The actor’s scheduling conflict prevented him from starring in the 2021 sci-fi film that went directly to streaming after Mark Wahlberg took over the lead role.
In 2019, few film projects stirred as much anticipation in Hollywood as Infinite. Adapted from D. Erik Maikranz’s novel The Reincarnationist Letters, the film was an ambitious blend of science fiction and action, drawing comparisons to iconic titles such as The Matrix, Wanted, Inception, and the Jason Bourne franchise. The screenplay, crafted by Ian Shorr and Todd Stein, earned a spot on The Black List, which recognizes exceptional unproduced scripts. Paramount Pictures acquired the film with Antoine Fuqua set to direct.
When Chris Evans entered talks to star, Paramount believed it had found a key player for a potential franchise alongside Mission: Impossible and Transformers. However, Evans withdrew due to scheduling conflicts with the miniseries Defending Jacob, significantly altering the film’s trajectory.
Wahlberg Takes the Lead
Mark Wahlberg stepped in to take over the lead role, with principal photography beginning in September 2019. The supporting cast included Chiwetel Ejiofor, Dylan O’Brien, Sophie Cookson, Rupert Friend, and Jason Mantzoukas. The production’s timing proved fortunate as filming concluded before the onset of the global pandemic, which led to widespread industry shutdowns.
Due to COVID-19 disruptions, Paramount delayed the film’s release from May 28, 2021, to September 24, 2021. Ultimately, the studio opted for a direct-to-streaming release on Paramount Plus on June 10, 2021, indicating a lack of confidence in the film’s potential as a franchise starter.
A Derivative Concept Struggles to Connect
In Infinite, Wahlberg portrays a man with schizophrenia who discovers he is part of a group known as the Infinites, individuals capable of reincarnation who retain memories from their past lives. These immortals are divided into two factions: the Believers, who aim to preserve the world, and the Nihilists, who seek its destruction. Wahlberg’s character grapples with a form of PTSD that obstructs access to his previous lives, complicating his mission.
Ejiofor plays a prominent Nihilist who develops a doomsday weapon that threatens global annihilation, raising the stakes of the conflict. Although the Infinites are skilled in various forms of combat, the action sequences lack the innovation and energy seen in the films Infinite sought to emulate. Despite the film’s high production values, the lackluster plot and implausible narrative choices overshadowed its glossy presentation.
Evans Made the Better Choice
It remains uncertain whether Evans’ involvement could have salvaged the troubled production. While he is recognized as one of Hollywood’s most charismatic actors, the fundamental problems with Infinite extend beyond casting. Critics widely condemned the film for its unoriginality, noting its derivative nature rather than offering a meaningful homage or fresh take. The narrative mechanics were described as both silly and confusing, leaving talented actors struggling to convey questionable material.
Defending Jacob, the miniseries that created Evans’ scheduling conflict, received mixed reviews and failed to leave a significant cultural impact. Although Evans was praised for his performance, the overall reception of the Apple TV Plus series was disappointing. For an actor known for his role as Captain America in the Marvel franchise, this outcome was likely underwhelming.
Comparing Career Outcomes
Participating in a lackluster limited series is a far better scenario than being linked to a high-profile failure like Infinite. The film’s relegation to direct streaming and its critical backlash could have adversely affected Evans’ career trajectory more than a forgettable miniseries. While Infinite saw a minor resurgence in viewership on Prime Video in 2024, this did little to improve its reputation as a misguided attempt at franchise building.
The film’s transition from a promising spec script to a streaming afterthought highlights the volatility of Hollywood fortunes. What was once expected to anchor Paramount’s franchise lineup has instead become a cautionary tale about derivative storytelling and mismanaged expectations. For Wahlberg, the project did not enhance his career, merely adding another underwhelming entry to his filmography alongside more successful projects.
On the other hand, Evans has continued to build his post-Marvel career with careful choices that have helped him avoid the pitfalls that plagued Infinite. His scheduling conflict, initially perceived as an unfortunate setback, ultimately shielded him from being associated with one of 2021’s most notable misfires. In an industry where timing and luck often play as significant a role as talent, Evans benefitted from circumstances that kept him away from a project that, while promising, ultimately disappointed.
Today, the intrigue surrounding Infinite lies not in whether Evans could have improved it, but in understanding why such evidently flawed material proceeded to expensive production in the first place.
