Sacrifice premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival on September 6. After the screening, reporters had the opportunity to speak with Chris Evans, who plays a troubled movie star in the midst of an existential crisis. One journalist didn’t mince words when she asked about his role hitting close to home, implying that he’s a washed-up actor himself. Thankfully, Evans handled the moment with grace.

A reporter asked Chris Evans if playing a failed movie star hit close to home — ouch!

After the Sacrifice premiere, TIFF reporters had the chance to ask the cast questions about the action-adventure comedy film. When one journalist got the mic, she didn’t hold back, asking Evans, “Do you have any concerns with paying a part that was potentially a bit closer to home, or if you felt like it was going to take –.” The audience laughed uncomfortably for a moment before she continued, “I don’t imagine you in a bathroom on your phone trying to go viral. I’m so sorry. Or were there any concerns about it shaking the fictional world of the film?”

Watching the interaction was quite humorous. His co-star, Anya Taylor-Joy, held back awkward laughter before silently nodding, as Evans responded. Fans jumped to defend Evans on Reddit. One comment, which received nearly 5,000 upvotes, read, “I hope I fail at whatever I do the way Chris has failed at being a movie star.” Another commented, “This guy was a household name since the fantastic four in 2005 and has a career that spans over 20 years the heck is she talking about?”

Although Evans seemed caught off guard, the Captain America star has clearly received ample media training as he gave a polite response to the question before pivoting to another subject. “Sure,” he stated. “Yeah. I mean, listen, obviously, at face value, there’s a little bit of an overlap. That could be part of the reason why you might want to play the role.”

Evans began filming Sacrifice in late 2024 as he and Taylor-Joy began many filming days by hiking up a live volcano in Santorini. Evans himself likened the volcano to symbols of transformation, surrender, and freedom, something both he and his character can relate to in their careers.

Chris Evans stars in ‘Sacrifice’ alongside Anya Taylor-Joy

Directed by Romain Gavras, Sacrifice unfolds at a glamorous, eco-themed gala on a remote volcanic island in Greece, where a radical cult storms the event with apocalyptic demands. Critics described the film as sharp and satirical, making fun of performative environmentalism and celebrity egos. The story focuses on Joan (Anya Taylor-Joy), a cult leader who believes a volcanic prophecy demands celebrity sacrifice to avert catastrophe. She takes hostage a fading action star, a billionaire, and a performer.

Chris Evans plays Mike Tyler, a troubled movie star amidst an existential crisis, hoping to rebrand himself through activism. When the gala is hijacked, his survival becomes both literal and metaphorical redemption. His portrayal has been widely regarded as a highlight. The Guardian praised Evans for bringing depth and humor to the character, “making his spiralling actor both pathetically funny and affectingly human,” perhaps marking “his greatest role to date.” That’s saying a lot for a supposedly washing-up movie star!

Salma Hayek, Vincent Cassel, John Malkovich, Charli XCX, and Sam Richardson also star in Sacrifice. As of right now, the film has not been picked up by a streaming platform. Stay tuned for details of a possible theatrical release.