Fun
Frisky
Nostalgic
Intense
Adventurous
Choked Up
Curious
Romantic
Weird
There’s a new comic book movie in town this weekend, X-Men: Apocalypse, and with it comes excitement for Jennifer Lawrence, and Michael Fassbender and new to the franchise, Oscar Isaac. But just think back for a quick sec to the last X-Men movie, 2014’s Days of Future Past. What do you remember about it? Was it the Quicksilver kitchen scene? Of course it was. It’s one of the most visually stunning film scenes we’ve ever encountered on the big screen. It’s a big statement, but it’s accurate. And at the heart of that scene was Evan Peters, Quicksilver himself.
Evan Peters: why isn’t that a household name? That’s a damn good question. He’s stood out in huge movies, A-list ensembles, buzzy TV shows and heartfelt indies. What more do you want from him? At this rate, it appears his already-successful career is just starting to blossom.
We’ll start with Days of Future Past, his X-Men debut. With the exception of perhaps his mother, no one was entering movie theaters with excitement levels through the roof for the new character. At best, intrigued. But once you were in the kitchen scene, you never wanted to leave. As Quicksilver, Peters whizzed around the room, giving bad guys wedgies, making them punch themselves in the face, and redirecting their bullets to save his friends. Just like his character, Peters will seemingly sneak up on you and make you feel something almost out of no where.
It happens time and time again: take his roles in the indies, Safelight and Adult World (both available now on Netflix). In Safelight, he plays a young man with a limp who is joined by an unlikely road trip partner (Juno Temple) on a journey to photograph California lighthouses. Go ahead, watch it, and let Peters slowly break your heart. Same with Adult World, where he stars opposite Emma Roberts and John Cusack. A fine example that this dude can nail the sensitive, thoughtful, yet secretly charming type. When he shows up on screen you might think to yourself, “Wait, this guy’s the leading man of this film?” and by the end you’ll be offended that a film would ever cast any one other than him in their starring role.
Oh, but you want creepy Peters? You got it! He’s an American Horror Story mainstay, and that mustache is just the tip of the creepy iceberg. Plus, he starred alongside Olivia Wilde, Mark Duplass and Donald Glover in the 2015 thriller, both of the action and psychological kind, The Lazarus Effect. Oh, and there is also that time he got spanked by Michael Scott (Steve Carrell) on The Office.
While he’s sure to make a splash in the newest X-Men movie yet again, keep your eye on this one. Superheros, superfreaks, and super sweet are all in this guy’s wheelhouse, and we’re sure to see a lot more of it all from him. Whether you need an intro or a reminder of this dude’s talents, you can’t go wrong with these 5 movies and TV shows.
X-Men: Days of Future Past
With the help of some special FX, Peters stole the show and had everyone hyped about that kitchen scene. In true super hero style, he was able to bring LOLs and WOWs to viewers at the same time. In super speed!
[Where to stream X-Men: Days of Future Past]
Adult World
Those brown eyes and that sly smile will get you in this one. His chemistry with Roberts is fantastic, proving he’s your go-to bro for thoughtful,coming of age rom coms.
The Lazurus Effect
This underrated, if predictable, sci-fi horror flick features some of your favorite funny people in a scary situation.
[Where to stream The Lazarus Effect]
American Horror Story: Hotel
In the most recent season of the FX show, Peters plays the founder of a troubled hotel. Watch it for him, but also power performances from Lady Gaga, Sarah Paulson, Matt Bomer and more of Ryan Murphy’s faves.
[Where to stream American Horror Story: Hotel]
The Office
Look, it’s never a bad idea to revisit this show. Casting Peters as Michael Scott’s lazy nephew Luke was brilliant in and episode that will make you chuckle every single time you watch it.
