Forget Captain America and Johnny Storm; this Chris Evans comic book character deserves more recognition.
Given the numerous comic book films and shows released each year, it’s quite challenging to find an actor who hasn’t been involved with characters from Marvel or DC studios. At this point, Daniel Day-Lewis and Meryl Streep might be among the few who haven’t been touched by the superhero trend. While playing a superhero is no longer a rare achievement, Chris Evans has made a significant impact with his roles as Steve Rogers in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Johnny Storm in Tim Story’s Fantastic Four films. Rogers remains a fan favorite in one of the biggest movie franchises ever, and Evans’ portrayal of Johnny Storm has gained nostalgic appreciation, especially after his cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine. Marvel Studios certainly owes him a great deal, but Evans also appeared in the DC adaptation The Losers.
The Losers came out during a period when DC was uncertain about its film direction. Despite the success of Batman Begins and The Dark Knight, which led to the conclusion of Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy, DC also explored other graphic novel adaptations with positive results, such as Road to Perdition, V for Vendetta, Red, and A History of Violence. The Losers offered a darkly comedic spin on comic book mythology, allowing Evans to take on one of the most intriguing roles of his career.
What is the plot of ‘The Losers’?
While DC’s brand typically features heroic characters inspired by Greek mythology, the characters in *The Losers* are far from typical “good guys.” The film centers on a team of elite U.S. Special Forces operatives who undertake high-risk international missions that most government agents would avoid. The team includes former U.S. lieutenant colonel Clay (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), explosives expert Roque (Idris Elba), weapons specialist Aisha (Zoe Saldaña), sniper Cougar (Óscar Jaenada), and transportation coordinator Pooch (Columbus Short). Chris Evans plays Jensen, the team’s intelligence expert responsible for managing their technology and hacking into enemy systems.
Jensen is a stark contrast to Johnny Storm and Steve Rogers, highlighting the variety of roles Evans has taken on. Unlike Steve, Jensen lacks a steadfast moral compass and seems to thrive on the thrill of danger. Though he shares some of Johnny’s brash charm, Jensen lacks the Human Torch’s charisma and is clearly a secondary figure, subordinate to Clay and Roque. Casting Evans as this eccentric, geeky character was a clever choice that added a fresh twist to the film, especially at a time when audiences were growing weary of traditional superheroes.
