Pedro Pascal already stars in two hit TV series and he might be adding a coveted role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with the actor in talks to join the “Fantastic Four” movie…
Pedro Pascal really might have it all.
Following his success with “The Last of Us” on HBO as well as “The Mandalorian,” Pascal is now in talks to potentially land the starring role in the upcoming “Fantastic Four” movie from Marvel Studios.
While no deal has been reached yet, Pascal would star as Reed Richards — aka Mr. Fantastic — the leader of the Fantastic Four, which also includes his wife Sue Richards aka The Invisible Woman as well as the Human Torch and The Thing. Reed Richards is a brilliant scientist and the leader of the Fantastic Four with the ability to stretch his entire body — a power gained after his family is exposed to cosmic rays while on an experimental mission through space.
Multiple reports stated that Marvel has been pursuing Pascal for the lead role, although timing might end up playing a bigger part in the casting than money or his interest in the film. As previously mentioned, Pascal remains one of the busiest actors in Hollywood with the second season of “The Last of Us” expected to get into production in 2024 not to mention future plans for “The Mandalorian” on Disney+.
He’s also got a starring role in Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator 2,” which is expected to begin filming again soon now that the writers and actors’ strikes are both finished.
That means “Fantastic Four” would have to shoot around that incredibly busy schedule, although it appears Marvel definitely wants him for the role.
Matt Shakman — best known for his recent work on the Marvel series “WandaVision” — is directing the upcoming “Fantastic Four” film with a script from Jeff Kaplan and Ian Springer as well as “Avatar: The Way of Water” writer Josh Friedman working on a draft of the screenplay.
The new “Fantastic Four” film would be the first under Marvel Studios’ control after the characters were part of the massive purchase of assets from FOX. There have been a trio of “Fantastic Four” movies in recent years with Ioan Gruffudd playing Reed Richards in two of those films with Miles Teller taking over the role in the much maligned reboot from 2015.
Most recently, John Krasinski stepped into the role as Reed Richards in a cameo appearance during “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” but it appears he won’t be taking over the role in the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe.
There’s no telling when or if a deal would be struck but landing Pascal would be the first major domino to fall for a cast that will undoubtedly require three more stars to fill out the roles for the “Fantastic Four.” This remains a priority for Marvel, especially as the studio moves further into the next phase of the cinematic universe that will also eventually introduce the X-Men as well.
