Chris Evans notably missed the Cannes Film Festival 2025 premiere of his new film Honey Don’t! on May 23, much to the surprise of fans and media. The 43-year-old actor chose to skip the high-profile event to celebrate his mother Lisa’s 70th birthday, a personal milestone he deemed too important to miss. Evans shared this reason on Instagram, expressing his regret at not being able to join the cast and filmmakers at Cannes, while warmly congratulating the team with a photo of them on the red carpet. This decision reflects Evans’ well-known prioritization of family, which he has spoken about extensively in past interviews, emphasizing the value he places on familial bonds over career moments.
Honey Don’t! is a dark comedy-mystery directed by Ethan Coen, featuring an ensemble cast including Margaret Qualley, Aubrey Plaza, Charlie Day, Billy Eichner, and Chris Evans himself. The story follows Honey O’Donahue (Qualley), a small-town private investigator unraveling a series of mysterious deaths linked to a local church. Evans plays Reverend Drew Devlin, a charismatic yet sinister cult leader central to the plot. The film blends noir elements with dark comedy, continuing Coen’s signature style, and is the second collaboration between Coen and Qualley following their previous work on Drive-Away Dolls (2024).
The film’s premiere at Cannes was met with an enthusiastic response, earning an impressive six-minute standing ovation from the audience at the Grand Théâtre Lumière. Most of the cast and the director were present for the midnight screening, which took place after a slight delay but was warmly received by attendees. Aubrey Plaza’s appearance was particularly noted, as it was her first red carpet event since the recent passing of her husband, filmmaker Jeff Baena. The film’s music, partially created by Qualley and music producer Jack Antonoff, also received praise for complementing the film’s tone.
Evans’ absence sparked various speculations among fans and media. While he officially cited his mother’s birthday as the reason, some speculated about possible scheduling conflicts or a desire for privacy, given Evans’ preference to keep a low profile. Others suggested that Evans might have chosen to step back to allow co-star Aubrey Plaza to have her moment at the premiere without additional media attention, especially considering her recent personal loss. However, no official alternative explanations were confirmed by Evans or his representatives.
The film is produced by Focus Features and Working Title Films and is scheduled for theatrical release in the United States and Canada on August 22, 2025. Despite Evans’ absence at Cannes, his role and performance have been well received, with audiences and critics expressing interest in his portrayal of the enigmatic Reverend Devlin. The premiere’s success and the film’s unique blend of comedy and mystery have positioned Honey Don’t! as a noteworthy entry in the 2025 film lineup.
In summary, Chris Evans missed the Cannes premiere of Honey Don’t! to honor a significant family occasion, underscoring his strong family values. The film itself was celebrated at the festival, receiving a standing ovation and positive critical attention. Evans’ decision highlights the actor’s personal priorities while his performance continues to generate interest ahead of the film’s wider release later this year.
