Fans of long-running franchises always have strong opinions when it comes to casting beloved characters. But this is expanded tenfold in the realm of comic book movies.Fantastic Four: First Stepsis one of 2025’s most anticipated films, as Marvel’s First Family will finally join the annals of the MCU. Fans were overjoyed when Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach were cast as Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm, respectively. But, surprisingly, it wasPedro Pascal’s casting as Reed Richards, a.k.a. Mr. Fantastic, that kicked up the biggest storm of backlash on the internet. Actors often stay off social media to avoid such negativity, but Pascal recently revealed that he was painfully aware of the response to his MCU casting.
Pedro Pascal has already been a part of some major franchises, includingGame of Thrones,Star Wars, andThe Last of Us.But, during a recent conversation with Vanity Fair, the actor revealed that his casting as Reed Richards in the MCU is his most controversial role to date… at least, in the eyes of some fans. “I’m more aware of disgruntlement around my casting than anything I’ve ever done,” Pascal said of his casting inFantastic Four: First Steps. The actor read a lot of the comments from fans, and shared some of the most popular gripes:
“‘He’s too old. He’s not right. He needs to shave.’”
‘Fantastic Four’ Director Explains What Makes Pedro Pascal the Perfect Mister Fantastic
Matt Shakman’s explanation should put some fans' concerns about the casting choice to bed.
Regardless of the backlash, Pedro Pascal is incredibly proud of what he, his castmates, and director Matt Shakman have achieved withFantastic Four: First Steps, even if it turns the fan base against them. “I’m getting an inkling of excitement because it seems to reflect what our common goal was, and what we want to share, which is all of our f*cking hearts on a platter within this genre,” he continued. “You just never know if people are going to be disgusted by your heart or not.”
‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Releases on July 25
After over a decade of anticipation, the wait is almost over. On July 25, whenFantastic Four: First Stepsis released in theaters, the iconic superpowered family will officially become a part of the MCU. The movie is set in an alternate timeline, inspired by 1960s regalia with a sci-fi twist, where The Fantastic Four are global megastars. Standing against them is the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner), who heralds in Galactus (Ralph Ineson).
Thelatest trailer forFantastic Four: First Stepsgave fans their best look yet at Ineson’s Galactus, who is one of the most powerful villains in the world of Marvel Comics. However, we have yet to see his face in any of the promotional materials. Ineson has the perfect baritone voice for Galactus, but it is unclear whether his version of the character will resemble the British actor or if Galactus will wear his full mask from the comics.Fantastic Four: First Stepsalso stars John Malkovich, although his character remains a mystery.
Source:Vanity Fair
The Fantastic Four: First Steps
