Everything has to go back to politics now, so it’s no surprise that the Hollywood Reporter dubbed Chris Evans “the political Avenger” after a recent interview. Of course, the “Captain America” star is known for his anti-Trump Twitter feed, but did he really have to pick on Tom Brady?
When interviewer Alex Pappademas asked Evans if he would ever play the New England Patriots quarterback in a biopic, Evans said if he’s still a Trump supporter, then probably not:
I think maybe a couple of years ago. I might have tried to pull some, like, mental gymnastics to compartmentalize, but I don’t know if I can anymore. So I’m just hoping he’s woken up.
Back in 2015, Brady kept a MAGA hat in his locker, but he’s avoided endorsing the president since then. If only a whiff of defiance to the Hollywood establishment is what it takes to get blacklisted, then people had better shut up about their unpopular opinions. Well, if they care about Hollywood, anyway.
Even Evans himself has “learned that shutting up is important” just “like a lot of straight white men seeking to consciously and conscientiously navigate a tumultuous moment in the history of straight white male-dom,” according to Pappademas.
As far as Marvel actors caving to political partisanship and identity politics, it could be worse. Brie Larson, who plays Captain Marvel in the recent film of the same name, has said she doesn’t care for white men reviewing films. Samuel L. Jackson, who plays Nick Fury in the Marvel universe, recently said in an interview for Esquire he has a four-letter message for Trump supporters who boycott his films.
There’s no doubt that President Trump contributed to the division that his name creates among Americans, but Hollywood could consider listening to the other side before immediately writing off half the country. Then again, maybe Evans is just living into his role as Captain America. If our country is so polarized that we feel a need to shut down opinions different from our own, then who are we to blame the all-American superhero for doing the same?
[Also read: ‘Captain America’ star Chris Evans is founding father of new political website]
