Reportedly, Pedro Pascal is in negotiations to take on the role of Reed Richards, also known as Mr. Fantastic, in Marvel Studios’ upcoming reboot of Fantastic Four. Directed by Matt Shakman, known for his work on WandaVision, the film is slated for release in May 2025.
This new rendition of Fantastic Four marks a significant addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), bringing all four characters into the interconnected storyline. Disney’s Marvel Studios gained the rights to Fantastic Four in 2019 through its merger with Fox.
Previous adaptations of the Marvel Comics narrative include the 2005 film Fantastic Four, featuring Chris Evans, Jessica Alba, Michael Chiklis, and Ioan Gruffudd. The 2015 adaptation, starring Michael B Jordan, Kate Mara, Miles Teller, and Jamie Bell, received poor reviews and is considered a box office disappointment.
While rumours circulated about Mila Kunis potentially playing Sue Storm, she debunked them during an interview with James Corden, explaining that casual industry meetings do not equate to casting decisions.
For years, fans often suggested John Krasinski as an ideal choice for Reed Richards, with Emily Blunt proposed as Sue Storm. While Krasinski did portray an alternate universe version of Mr. Fantastic in the MCU’s Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2021), Marvel clarified that this doesn’t necessarily tie him to the main MCU timeline.
Pedro Pascal, a Chilean-American actor, already has a busy schedule for 2024, post the Hollywood actors’ strike resolution. He has an undisclosed role in Ridley Scott’s Gladiator sequel, starring alongside Paul Mescal as Lucius. Additionally, his HBO series The Last Of Us, based on the popular PlayStation game, is set to shoot next year, along with Zach Cregger’s Barbarian follow-up, Weapons.
Fantastic Four is anticipated to hit theaters on May 2, 2025. The Independent has reached out to representatives for Pascal and Marvel Studios for comments.
Originally Published: https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/fantastic-four-pedro-pascal-reed-richards-b2448135.html
