In case you’ve been living under a rock for the past couple of days, you might not have heard about Pedro Pascal being deep in talks to join the upcoming Fantastic Four reboot for the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Reed Richards. And, while most are expecting Pascal to be Mr. Fantastic and the leader of Marvel’s first family, the MCU, which has had its share of new interpretations of established characters, might be setting the stage for a different “version”, one that’s just as brilliant but not as heroic.
Reed Richards, or Mister Fantastic, has been a mainstay in Marvel Comics as a hero, but there have been instances in the past and other alternate storylines where he’s depicted in a more morally ambiguous or even in a villainous light. Most notable among these is the Ultimate Reed Richards, known as The Maker, from the Ultimate Marvel Universe (Earth-1610). In this storyline, after a series of personal tragedies, Reed transforms into a nihilistic and manipulative villain, a stark contrast to his mainstream heroic persona.
Another intriguing example is the Council of Reeds, a group comprising different versions of Reed Richards from across the multiverse. Unlike the Council of Kangs, which are composed mostly of villainous variants of Kang, the Council of Reeds has often had conflicting views of each other, and their decisions can range from morally questionable to completely amoral.
The potential casting of Pedro Pascal, known for his nuanced and gripping performances in Narcos, The Mandalorian as well as Game of Thrones, and The Last of Us, as Reed Richards, could signify a departure from other incarnations. Pascal has the necessary range as an actor to bring a depth and complexity to the character, perhaps even leaning towards the darker aspects of Reed’s personality. This possibility becomes even more intriguing in the context of the MCU’s Multiverse Saga, where different versions of characters and moral complexities are at the forefront.
In the MCU, where interdimensional and time-traveling villains such as Kang the Conqueror (and his other variants) can and have posed significant threats, a complex character like Reed Richards, especially a variant with a more ambiguous moral compass, could add a fresh dynamic. Unlike the clear-cut villainy of characters like Kang or Doctor Doom, MCU’s take on Reed Richards that may present challenges that are not just physical but also intellectual and moral, offering a new kind of antagonist – one whose motivations might be understandable, if not agreeable.
While Doctor Doom could fill in this role quite nicely if he were to replace Kang as the main villain, Reed Richards could be the kind of swerve that helps the MCU get back on track and subvert expectations for the better – making for the kind of quality production that Disney wants to focus on after the lackluster reception of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and The Marvels, among others.
There’s also the matter of fan expectations and the MCU’s willingness to turn audiences on their heads. The cameo of John Krasinski as Reed Richards in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness was a nod to fan casting, but Krasinski has indicated that his involvement was a one-off event. However, who’s to say that he wouldn’t come back as part of the Council of Reeds if Kevin Feige comes knocking with a palatable offer?
The narrative possibilities of bringing in multiple Reed Richard variants are vast. From a clash of intellects with the MCU and its myriad of geniuses to deep emotional conflicts arising from his decisions, this character could offer a compelling and multi-layered story. The concept of the Council of Reeds, for instance, could be integrated into the MCU, presenting a scenario where Reed must confront different versions of himself, each making different choices and representing the various aspects of his personality. Furthermore, the inclusion of a morally complex Reed Richards could lead to stories, like the 2010s Secret Wars, where Reed’s conflict with Doctor Doom becomes a central theme. This storyline could help replace or even complement the Multiverse Saga’s focus on Kang, offering a narrative that is both grand in scale and intimate in its exploration of character dynamics.
While it’s not a sure thing yet, bringing in Pedro Pascal to join the MCU as a more nuanced version of Reed Richards presents an exciting opportunity to explore new narrative territories. It allows for a complicated portrayal that diverges from the traditional heroic image, delving into the complexities and potential darkness within one of Marvel’s most iconic characters.
With the Fantastic Four reboot set for a 2025 release, it will be fascinating to see how this potential casting choice, and the narrative possibilities it brings, will unfold in the ever-evolving tapestry of the MCU.
In the meantime, Marvel fans can look forward to the premiere of Marvel’s two most experimental shows to date, What If…? Season 2, which premieres on December 22, and Marvel’s Echo, the MCU’s first Marvel Spotlight show with a TV-MA rating, on January 10.
