Chris Evans returns as Human Torch in “Deadpool & Wolverine” – Marvel fans rejoice!

Deadpool and Wolverine are here at last, and they’re jam-packed with allusions, cameos, and Easter eggs. 

We saved the most jaw-dropping moments from the merger of the Fox and Marvel Cinematic Universes for the big screen, but the trailers and ads did reveal a few surprises.

Chris Evans could never have imagined that someone would approach him about reprising his role from the Marvel movies. No, Captain America, isn’t it? This is an alternate Marvel character.

At Comic-Con’s enormous Thursday night panel at the San Diego Convention Center’s Hall H, Evans confirmed his surprise role in this weekend’s Deadpool & Wolverine as Johnny Storm, a.k.a. the Human Torch. He had previously played the role in 2005’s Fantastic Four and 2007’s Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. Other surprise attendees included Jennifer Garner, Channing Tatum, Wesley Snipes, and Dafne Keen.

During his exclusive interview with Entertainment Weekly, he said, “I was so excited,” as he was driving back to the airport after the panel. The actor has confirmed that Ryan Reynolds—who stars in the film, produces it, and wrote a screenplay—was the one who directly contacted him. Evans makes the comment, “Ryan’s a buddy.” I received a text message from him asking, “Listen, this may be a long shot, but would you be interested in trying something from 20 years ago again?” “Oh my God!” I exclaimed. Sure thing.

“Honestly, Ryan might be the only guy that I would’ve done it for because he’s just got the Midas touch,” he says. Given his level of self-awareness, he is almost unbeatable. You feel immediately at ease when Ryan makes the joke before the audience has a chance to laugh at it. The ability to reintroduce a character without knowing how is especially useful.