In a recent interview with ET Canada, Chris Evans (Captain America, Lightyear, Knives Out) reveals his anxieties towards hosting Saturday Night Live, being offered several times in the past to headline the late night sketch performance show. When questioned about why he never appeared on the show when so many of his fellow co-stars and friends did, Evans admitted that he intentionally avoided hosting SNL, with no intention of pursuing hosting in the future either.
According to ScreenRant, Evans has the capability to perform on stage, playing comedic/satiric roles in movies like Not Another Teen Movie and Scott Pilgrim vs The World. With an impressive Hollywood resume and a familiarity with working with others in a comedic setting, one would think Evans would be likely to appear on the show during its 45 consistent years of live performing.
When discussing the topic of SNL being hosted by Ana De Armas (Blonde, Blade Runner 2049, The Gray Man) on April 15th, Evans responded positively saying she would probably do a better job than him saying the following:
“Well, now a cameo I can handle. I’ve avoided hosting SNL like the plague for years now just because I’m so scared. It’s terrifying to me. To me, it would just be one of those things that every single night I would wake up in a cold sweat. A cameo sounds great, that’s perfect. In and out… get your toes wet. But hosting, I tip my hat to her. She’s going to be amazing. But it would provide a lot of sleepless nights for me.”
“I’m not a funny person. Maybe I only feel that because I have very, very funny friends who once told me I’m not a funny person. I just know how I would feel… it would just be an everyday anxiety, constant regret. Why did I do this? I could have been comfortable at my house, in my bed, not worrying about this.”
Even if Evans claims to not be a funny person, a background in television or film isn’t required to get a hosting slot on SNL. With hosts like country singer Garth Brooks (Friends in Low Places, The Thunder Rolls, The Dance) and football star Peyton Manning (Peyton’s Places, The Final Straw, Ferdinand) cracking jokes on the set, the potential of a seasoned performer like Evans, who is beyond beloved by his fanbase, is astronomical. Hopefully Evans reconsiders in the future and eventually appears on Saturday Night Live.