Kevin Feige was reportedly afraid the Fantastic Four cast was going to be “too white” before Pedro Pascal was added, according to insider Jeff Sneider.
According to sources speaking with The InSneider, Feige was initially worried that the cast of Marvel Studios‘ upcoming Fantastic Four movie would be “way too white” before Pascal was tapped to potentially play Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic.
On November 15, 2023, /Film reported that Pascal had officially signed on to play Reed Richards in Matt Shakman’s Fantastic Four. While /Film called it a “done deal,” Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter’s sources claimed it was “far from done” and that “scheduling is a factor in whether the deal will work out.”
Who else is rumored to be in Marvel’s Fantastic Four reboot?
Marvel has not yet commented on Pascal’s casting or any other casting news regarding Fantastic Four. While there’s been no shortage of online rumors as to who might be playing the three other members of Marvel’s First Family, the most prominent theories suggest Vanessa Kirby is playing the Invisible Woman/Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn is playing the Human Torch/Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach the Thing. Javier Bardem, meanwhile, is reportedly eyed to play Galactus in the film, though his casting may also depend on his filming schedule.
When asked by Variety at the world premiere of Ridley Scott’s Napoleon if a Fantastic Four announcement was coming, Kirby responded, “Oh, I don’t know, you’d have to ask them. I’d be very honored to join.”
Prior to Pascal, Jake Gyllenhaal and Adam Driver were both said to be considered by Marvel for the role of Reed. According to Sneider, Christopher Abbott and Jamie Dornan were also both in the running; however, their tests reportedly “did not go very well.”
Originally announced at San Diego Comic-Con in 2019, Fantastic Four is currently scheduled to release on May 2, 2025, as part of Phase Six of the MCU.
