Chris Evans Explains How RDJ’s Iron Man Made The First Captain America Movie Easier

Chris Evans believes that Captain America: The First Avenger was made easier by Iron Man, the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s first movie. Robert Downey Jr. led the MCU’s first movie in 2008, with his performance as Tony Stark in Iron Man setting the standard for future MCU actors. Evans would then enter the MCU with the first of his three Captain America movies, 2011’s Captain America: The First Avenger, with his Steve Rogers and RDJ’s Tony Stark becoming the MCU’s most popular heroes.

Speaking with GQ, Evans revealed that he thinks Iron Man‘s success took pressure off Captain America: The First Avenger.

Releasing in theaters three years after Iron Man opened up the MCU to thunderous applause, Captain America: The First Avenger was made easier by RDJ’s film, according to the Captain America actor, with Evans saying, “it was such a phenomenon that you kind of felt like ‘okay, this is… we’re off on the right foot.’” That way, Captain America: The First Avenger‘s box office was a success. Check out the full quote below:

“We already had Downey, you know what I mean, like he had already done so well with Iron Man and it was such a phenomenon that you kind of felt like ‘okay, this is… we’re off on the right foot.’”

Why The First Iron Man Movie Defined The MCU So Much

Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark making the ultimate sacrifice to save the MCU from Thanos in Avengers: Endgame was a poetic way to end his time as the character. It honored the work he had done lifting the MCU in his three Iron Man movies, as well as appearances in four Avengers movies and other heroes’ franchises, including Evans’ Captain America: Civil War.

RDJ’s legacy with Tony Stark started with Iron Man, which broke all expectations and kicked off the MCU in the best way possible. As RDJ had a well-known troubled past before getting cast as Tony Stark, Marvel Studios took quite a gamble in casting the actor to lead Iron Man; however, it was that decision that made the MCU become the juggernaut that it is today. The actor imbued Tony Stark with his personality, making the character his in every possible way, and audiences responded strongly to it.

Being the first movie produced by Marvel Studios, Iron Man would be responsible for establishing the popular Marvel formula. Iron Man was the MCU at its best, with a gripping story, well-developed characters, vibrant action, a mix of practical effects and CGI, the right dose of comedy, a post-credits scene teasing the Avengers, and more. After Iron Man became a major success, Marvel would take what worked for the film and use it so that the MCU could become known for its high quality standard — which has been affected in recent years — with movies such as Captain America: The First Avenger walking the path set by Iron Man.