The Human Torch Returns: Chris Evans’ Surprise Cameo in "Deadpool & Wolverine"
Marvel may strive to keep spoilers under wraps, but sometimes even their own stars can’t resist indulging in a little bit of "leaky" fun. In the case of "Deadpool & Wolverine," it was Chris Evans, better known for his iconic role as Captain America, who sent fans into a frenzy with a surprise cameo as Johnny Storm, aka the Human Torch, a character he previously played in the 2005 "Fantastic Four" movie.
The cameo, while brief, was a delightful touch of nostalgia for longtime Marvel fans. It’s not just a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it appearance, either. The scene takes place “in The Void,” a location where discarded versions of various Marvel characters are essentially placed on ice before being erased from existence. Deadpool, believing he has encountered the legendary Captain America, is instead greeted by the somewhat less-than-legendary Human Torch.
This unexpected return to his earlier role led to plenty of speculation: why would Evans, who reportedly re-signed with Disney for future MCU projects, take on such a seemingly insignificant role? As Evans revealed during the "Deadpool & Wolverine" Celebration of Life panel at San Diego Comic-Con, his decision was influenced by his close friendship with Ryan Reynolds.
“I was so excited. Ryan’s a buddy. He just shot me a text saying, ‘Listen, might be a long shot, but would you have any interest in reprising something from 20 years ago?’ I said, ‘Oh my God! Of course,’” Evans admitted. He went on to explain his respect for Reynolds’ comedic genius and the "automatic sense of safety" it brings: “Honestly, Ryan might be the only guy that I would’ve done it for because he’s just got the Midas touch. His self-awareness makes him almost invincible. He makes the joke before the audience gets a chance to make the joke, so if you’re going to revisit a character and you have to find a way to make it work, Ryan’s humor makes just about everything work.”
This camaraderie added a layer of warmth and playful spirit to the cameo. Evans’ willingness to lend his likeness to a project outside the traditional MCU, in a comedic capacity, showcases his open-mindedness and sense of humor, reinforcing his image as a cool-headed, down-to-earth Hollywood star.
The cameo itself is described by Evans as "real quick" and "pretty easy." He simply flew in for a couple of days, filmed his scenes, and flew out. The laid-back nature of the shoot was aided by the context of the scene: "Primarily because where we find Johnny, he’s meant to be a little more rundown, so the costume didn’t have to be pristine. Those first two movies, that’s when Marvel was really still trying to find their footing. So everything had to be very precise and had a lot of meetings, a lot of opinions. This was a little more like, ‘Yeah, we know it. We’ve seen it.’”
This sense of relaxed camaraderie behind the scenes reflects the fun-loving spirit of the film itself, which appears to be full of meta-humor, acknowledging the absurdity of the situation and playing with the expectations of the audience.
However, the cameo served a larger purpose than just a mere nostalgic nod. It provided a glimpse into the evolution of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, highlighting its growth from the early days, characterized by a stricter, more structured approach, to a more relaxed and self-aware present, embracing a playful and experimental tone.
Evans’ appearance as Johnny Storm in "Deadpool & Wolverine" was a delightful surprise for fans, a playful wink to the past, and a testament to the close-knit world of Hollywood friendships. While the scene itself didn’t involve a significant amount of screen time, its impact goes beyond mere entertainment. It embodies a shift in the way Marvel approaches its storytelling, incorporating moments of self-awareness and comedic relief alongside more serious narratives.
Overall, Evans’ cameo served as a reminder of the fluidity of the superhero universe, the dynamic relationship between actors and their roles, and the playful nature that can bring even the most serious of franchises down to earth. It also sparked a renewed sense of anticipation for what Marvel has planned for the future, both in terms of character development and the exploration of different tones and comedic elements within its expansive storytelling universe.
Perhaps his recent decision to return to the MCU as Captain America in future projects is inspired, in part, by the fun and creative energy he experienced on the set of "Deadpool & Wolverine". Whatever the reason, one thing is clear: Chris Evans continues to be a driving force within the ever-expanding world of Marvel, showcasing his versatility and comedic timing, and reminding us that even amidst the grandest of superhero sagas, there’s always room for a hearty laugh and a touch of nostalgia.
