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In the realm of action cinema, few names resonate as powerfully as Jason Statham. Known for his high-octane performances and relentless on-screen energy, Statham is a titan of the genre. Meanwhile, Chris Evans has become a household name, largely due to his iconic portrayal of Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Before their ascent to superstardom, these two actors crossed paths in a lesser-known film that deserves more recognition: 2004’s “Cellular.” This intriguing thriller comes as a compelling chapter in their early careers, showcasing their potential before they were thrust into Hollywood’s limelight.
New Line Cinema
“Cellular” offers a unique narrative twist, with Statham and Evans playing opposing forces rather than allies. The film kicks off with the abduction of Jessica Martin, a character portrayed by Kim Basinger. In a desperate attempt to seek help, Jessica manages to connect with Ryan, a college student played by Evans, through a random phone call. This unlikely alliance becomes the crux of the story, as Ryan, armed with little more than a cellphone, embarks on a tense journey to thwart a conspiracy and rescue Jessica, all while facing the limitations of early 2000s mobile technology.
Despite not being a blockbuster hit or a critics’ darling, “Cellular” embodies the quintessential summer action movie. Its blend of suspense, drama, and raw star power delivers an exhilarating experience for viewers. Although it has not achieved the same level of acclaim as some of Statham and Evans’ later works, it remains an entertaining pick for those eagerly awaiting Evans’ upcoming appearance in “Avengers: Doomsday.”
Reflecting on the era of its release, it’s fascinating to recall a time when cell phones were not ubiquitous. In 2004, mobile technology was still a novelty for many. Chris Evans himself, during an interview with IGN, confessed to being a late adopter of cell phones. He remarked on his discomfort with constant connectivity, saying, “[We’re] so plugged in. I hate being that connected.”
Evans also shared insights into the nuances of phone usage, noting the often unconscious behaviors people exhibit while on calls. “When you’re talking on the phone, you do a lot of things without even thinking,” he observed. Preparing for his role, Evans found it intriguing to study these subtleties, watching others interact with their phones to capture authentic behaviors for his character. This attention to detail added another layer of realism to his performance, enriching the film’s narrative fabric.
Chris Evans hated cell phones when making Cellular
New Line Cinema
It might be hard to believe for some of our younger readers, but at the time “Cellular” was being made, cell phones weren’t nearly what they are today. Many people still didn’t own cell phones. In fact, when interviewed to promote the film in 2004, future “Avengers” star Chris Evans told IGN that he was relatively late to the party of cell phone use. He admitted he wasn’t a fan of cell phones, either, telling the outlet, “[We’re] so plugged in. I hate being that connected.”
As only the most casual of users, Evans also talked about how he had to learn about how differently people behave when using a phone, often exhibiting subconscious behaviors. “When you’re talking on the phone, you do a lot of things without even thinking. So it was actually fun, kind of trying to exercise that muscle and paying attention and just, in my car, just watching other people drive and watch my buddies talk on the cell phone and just try to pick up little authenticities that make things real.”
Decades later, of course, Evans is a regular cell phone user like the rest of us. But he still has some lingering resentments around the device, complaining to Collider in 2022 about the constant updates to the technology. Frustrated by the newer iPhone models, Evans griped about more recent models, saying, “Do I miss the home button? Yeah, I do.”
