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Marvel Studios might have found their front-runner for the leader of the next super-team! After quite some buzz and speculation, word on the street is that Pedro Pascal is in talks to take on the role of Reed Richards in the much-anticipated Fantastic Four reboot. While Marvel’s lips are sealed, numerous sources (including the reputable Deadline) have hinted that the deal is pretty much sealed.
Pascal, known for his roles in HBO’s The Last of Us and Disney’s The Mandalorian, seems to have a full plate. The sought-after actor is gearing up for Ridley Scott’s Gladiator sequel and Ethan Coen’s Drive Away Dolls next year.
Speaking about his rising stardom, Pascal’s longtime friend and fellow actor, Sarah Paulson, shared with Esquire earlier this spring, “He’s a part of some spectacularly successful things. Sometimes in those situations, the show is the superstar. It’s really exciting to see that he is the thing that is becoming the superstar out of this.”
The tale of Marvel’s inaugural superhero family revolves around a team of scientists who get zapped with cosmic rays during an outer space mission, resulting in the acquisition of superhuman abilities. Think Mister Fantastic’s (Reed Richards) stretchy body, Invisible Woman’s (Susan Storm) force fields, Human Torch’s (Johnny Storm) fiery physique, and The Thing’s (Ben Grimm) robust rock exterior.
Marvel aficionados first heard about the Fantastic Four film back in 2019 from Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige. However, the film encountered some creative shifts along the way. Initially helmed by John Watts of Spider-Man: No Way Home fame, the director took a break from the superhero genre after the third Spider-Man installment.
WandaVision’s Matt Shakman stepped in to take the reins. On the writing front, the project saw involvement from several creatives, including Jeff Kaplan and Ian Springer of Palm Springs, with Josh Friedman from the Foundation contributing rewrites.
While Reed Richards seems to be inching closer to being cast, no other members of the Fantastic Four have been officially announced.
Rumors have swirled around Vanessa Kirby from Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning for Susan Storm and Joseph Quinn from Stranger Things for Johnny Storm, but nothing’s set in stone yet. Mark your calendars because the film is slated for release on May 2, 2025. Who knows? With a stroke of luck, Pedro Pascal might just morph into “Mr. Fantastic” before we know it!
