Key Highlights
- Chris Evans’ unexpected return as Johnny Storm in Deadpool & Wolverine has thrilled MCU fans.
- Evans’ portrayal of the Human Torch in the 2000s Fantastic Four films marked a significant milestone in his career.
- Stranger Things star Joseph Quinn is set to take on the role of the Human Torch in the upcoming Fantastic Four reboot.
- Marvel’s Fantastic Four reboot will feature a star-studded cast, including Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby, and is set to release on July 25, 2025.
(livesinsight.com) – The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) never ceases to surprise, and Chris Evans’ return as Johnny Storm in the recent Deadpool & Wolverine film is a testament to the franchise’s knack for delightful twists. The actor, who originally played the Human Torch in the 2000s Fantastic Four films, reprised the role after a casual but persuasive text from Ryan Reynolds. Evans’ appearance brought a wave of nostalgia and excitement, merging the old with the new and reminding fans of his dynamic range beyond his iconic portrayal of Captain America. This editorial delves into the significance of Evans’ return, his reflections on the Fantastic Four films, and the future of the Human Torch with Joseph Quinn stepping into the fiery role for the MCU’s much-anticipated reboot.
Chris Evans’ Surprising Return as Johnny Storm
In a move that few saw coming, Chris Evans made a triumphant return to the MCU as Johnny Storm, aka the Human Torch, in Deadpool & Wolverine. The cameo, which unfolded in the film’s post-credits scene, was orchestrated by none other than Ryan Reynolds. Evans revealed to Entertainment Weekly that Reynolds’ text message was all it took for him to jump back into the role. “Honestly, Ryan might be the only guy that I would’ve done it for because he’s just got the Midas touch,” Evans said, highlighting his trust in Reynolds’ comedic genius. Fans were thrilled to see Evans back in a superhero suit, albeit a different one from his Captain America days. His portrayal of Johnny Storm in the mid-2000s Fantastic Four films had initially paved the way for his career in superhero cinema. Those films, despite mixed reviews, were significant in showcasing Evans’ charisma and talent, qualities he brought back in full force for his latest MCU appearance. The actor’s return as the Human Torch was not only a nod to his earlier work but also a clever way to bridge different eras of Marvel films. The humor and irreverence of Deadpool & Wolverine were perfectly suited to Johnny Storm’s character, making Evans’ cameo both fitting and memorable.
Nostalgia and Reflections: Evans on His Fantastic Four Days
Chris Evans’ journey through the Marvel universe started long before he donned the star-spangled shield of Captain America. His role as Johnny Storm in the 2005 and 2007 Fantastic Four films was a pivotal moment in his career. Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Evans reminisced fondly about those early days. “It’s nothing but fond memories,” Evans said, reflecting on his first major studio film at the age of 23. “I loved working with the people that were on that film. I loved the role.” The Fantastic Four films, though not universally acclaimed, were crucial in establishing Evans as a bankable star. They allowed him to showcase his ability to balance action and humor, traits that would later define his portrayal of Steve Rogers. Evans’ return as Johnny Storm in Deadpool & Wolverine was a reminder of his versatility and the enduring impact of his earlier roles. The different experiences of playing Johnny Storm in the 2000s and now were also highlighted by Evans. He noted that the new suit he wore for Deadpool & Wolverine was more liberating compared to the precise and pristine costumes of the original Fantastic Four films. This change not only reflects advancements in costume design but also the evolving nature of superhero films.
Joseph Quinn: The New Torchbearer
As the MCU continues to expand, the mantle of the Human Torch is set to pass to a new actor. Joseph Quinn, best known for his breakout role in Stranger Things, has been cast as Johnny Storm in the upcoming Fantastic Four reboot. Quinn has big shoes to fill, acknowledging Chris Evans’ memorable portrayal. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Quinn expressed his admiration for Evans’ performance and his excitement for the role. “I remember really enjoying Chris Evans’s performance as Johnny in the previous films, and it felt like this would be a really exciting opportunity,” Quinn said. The reboot, slated for release on July 25, 2025, promises to bring a fresh take on the beloved characters. Quinn, along with a stellar cast including Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as The Thing, aims to reintroduce the Fantastic Four to a new generation of fans. Director Matt Shakman has emphasized the importance of staying true to the essence of the characters while bringing contemporary sensibilities to the story. For Quinn, this means balancing the fiery, rebellious nature of Johnny Storm with the depth and complexity that modern audiences expect. The transition of the Human Torch role from Evans to Quinn symbolizes the MCU’s ability to evolve and adapt, ensuring that the legacy of its characters continues to burn brightly.
Marvel’s Fantastic Four Reboot: A Star-Studded Affair
Marvel’s announcement of the Fantastic Four reboot has generated significant buzz, and for good reason. The new cast is a blend of established stars and rising talents, promising to deliver a fresh and compelling take on the iconic superhero team. Pedro Pascal, known for his roles in The Mandalorian and Game of Thrones, will portray Reed Richards, the brilliant and elastic leader of the group. His casting has been met with widespread approval, given Pascal’s proven ability to bring depth and charisma to his roles. Vanessa Kirby, acclaimed for her performances in The Crown and Mission: Impossible, will take on the role of Sue Storm, the Invisible Woman. Kirby’s versatility and strength as an actress make her a perfect fit for the character, who balances her powers of invisibility and force fields with her role as the emotional core of the team. Ebon Moss-Bachrach, notable for his work in The Punisher and Girls, is set to play Ben Grimm, aka The Thing. His rugged yet empathetic portrayal of characters in past roles positions him well to embody the complex and beloved figure of The Thing, who is both a formidable fighter and a loyal friend. Additionally, Julia Garner’s involvement as Shalla-Bal, a reimagined version of the Silver Surfer’s love interest, adds an intriguing new dimension to the story. Garner’s performances in Ozark and Inventing Anna have showcased her ability to bring intensity and nuance to her roles, making her an exciting addition to the cast. Marvel’s Fantastic Four reboot is poised to blend the nostalgic elements of the original comics with the innovative storytelling that has become a hallmark of the MCU. As the July 25, 2025 release date approaches, fans eagerly anticipate how these talented actors will bring their characters to life.
