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In the world of high-octane action films, Jason Statham has carved a niche with his dynamic performances in adrenaline-pumping thrillers. His name is synonymous with some of the most iconic action movies. On the other hand, Chris Evans has ascended to fame as the embodiment of Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, cementing his status as a leading man in Hollywood. Before their rise to superstardom and involvement in blockbuster franchises, both actors shared the screen in the 2004 film “Cellular,” a gem that often flies under the radar in discussions of their careers.
New Line Cinema
“Cellular” presents a gripping narrative where Evans and Statham find themselves on opposing sides of a tense situation. The story kicks off with Kim Basinger playing Jessica Martin, a kidnapped mother and schoolteacher. In a stroke of desperation, she manages to make a call to a random number, reaching college student Ryan, portrayed by Evans. As the sole connection to the outside world, Ryan becomes embroiled in a high-stakes race against time, battling both a sinister conspiracy and the unreliable cell service of the early 2000s to save Jessica.
Despite not garnering widespread critical acclaim or smashing box office records, “Cellular” embodies the quintessential summer action flick. Its blend of suspenseful drama and heart-pounding action, coupled with the presence of two formidable stars, makes it an exhilarating watch. While it may not receive the accolades it deserves, “Cellular” is the perfect film to revisit as anticipation builds for Evans’ upcoming role in “Avengers: Doomsday.”
For younger audiences, it might be surprising to learn that during the film’s production, cell phones were hardly a ubiquitous feature of daily life. Many people were yet to adopt them. In a 2004 interview with IGN, Evans confessed he was slow to embrace the technology, expressing a dislike for the constant connectivity that cell phones bring. “We’re so plugged in. I hate being that connected,” he remarked, reflecting a sentiment that resonates even today.
Evans also shared insights into his approach to portraying a character reliant on a cell phone. He observed the subtleties of phone usage, noting how people often exhibit unconscious behaviors. “When you’re talking on the phone, you do a lot of things without even thinking,” he explained. To authentically capture these nuances, Evans paid close attention to others, observing his friends and fellow drivers to integrate these real-world behaviors into his performance.
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.”
