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Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr. – forever the faces of Captain America and Iron Man respectively – grew quite comfortable sharing the screen as the MCU’s finest. Robert Downey Jr. was even responsible for convincing Chris Evans to accept Marvel’s offer (after a string of poorly received superhero-themed films left Evans hesitant). Luckily for Evans, the choice paid off.

Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans
Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans | Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images

Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr., closing the door on their journeys with the MCU (at least for now), will go on to star in several other major blockbusters in the next few years. RDJ is set to take on The Voyage of Dr. Dolittle and Sherlock Homles 3, while Evans will star in Knives Out and Jekyll.

While the MCU may be slowly fading in their rearview mirrors, the two actors sat down for an interview with People Magazine. They discussed their friendship, working on the Avengers, and more.

Chris Evans on meeting Robert Downey Junior: first impression

During the interview, Evans was asked,  “What was your first impression of Robert Downey Jr.?” Evans struggled to remember when they first met, as the question required the actor to dig too far back in his memory. However, RDJ seemed to remember their first encounter with ease.

Robert Downey Jr. explained to the interviewer that they “were at some after party for the golden globes or something like that.” Downey goes on to explain that Evans was with his girlfriend at the time, while he was with his wife. Robert Downey Jr. seems to activate Chris Evans’ mind at this very moment, at which point Chris Evans chimes in to communicate how he felt about meeting RDJ.

Chris Evans stated, “I was terrified. I will say I was terrified. Everybody on the Avengers set was intimidated because it was Downey.” Evans goes on to explain what it means to “get the nod” of approval from Downey; he stated that if RDJ gives you the sense that you belong, you will feel “untouchable.”

Based on Chris Evans’ response, it seems that his first impression of Robert Downey Jr. was that of an accomplished and formidable actor (one to be intimidated by). However, it is clear that Evans felt he deserved to act alongside RDJ due to the latter’s good-hearted and welcoming nature, which followed the actor’s nod of approval.

When the Avengers saga first began, RDJ was easily the most famous actor to grace the MCU. Mark Ruffalo did not come until later on, and RDJ was nominated for an Oscar prior to donning the Iron Man suit (1992’s Chaplin). So, it should come as no surprise that Evans was intimidated.

Robert Downey Jr was a huge 1980s and 1990s film star, returning to the limelight in the early 2000s to seize back his career following stints in rehab and prison. Evans knew how talented this man was, and getting over that was the first hurdle.

Will Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr. ever return to the MCU?

Given the fallout of events in Avengers: Endgame, as well as the actors’ own comments surrounding the MCU, it’s likely that neither RDJ or Evans will be back in their suits anytime soon.

Both actors have packed schedules for the next few years, and Evans has admitted to wanting to direct. So, though Evans will appear on-screen in a few major roles, it’s likely that he will find his way behind the scenes in the near future.

Because Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow movie will likely be a prequel, with the possibility of ending where Iron Man 2 begins, we may see RDJ make a cameo appearance in one of the Black Widow standalone movies. If there are three – as is often the case – he will likely appear in the final one, as to give viewers a chance to miss him.

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