Chris Evans Initially Declined Marvel Contract - Thanks to Robert Downey Jr. for His Role as Captain America

According to Vanity Fair, Chris Evans' ability to portray Captain America is largely thanks to Robert Downey Jr.

Reportedly, Marvel initially offered Chris Evans a contract for nine films with no auditions required, but Chris declined.

"I saw this job as a condensed temptation. It was an ultimate job offer, massive in scale, and I should have turned it down. I felt it was the right thing to do. You look at the pictures, see the costume, and it feels cool. But the feeling was good when I woke up the day after declining," he said.

"I like the state of being free from public disturbances. The good thing about movies is you have a lot of freedom: you shoot a film, and then you have time to rest. If a movie changes your life, you have the chance... to escape. If you want, you can take some time to readjust and regroup." But if "Captain America" became a big success, Chris Evans knew he wouldn't have that opportunity because he'd immediately be playing Steve Rogers again.

Afterward, Robert Downey Jr. gave Chris Evans a call, encouraging him to take on the role, stating that "big fame could bring more opportunities to his acting career rather than limiting him." To attract Evans, Marvel Studios reduced the contract to six films, including three "Captain America" films and three "Avengers" films.

Nevertheless, Chris Evans knew he'd be locked into this role for approximately a decade, which made him apprehensive. But sometimes, he also felt that "perhaps the thing you're most afraid of is actually the thing you should do," so he accepted the challenge.