnny Storm, the fiery and rebellious member of the Fantastic Four. He first brought this character to life in 2005's Fantastic Four and reprised the role in the 2007 sequel, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer.
Revisiting Johnny Storm was a significant moment for Evans. The role of Johnny Storm was one of his early major roles in Hollywood, and it helped pave the way for his later success. Despite the mixed reviews of the Fantastic Four films, Evans' performance as the Human Torch was widely praised. His charisma and energy brought a unique charm to the character, making him a fan favorite.
The Cameo
In Deadpool & Wolverine, Evans' cameo as Johnny Storm is not just a brief appearance but a scene-stealer. Fans were thrilled to see him back in the role, and his performance did not disappoint. The film, directed by Shawn Levy, features a post-credits scene where Evans delivers an expletive-filled monologue, adding his signature flair to the character.
Evans shared that Reynolds offered to provide cue cards for the scene, but he confidently declined. “Ryan was like, ‘Listen, if we need cue cards…' and I was like, ‘Cue cards? I'm showing up off-book,'” Evans recounted. “I don't get to say dialogue like this. Trust me. I'm going to enjoy every second of this. Memorized.”
A Heartfelt Appreciation
Earlier this week, Evans took to his Instagram Story to express his gratitude towards Shawn Levy, Ryan Reynolds, and Hugh Jackman for including him in such a remarkable project. He posted, “Playing Johnny again was a dream come true and he'll always have a special place in my heart.”
This heartfelt message resonated with fans, many of whom have followed Evans' career from his early days as Johnny Storm to his recent success as Captain America. Seeing Evans return to a character that helped shape his career is a nostalgic and emotional experience for many.
Conclusion
Chris Evans' cameo as Johnny Storm in Deadpool & Wolverine is a delightful surprise for Marvel fans. It serves as a reminder of his versatility as an actor and his ability to bring beloved characters to life. The collaboration between Evans and Reynolds, both on and off the screen, continues to produce memorable and entertaining moments for audiences.
As Deadpool & Wolverine continues to break records at the box office, Evans' cameo stands out as one of the film's highlights. His return to the role of Johnny Storm is a nostalgic nod to his early career and a testament to his enduring popularity in the superhero genre. Fans can only hope that this isn't the last time they see Evans' Human Torch light up the screen.
