"Being forced to do big-stage things": When Captain America revealed the bitter truth behind Marvel stardom

Being the center of attention can be exhausting, even for someone like Captain America. The resulting stress can be particularly debilitating for people who struggle with anxiety. Chris Evans, who played Marvel's shield-bearing superhero, has his own share of similar struggles. He started acting professionally nearly three decades ago and got his big break with Marvel's 2011 film. The First Avenger introduced people to Captain America and launched Chris Evans into the sphere of stardom.

However, a little-known trivia about this Captain America film is that Evans turned down this role several times. It was because the studio wanted to sign him up for a six-movie deal. Evans knew that these movies would put him in the spotlight. He also understood that fame can be a double-edged sword. So, if he accepted the deal, he wouldn't be anonymous. People will have certain expectations of him, which is a scary prospect, especially for people with anxiety struggles. Eventually, Evans accepted the role and the rest is history.

"Like most of our anxiety in life, it's about what will happen. When you're able to still your mind and be present in your body, those fears melt away."

Evans told entertainment journalist Josh Horowitz when asked about his journey after accepting the Marvel role. During this conversation, Horowitz asked Evans about the press tour for his first Captain America film, where he had to be on a big stage for the first time.

The Captain America star spoke in detail about how he learned to deal with his mental health struggles after engaging in similar big-scale events over the years.

"Anxiety, in general, is predicated on living outside of the moments...analyzing the past, worrying about the future. So, over 10 years of making [MCU] movies and being forced to do big-stage sort of things, you realize that a lot of fears that you had never really do come to fruition."

He further said,

"When you choose not to dwell on them [the fears], to look for them, to read or absorb them, they do disappear."

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Captain America: Chris Evans, Marvel stardom, and his anxiety struggles

Chris Evans is now considered a star in the big leagues of Hollywood. However, it hadn't always been the case for this talented actor. His work in the 2005 iteration of Fantastic Four and Danny Boyle's Sunshine was unfortunately overlooked.

In 2010-11, Captain America allowed Evans a big break. However, he was in two minds about choosing this project and reportedly contemplated quitting the acting profession. Later, he accepted the role and led Marvel to reach new heights. During his appearance on a podcast, Evans reflected on the same decision.

"It was the best decision I've ever made, and I really owe that to Kevin Feige for being persistent and helping me avoid making a giant mistake. To be honest, all the things that I was fearing never really came to fruition,"

After debuting as Steve Rogers in 2011 well up to the 2019's Avengers: Endgame (besides a cameo appearance in Deadpool & Wolverine). While looking back at this journey, Evans shared a bit of advice on how to deal with similar mental health struggles.

"You do have the opportunity to construct the reality in front of you and that starts with being present in your own mind and understanding how to stop your brain from making noise."

Evans looks at his public appearances related to his Captain America role in a positive light. He considers his acting landscape to be "his classroom" to "hone some ability to still his mind."

The Captain America star will soon be seen in Past Lives director's upcoming feature film titled Materialists, alongside Dakota Johnson (Madame Web) and Pedro Pascal (The Fantastic Four: First Steps).

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Also read: "Happily retired”: Chris Evans 'denies' returning to the MCU for Avengers: Doomsday