Chris Evans is pushing the boundaries of his acting repertoire with his latest film, Honey Don’t!, directed by Ethan Coen and featuring co-stars Margaret Qualley and Aubrey Plaza. Departing sharply from the heroic image of Captain America, Evans takes on a wildly eccentric and morally dubious role that confirms his evolving versatility as an actor. The film, set in Bakersfield, California, follows a private investigator drawn into a tangled web involving a cult leader and a mysterious woman, providing the perfect backdrop for Evans to showcase his quirky new role.
Since concluding his tenure as Steve Rogers in Avengers: Endgame, Evans has sought out diverse projects, including the intricate whodunit Knives Out by Rian Johnson and Celine Song’s romantic drama Materialists. However, Honey Don’t! marks a significant departure by presenting him as Reverend Drew Devlin—an irredeemable, charismatic cult leader with a dark and deceptive double life. This character stands in stark contrast to the noble, principled hero that defined Evans’ previous career, offering audiences an intriguing and unapologetically wild persona.
Reverend Drew Devlin: From Revered Leader to Sinful Hypocrite
In Honey Don’t!, Evans’ Reverend Devlin leads the Four-Way Temple with a façade of piety and devotion to Jesus Christ while secretly orchestrating drug deals with shadowy traffickers. Devlin’s duplicity extends to his personal life, where he indulges in multiple partners and eliminates those who pose threats to his power, all under the guise of divine mission. This portrayal of a fake religious figure who manipulates others for selfish gain is unsettling, yet Evans injects the role with such vibrant energy and unapologetic confidence that it becomes entertaining to watch despite the character’s despicable nature.
Evans’ natural charm plays a crucial role in making Reverend Devlin convincingly seductive and dangerous. The character’s ability to persuade and manipulate is central to the film, especially when confronted by Margaret Qualley’s protagonist, Honey O’Donahue, who is investigating Devlin’s potential involvement in a suspicious traffic fatality. The performance blends traits reminiscent of Evans’ earlier flamboyant roles, such as Johnny Storm from Fantastic Four and Ransom Drysdale from Knives Out, but amplified to a more extreme, bombastic level. Devlin’s mix of arrogance and self-righteousness makes him a remarkably compelling figure and arguably the most captivating presence in the film.
Why Chris Evans Thrives Playing Eccentric and Complex Characters
Chris Evans has consistently displayed impressive acting skills across a range of dramatic and comedic roles, but he truly shines when portraying wildly unconventional, eccentric characters. Honey Don’t! exemplifies this strength and signals a promising trajectory for his career. Following in the footsteps of actors like Daniel Radcliffe and Elijah Wood—who embraced unusual roles after leaving major franchises—Evans is demonstrating that stepping away from traditional heroism can unlock new dimensions of his craft.
Evans’ embodiment of Steve Rogers will always remain iconic, but his portrayal of Reverend Devlin introduces a fresh, unpredictable side to his career. This role reveals a depth and volatility rarely seen in his previous work, inviting both audiences and critics to reconsider his range. Embracing these types of roles can allow Evans to expand his artistic portfolio, offering more challenging and exciting opportunities moving forward. The success of Honey Don’t! may well pave the way for future projects where Evans continues to explore these bizarre yet fascinating characters.
Film Setting and Key Characters Supporting the Story
Set against the backdrop of Bakersfield, California, Honey Don’t! weaves a narrative involving a private investigator, a cult leader, and a mysterious woman, all interconnected by secrets and crime. Alongside Chris Evans, the cast includes Margaret Qualley as Honey O’Donahue and Aubrey Plaza as MJ, both crucial to the unfolding drama surrounding Reverend Devlin’s illicit activities. This setting and character dynamic contribute to an offbeat neo-western atmosphere that underscores the unpredictable nature of the film and Evans’ standout role.
“He’s an irredeemable piece of garbage, but Evans plays him with such conviction and energy that he’s a blast to watch despite being easily one of the most despicable characters in the film.”
—Reviewer
“He’s a total joy to watch whenever he’s on-screen and is easily the biggest highlight of the film as a whole.”
—Reviewer
“Evans has a natural charisma that always comes across on screen, no matter what role he’s playing, and Reverend Devlin is no exception.”
—Reviewer
“We need more of this deranged yet still charismatic side of Evans, and one can only hope that his work in Honey Don’t! will lead to more eccentric roles in the future.”
—Reviewer
Chris Evans’ daring step into the wild world of Reverend Drew Devlin firmly establishes his capacity to take on profoundly different, quirky roles that challenge Hollywood’s typical typecasting. As his career progresses beyond the realm of superhero films, audiences eagerly anticipate how this exploration of eccentric characters will shape his future performances and redefine his legacy.
