The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is poised to embark on its next ambitious chapter with Phase Six, a slate of films and series that will further expand the Multiverse Saga. Building on the foundation laid by Phases Four and Five, which introduced new heroes and explored the complexities of the multiverse, Phase Six promises to deliver high-stakes storytelling, culminating in two monumental Avengers films. As the MCU continues to evolve following the climactic events of Avengers: Endgame, a significant shift is on the horizon for Earth’s Mightiest Heroes: a new leader will take the helm, signaling a bold direction for the franchise.
The void left by Tony Stark’s sacrifice and Steve Rogers’ retirement in Avengers: Endgame has loomed large over the MCU. With Iron Man gone and Captain America passing the shield to Sam Wilson, the Avengers have lacked a clear figurehead. While Sam Wilson has embraced his role as the new Captain America and Thor remains a stalwart presence, the question of who will lead the team into the future has lingered. Enter Reed Richards, also known as Mister Fantastic, who will step into this pivotal role in Phase Six, as confirmed by The Fantastic Four: First Steps director Matt Shakman in an interview with Variety.
Shakman revealed that Pedro Pascal’s portrayal of Reed Richards will showcase a multifaceted hero, evolving from a brilliant scientist to a devoted family man and, ultimately, the leader of the Avengers. “He goes from being the nerdy scientist who’s locked away in the lab, to the husband and the father who’d do anything to protect his family, to the guy who’s leading the Avengers,” Shakman stated. “I realized that the version we were building had to have all of those elements.” This transformation underscores Reed’s journey, positioning him as a natural successor to lead the Avengers through the challenges of the Multiverse Saga.
Casting Pedro Pascal as Mister Fantastic was no small feat, given the character’s complexity and the weight of his eventual leadership role. Shakman noted that finding the right actor to embody Reed’s intellectual prowess, familial devotion, and commanding presence was a significant challenge. Pascal, riding a wave of popularity from his acclaimed performance in The Last of Us, emerged as the ideal choice. His ability to balance vulnerability and strength will be crucial as Reed navigates his dual responsibilities as the patriarch of The Fantastic Four and the strategic mind guiding the Avengers.
The decision to place Reed Richards at the forefront of the Avengers reflects a strategic shift for the MCU. Unlike Steve Rogers, whose leadership was rooted in moral conviction, or Tony Stark, whose charisma and ingenuity drove the team, Reed brings a unique blend of scientific genius and pragmatic decision-making. This choice aligns with the introduction of The Fantastic Four into the MCU, a team long anticipated by fans and integral to the comics’ mythology. Their arrival sets the stage for a new era, with Reed’s leadership poised to unify a roster that includes both veteran heroes like Sam Wilson’s Captain America and Thor, as well as newcomers navigating the multiverse’s dangers.
The significance of Reed’s role extends beyond The Fantastic Four: First Steps. The film’s four main cast members—Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm—are confirmed to appear in Avengers: Doomsday, the fifth Avengers film. This crossover will see the Fantastic Four integrating with the broader MCU, facing off against a formidable threat in Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom, a surprising casting twist that reintroduces the actor in a villainous role. The inclusion of The Fantastic Four in Avengers: Doomsday underscores their central place in Phase Six’s narrative, setting the stage for the climactic Avengers: Secret Wars.
As the MCU charts this new course, fans can look forward to a trio of pivotal releases. The Fantastic Four: First Steps will hit theaters on July 25, 2025, introducing Marvel’s First Family and laying the groundwork for Reed Richards’ leadership. Avengers: Doomsday follows on December 18, 2026, bringing together the new Avengers roster to confront Doctor Doom. The Multiverse Saga will then conclude with Avengers: Secret Wars on May 7, 2027, promising an epic resolution to Phase Six’s multiversal conflicts. With Reed Richards at the helm, the Avengers are set to face their greatest challenges yet, redefining heroism in the MCU’s ever-expanding universe.
You can watch the trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps here:
