10 Movie Performances Which Saved An Actor’s Career

10. Chris Evans - Captain America In Captain America: The First Avenger

Up until around 2010, Chris Evans was widely known as the guy who popped up in superhero/action movies as the cocky, wise-cracking comic relief in the likes of the Fantastic Four series and The Losers. He also memorably played one of Ramona Flower's exes, Lucas Lee, in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. However, none of these appearances really set the star up as a compelling leading man.

On top of these dives into the action and super genres, Evans had also been part of his fair share of dramatic, romantic and comedic flops, with The Loss of a Teardrop Diamond, The Nanny Diaries, and What's Your Number? in particular all being largely forgettable affairs.

However, a middle-of-the-road career suddenly had a rocket (or should that be shield?) strapped to its back when Evans was green-lit - after initially rejecting the role - to play Captain America in the First Avenger. Bringing a sincerity and wholesome quality to Steve Rogers from the minute we were introduced to him in 2011, Evans quickly established himself as the heart and soul of the burgeoning Marvel Cinematic Universe.

In the proceeding eight years, the actor would only go from strength to strength in the role, eventually marking himself out as one of the most in-demand performers of his generation.