In a highly anticipated addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), The Fantastic Four: First Steps is set to introduce Marvel’s First Family with a fresh, vibrant take under the direction of Matt Shakman. At the heart of this reboot is Pedro Pascal, cast as the brilliant and elastic Reed Richards, also known as Mister Fantastic. In an exclusive interview with Empire magazine, Shakman reveals the intricate reasoning behind selecting Pascal for this iconic role, shedding light on the multifaceted nature of the character and the actor’s unique ability to bring him to life.
Reed Richards is no ordinary superhero. As the leader of the Fantastic Four, he is a genius scientist, a strategic thinker, an action hero, a devoted husband, a father-to-be, and a loyal friend. This complexity demands an actor capable of embodying a wide range of emotions and traits. Speaking with Empire, Shakman emphasized the need for someone who could “contain multitudes,” stating, “I was looking for an actor who could balance the very cerebral Reed Richards with the action hero, the leader, the husband, the father, the friend.” Pascal, known for his compelling performances in The Mandalorian and The Last of Us, emerged as the ideal choice to navigate these “limitless layers.”
Pascal himself, as quoted in Empire, acknowledges the depth of the role, describing Reed as a “fascinating contradiction.” His portrayal aims to capture the character’s intellectual brilliance while also showcasing his physical prowess and emotional connections. The actor’s ability to convey vulnerability and strength simultaneously makes him a perfect fit for a character who must lead his team against cosmic threats, including the planet-devouring Galactus, played by Ralph Ineson, while grappling with personal and familial responsibilities.
The casting process for Reed Richards was not without speculation. Before Pascal’s selection was confirmed, rumors swirled about potential candidates, including Adam Driver and even John Krasinski, who briefly portrayed a variant of Reed in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. However, Shakman’s vision for The Fantastic Four: First Steps, as detailed in Empire, required an actor who could anchor the film’s retro-futuristic 1960s-inspired setting and deliver a performance that resonates with both longtime comic fans and new audiences. Pascal’s proven versatility and charisma made him the standout choice.
Joining Pascal in this cosmic adventure are Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, the Invisible Woman; Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, the Human Torch; and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm, the Thing. The ensemble is rounded out by a stellar supporting cast, including Julia Garner as Shalla-Bal, a version of the Silver Surfer, and notable names like Paul Walter Hauser, John Malkovich, and Natasha Lyonne in undisclosed roles. Together, they will face formidable challenges in a story that promises to blend high-stakes action with grounded emotional stakes, all set against a vibrant, period-inspired backdrop.
Shakman’s direction, informed by his work on WandaVision, aims to honor the Fantastic Four’s legacy as Marvel’s First Family while carving out a distinct place in the MCU’s Phase Six. The inclusion of H.E.R.B.I.E., the beloved robot created by Reed Richards and voiced by Matthew Wood, adds a nostalgic touch for fans of the comics. Additionally, the film teases significant developments, such as the arrival of Reed and Sue’s child, which Vanessa Kirby, in Empire, hints will introduce new dynamics to the team, noting, “It’s not just adults that have superpowers.”
As anticipation builds, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is poised to deliver a fresh take on Marvel’s iconic team, with Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards at its core. His casting reflects a deliberate choice to bring depth, nuance, and humanity to a character who must stretch—both literally and figuratively—to meet the challenges ahead.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is set to hit theaters on July 25, 2025.
Watch the trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps below:
