Pedro Pascal, the now-seemingly-everywhere Hollywood actor that broke into the mainstream spotlight as the Horish Prince of Dorne in HBO’s Game of Thrones, might be the next big name to round out the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s ensemble cast going forward. Rumor has it that the 48-year-old actor has been cast to play the role of Reed Richards in the MCU’s oft-delayed Phase 6 film, Fantastic Four.
Naturally, this news has generated discussion across the internet, given Pascal’s established profile as a versatile talent with acting roles in everything from The Mandalorian to The Last of Us and Game of Thrones.
According to a report from Deadline, discussions with Pascal are moving in the right direction, although the deal hasn’t been finalized yet, sources close to the project who spoke with /Film are claiming that the Chilean-American actor has “officially signed on the dotted line.” While there has been plenty of speculation about other actors, including John Krasinski, Adam Driver, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Matt Smith, for the role, Pascal appears to be the chosen lead for what is anticipated to be a critical franchise within the MCU.
The character of Reed Richards, the leader of Marvel’s First Family, the Fantastic Four, is known for his super-intelligence and ability to stretch his body, following exposure to cosmic radiation. The role demands an actor who can convincingly portray both intelligence and authority, qualities that Pascal has demonstrated in his previous performances.
As the MCU continues to expand post-Infinity Saga, casting a notable and popular actor like Pascal could bring a fresh dynamic to the franchise.
The upcoming Fantastic Four film, now scheduled for release on May 2, 2025, barring more potential delays, marks the MCU’s proper introduction of these characters. The project, directed by the WandaVision helmer, Matt Shakman, with a script from Jeff Kaplan and Ian Springer, is part of Marvel’s Phase 6, which will culminate with a two-part Avengers saga that may or may no longer feature Jonathan Majors’ Kang the Conqueror, as per the most recent reports. Nevertheless, the Fantastic Four film, including Mr. Fantastic, will play a significant role in the unfolding events of the MCU.
Pascal’s potential involvement in the Fantastic Four reboot serves to highlight his impressive rise through Hollywood, a trajectory that has since seen him star in various significant franchises. His capacity to navigate different genres and his growing popularity make him a valuable addition to the MCU. This casting, however, also raises questions about Pascal’s roles in other franchise and non-franchise projects, as his schedule is packed with high-profile roles in established series and upcoming films.
Case in point, Pascal is still the star of The Mandalorian, even if he hasn’t exactly been around to play the lead character for a while. Furthermore, if Pascal does play Mr. Fantastic in Fantastic Four, this implies that his character in HBO’s The Last of Us, Joel Miller, is all but certain to meet his demise some time in Season 2, which is currently in production following the strike-induced delay.
The character of Mr. Fantastic has previously been portrayed by several other actors, including Ioan Gruffudd and Miles Teller, in earlier live-action adaptations, with John Krasinski briefly playing an alternate version in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. However, the incorporation of the Fantastic Four into the MCU storytelling framework presents an opportunity to explore these characters in a new light, something fans have long anticipated since Disney acquired the rights to the characters through its purchase of 20th Century Fox.
As for the other iconic roles in the Fantastic Four, including The Invisible Woman, The Human Torch, and The Thing, the official casting announcements remain unavailable. Regardless of who’s announced, the ensemble’s chemistry and dynamic will be crucial for the success of the reboot.
