Chris Evans Takes a Dark Turn in “Honey Don’t!”
After his turn as Captain America and a variety of other roles, Chris Evans is taking on a very different kind of character in the new film “Honey Don’t!”. This highly anticipated neo-noir dark comedy detective film is the latest from acclaimed director Ethan Coen, and it’s already generating a lot of buzz. Evans will star as Reverend Drew Devlin, a charismatic but dodgy cult leader, a significant departure from his more heroic and straightforward roles. This casting choice alone is a major reason why the film has piqued the interest of fans and critics alike, who are eager to see how Evans handles this complex and eccentric character.
What is “Honey Don’t!” About?
“Honey Don’t!” is a genre-bending film that follows Honey O’Donahue, a small-town private investigator played by Margaret Qualley. The plot centers on Honey as she delves into a series of strange deaths linked to a mysterious church. This investigation leads her to a tangled web of secrets, and right into the path of Reverend Drew Devlin (Chris Evans). The film promises a mix of dark humor, detective mystery, and neo-noir aesthetics, with a style that’s been compared to earlier Coen brothers’ works like Raising Arizona. It’s a follow-up to Coen and Tricia Cooke’s 2024 film Drive-Away Dolls and is described as the second in a “lesbian B-movie trilogy.”
Who Else is in the Cast?
The film boasts a star-studded cast alongside Chris Evans and Margaret Qualley. Aubrey Plaza joins the ensemble as a police officer, with Charlie Day and Billy Eichner also in key roles. This impressive lineup, combined with Ethan Coen’s unique directorial vision, has set expectations high for the film’s performances. The dynamic between Qualley as the hyper-feminine, rockabilly private eye and Plaza’s deadpan cool is expected to be a central highlight of the film, with Evans’s portrayal of the cult leader adding a layer of unpredictable chaos to the mix. The collective talent promises a memorable and engaging cinematic experience.
“Honey Don’t!” Release Date and Reviews
“Honey Don’t!” had its world premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival on May 24, where it received a standing ovation. For a wider audience, the film is scheduled for a theatrical release in the United States and Canada by Focus Features on August 22, 2025. Early reviews from Cannes have been mixed but intriguing. Some critics have praised the performances and the film’s “world-building,” while others have found it to be a “mishmash of disparate parts.” Despite the varied reception, there’s a general consensus that Margaret Qualley’s performance is a standout and that the film has a unique, wild energy. Regardless of the critical take, the film is sure to spark conversations and become a must-see for fans of the Coen’s distinctive style.
Conclusion: A Film to Watch for Chris Evans’s Performance
“Honey Don’t!” represents an exciting new chapter for Chris Evans, who is stepping into a role that is both unexpected and challenging. The film’s combination of a quirky detective story, dark comedy, and a stellar cast makes it a cinematic event to look forward to. As the film hits theaters on August 22, audiences will have a chance to see Evans’s captivating performance as a cult leader and experience the latest offering from one of Hollywood’s most celebrated filmmakers. Will it be a hit or a miss? That’s for you to decide. What are your predictions for “Honey Don’t!”? Share them in the comments below!