Chris Evans’ Legacy and Future MCU Possibilities
Chris Evans’ return as Johnny Storm in Deadpool & Wolverine has sparked discussions about his potential future in the MCU. While Evans has made it clear that he has no immediate plans to reprise his role as Captain America, the multiverse offers intriguing possibilities. The MCU’s current exploration of the multiverse allows for the return of various characters and alternate versions of familiar heroes. This opens the door for Evans to potentially play different iterations of his iconic characters. One exciting prospect is the return of Johnny Storm from an alternate universe, providing fans with more of Evans’ charismatic Human Torch. Another possibility is the return of Steve Rogers, albeit in a different form. The comics have explored various storylines where an older Steve Rogers regains his youth and resumes his role as Captain America. This scenario could play out in future MCU films, especially with the upcoming Avengers: Secret Wars, which is rumored to bring together many of the franchise’s most beloved characters for one epic adventure. Additionally, the multiverse could introduce alternate versions of Captain America, such as the villainous “Captain Hydra” or the mystical “Soldier Supreme,” a fusion of Captain America and Doctor Strange. These characters would allow Evans to explore new facets of the iconic hero, providing fresh and exciting storylines for fans. Chris Evans’ return as Johnny Storm has reignited interest in his previous roles and opened up a world of possibilities for future MCU projects. Whether as the Human Torch, Captain America, or a new multiversal variant, Evans remains a beloved figure in the Marvel universe, with fans eagerly awaiting his next appearance. Source: Entertainment Weekly
Chris Evans gives a nod to his 2005 Fantastic Four role as Johnny Storm for kickstarting his career, long before Captain America came along.
Before Captain America became a household name, Chris Evans was known for a very different Marvel role, the Human Torch. It’s easy to forget now, but back in the 2000s, when 20th Century Fox still held the reins before Disney acquired it in 2019, Evans was just starting out in his career.
Starring as the flamboyant flame-thrower in the Fantastic Four films, he was still relatively inexperienced and quite young. Those movies, despite the mixed opinions they garnered, admittedly marked a significant turning point in his life and career, shaping him into the star the fans know him today.
Chris Evans’ Marvel Role That Changed His Life, But No One Talks About!
In a recent chat with Entertainment Weekly about his career, Chris Evans reflected on his early role as the Human Torch, and his first venture into the Marvel universe. At the time, he had no way of knowing what the future held for him, but he thoroughly enjoyed the experience of making the film and working with the team.
Despite the less-than-stellar reviews the movies received, Evans has no regrets. He reminisces about those days with genuine fondness and sees them as a cherished part of his journey. He said,
It’s nothing but fond memories,–Those were a big chapter of my life. I was 23 when I did the first one, and it was my first bigger studio film. I had done a couple movies at that point, but nothing at that level. These careers are little milestones, little corners that you round. Doing that movie, you turn a corner and it just feels like it brought me to the next level of my career. I loved working with the people that were on that film. I loved the role. It was nothing but love and affection for that time.
At just 23, Chris Evans stepped into the role of the Human Torch, a character that marked his entry into the superhero realm. Back then, he was relatively unknown, but his charismatic portrayal left a lasting impression. Although his later role as Captain America dramatically shifted his career trajectory, so much so that many fans now scarcely remember his earlier work as the Torch, Evans looks back on that initial opportunity with gratitude.
He acknowledges that this being his first major film role and a departure from the norm, Fantastic Four was an important milestone in his career. One thing is clear now, Evans was always destined to be a superhero.
Joseph Quinn Has “Big Boots” to Fill as Human Torch!
As the reboot of Fantastic Four takes shape, the Stranger Things breakout star Joseph Quinn has been cast to take on the role once played by Chris Evans. Quin has openly acknowledged the challenge ahead of him, recognizing the significant shoes he has to fill as the Human Torch.
In a separate conversation with Entertainment Weekly, Quinn admitted that he’s a huge fan of Evans’ portrayal of the character and sees it as a high bar to reach. He said,
I remember really enjoying Chris Evans’s performance as Johnny in the previous films, and it felt like this would be a really exciting opportunity; I was absolutely signed up.
Although he feels nervous, his excitement far outweighs his anxiety. While he has a deep admiration for Evans’ portrayal of Johnny Storm, Quinn is also determined to make the character his own in this new reboot. As he further added,
No. I mean, you’re going to make it your own. It’s big boots [to fill].
Marvel revealed the cast for their highly anticipated Fantastic Four reboot on Valentine’s Day this year. The lineup features Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as The Thing. Additionally, Ozark and Inventing Anna star Julia Garner will bring a new twist to the classic comics character as Shalla-Bal, a fresh take on the Silver Surfer. Fans are buzzing with excitement to see the iconic team back in action.
The Fantastic Four reboot will hit the theaters on July 25, 2025