Captain America Goes to Washington? Chris Evans Opens Up About His Political Ambitions in Esquire Middle East

"Maybe later on in life I might try and actually get up on a soap box," the actor says

By Zach Johnson Apr 05, 2016 1:17 PMTags
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Can Chris Evans count on your vote?

In Esquire Middle East's April issue, the Captain America: Civil War star reveals he's toyed with the idea of one day running for office. It shouldn't come as too much of a surprise, given that his uncle, Mike Capuano, currently serves as the U.S. representative for Massachusetts' 7th congressional district. Asked about his own political ambitions, the Boston-area native says, "I would never say never. I've always thought it would be nice one day to think about some sort of political pursuit. I'm so proud of my uncle and of anyone who dedicates themselves to helping the progression of society in exacting change for the betterment of mankind. Ultimately, there's very few things that I consider to be noble and challenging. I know that Washington is a tough place. I have my opinions and maybe later on in life I might try and actually get up on a soap box."

Before he heads to Washington though, Evans wants to delve deeper into directing. He starred opposite Alice Eve in his directorial debut, 2015's Before We Go. "I'd wanted to direct for a long time. It's just hard to find someone who's willing to let you direct. I have no training. I've never been to any sort of school, so it's a gamble," he says. "It was a situation where we found a script that felt manageable. This was a simple story; it's two people. It just felt very contained and, not to sound awful, but I aimed a little low, just because I wanted to get my feet wet. I think there's no shame in that. I didn't want to bite off more than I could chew the first time out."

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"There were a lot of things I thought I was prepared for that never became a problem, and things I didn't think would be an issue that ended up being one. So it was very eye opening," Evans continues. "But I loved the experience and I want to do it again. I'm trying to aim a little higher in terms of the story and the scope. I feel a little more comfortable behind the camera, and it's now just about finding the right script. Because the really great scripts are snatched up by the really great directors. So it's about digging and trying to find the diamond in the rough."

Evans will continue to work in front of the camera, too, but he may not star in blockbuster franchises forever. "I would never stop acting completely, because I do love it, but if I was to get married and have kids, I could see myself wanting to be less of a famous actor. The fame thing is the tricky part, especially when you have children, and there is a nice element to the investment in directing," he tells the magazine. "Even the amount of time and passion required for pre- and post-production; you're with a project intimately for a year. As an actor you've got a few months and then you completely forget about it. So I like that connection, and I like that you can be a little more in the shadows but still be part of a profession that you're in love with."

Watch: Chris Evans Talks Love Lost in "Before We Go"

Unlike some of his peers, Evans doesn't have his life mapped out.

"My big ambition is to not have a big ambition. I know it's kind of strange but mu goal in life is to practice trying to be present on a daily basis," he tells the magazine. "I think, as people, our consciousness is spread out. We analyze the past, we worry about the future, and it's all fueled by fear and pain and all these negative things. Even when its good it's going to be not good in a minute. Then you're chasing it again. It's all rooted in time and I think my big ambition is to really practice the ability to quiet my brain a little and just learn how to enjoy the moment."

Esquire Middle East's April issue is available digitally now.