You remember that 2005 blue spandex, right? Long before the MCU became a global juggernaut, the world was obsessed with a different kind of Marvel family. It’s wild to think about now, but Jessica Alba and Chris Evans were the "it" duo of the mid-2000s superhero craze.
They weren't just co-stars. They were the faces of a franchise that, while critically divisive, basically paved the way for the blockbusters we see today. But if you look past the CGI fire and the invisible force fields, the real story of their time together is way more complicated than a simple Hollywood success story.
Honestly, it's kinda fascinating how their paths diverged after those Fantastic Four movies.
The Chemistry That Defined a Franchise
When Fantastic Four hit theaters in 2005, the chemistry between the "Storm siblings" was arguably the best thing about it. Chris Evans was the cocky, thrill-seeking Johnny Storm, and Jessica Alba played the grounded, protective Sue Storm. They played brother and sister so well that many fans at the time wondered if there was something more going on off-camera.
Spoiler: there wasn't.
They were close friends, sure. But the "romance" was strictly for the tabloids. Evans was actually dating Jessica Biel during most of that era, and Alba was navigating her own high-profile relationships. Yet, the way they played off each other—Chris with his manic energy and Jessica with her "done with your crap" expressions—felt real. It felt like a family.
Why Jessica Alba Almost Quit Acting
Here’s the part people usually miss. While Chris Evans was having the time of his life being the Human Torch, Jessica Alba was miserable. Like, "I want to leave the industry" miserable.
During the filming of the sequel, Rise of the Silver Surfer, the director allegedly told her to "be prettier" when she cried. He told her her face was too "real" and that they would just CGI the tears in later. Imagine being an actress trying to bring depth to a character and being told your emotions are too ugly for the screen.
It was a turning point. It’s a huge reason why she eventually pivoted toward business. She didn't want to be just a "beautiful face" in a suit anymore.
Where Are They Now? (The 2026 Reality)
Fast forward to today, January 2026. The landscape has changed completely.
- Chris Evans is no longer just "the guy from the superhero movies." He’s a father now. He and his wife, Alba Baptista, welcomed their first child in late 2025. It’s a bit of a funny coincidence, isn't it? The man who spent years working with Jessica Alba ended up marrying a woman named Alba.
- Jessica Alba is basically a tech and wellness mogul. While she still pops up in projects—like her recent Netflix action hits—her focus is The Honest Company. She took a frustrating experience in Hollywood and turned it into a billion-dollar empire.
Wait, did you catch that? People often confuse the two "Albas" in Chris's life. If you see headlines about "Chris Evans and Alba," they are almost certainly talking about his wife, Alba Baptista, not his former co-star.
The Deadpool & Wolverine Connection
We have to talk about the 2024 cameo. When Evans showed up in Deadpool & Wolverine, people lost their minds. He wasn't Captain America; he was Johnny Storm again.
Naturally, everyone asked: "Where’s Jessica?"
Jessica Alba has been vocal about this. She’s said in recent interviews that she would "of course" return to the Marvel universe if they asked. She loved the character of Sue Storm, even if she hated the way she was treated on set. There’s a lingering sense of unfinished business there. Fans are still holding out hope for a multiverse reunion where the 2005 cast gets the respect they deserve.
Breaking Down the Net Worth Myth
There is this weird competitive thing fans do where they compare the success of the two stars.
People assume Chris Evans is the richer one because of the Avengers checks. He’s doing great, don’t get me wrong. But Jessica Alba’s business savvy has put her in a different league. By 2024, her net worth was estimated to be significantly higher than many of her acting peers because of her equity in Honest.
She played the long game.
Evans, meanwhile, has focused on "one for them, one for me" projects. He does the big action flicks (like Materialists in 2025) and then retreats to his private life in Massachusetts. He’s found a balance that most actors never achieve.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception about Jessica Alba and Chris Evans is that they had a falling out.
They didn't.
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They just grew up. In Hollywood, you spend 16 hours a day with someone for six months, and then you might not see them for five years. That’s the "circus life" of acting. They’ve both spoken fondly of each other in the decades since. Evans has always praised Jessica’s work ethic, and she’s cheered on his transition into the ultimate MCU hero.
Lessons from Their Careers
If you’re looking for "actionable insights" from their journey, it’s basically a masterclass in career pivoting.
- Don't let a bad boss define you. Alba was treated poorly by directors but used that frustration to build her own company.
- Own your past. Evans could have distanced himself from the "cheesy" 2005 movies, but he embraced the Johnny Storm character again, which only made fans love him more.
- Privacy is a choice. Both stars have moved toward a much more private lifestyle in 2026, proving you can be a global superstar without sharing every meal on Instagram.
The 2005 Fantastic Four might not be a "perfect" movie, but it gave us two of the most resilient stars in the business. Whether they ever share a screen again or not, their legacy as the original Storm siblings is locked in.
If you want to keep up with their current projects, watch Evans' recent work in Materialists or check out Alba's latest business ventures through the Honest brand updates. They are both proof that there is plenty of life after the spandex.