Chris Evans Explains His Need For ‘Therapy’ Prior To Taking On ‘Captain America’; Says Workouts For Film Were ‘Brutal’

It’s safe to assume that most actors would jump at the chance to sign a multi-picture deal to star as a beloved superhero.

So why was Chris Evans — star of the upcoming “Captain America: The First Avenger” — initially reluctant to accept the role of Marvel’s iconic superhero?

“It’s a six-movie commitment — they can spread that out over 10 years — and I guess I wasn’t 100 percent convinced that the goal in my life was to become a giant movie star,” Chris explained to Access Hollywood at the film’s junket in Los Angeles on Saturday. “And if that’s not the end game, then jumping on to a six-picture deal might be a risky endeavor… So, that was scary.

“And then just a lifestyle change,” Chris continued. “It’s not everyday you’re doing a movie that has this type of a following and this type of a summer blockbuster feel, and as a result, you could lose some anonymity. I love my privacy, and that was a compromise I wasn’t sure I was willing to make.”

The 30-year-old actor — who is not new to the world of Marvel superheroes (he previously played Johnny Storm/Human Torch in both “Fantastic Four” films) — was so concerned over the likely onslaught of attention “Captain America” would bring that he sought help from a therapist prior to inking the deal.

“It was one of the things where I said, ‘Listen, if I’m going to do this, I’ve got to get my head right,’” Chris told Access. “I struggle a lot with interviews like this — even talking about this.

“I’m surprised I haven’t had a meltdown yet!” he added, jokingly. “But you know, it’s not like we had some big breakthroughs in therapy where we both wept — it’s just nice to vocalize things that you’re dealing with.”

The actor found the clarity he sought through therapy and said the introspective reflection has been healthy.

“Taking on the role has been a catalyst for a lot of positive change in my psyche,” he told Access. “So even though there are going to be some obstacles I’m going to have to navigate, and the compromise with anonymity, there’s still a lot of good that’s come out of it.”

Part of the obvious “good” stemming from his new role is his superhero-worthy physique – though attaining the muscular shape was less than enjoyable.

“The workouts were brutal, but the eating was the real challenge,” Chris told Access, when asked how he got in shape for the role. “You’d think the eating would be the fun part, but we’re not just eating pizza and milkshakes — you’ve got to eat like, just bland pieces of chicken and beef and just protein.

“The rule of thumb was, ‘If you’re not eating anything, go get something,’” he added. “So, it was just a feeling of being bloated for about four months!”

Catch Chris as “Captain America: The First Avenger” when the film hits theaters on Friday.