Pedro Pascal has openly acknowledged the intense scrutiny surrounding his casting as Reed Richards in the upcoming Fantastic Four film within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, sharing his personal experience with the public’s reaction. The Pedro Pascal Fantastic Four casting reaction has stirred notable discussion online since the announcement in 2023.
“I’m more aware of disgruntlement around my casting than anything I’ve ever done,”
—Pedro Pascal, Actor
How Previous Actors and Industry Peers Influenced the Conversation
In the film’s first official MCU installment, Pascal takes on the role previously played by Ioan Gruffudd in the 2005 version, Miles Teller in the 2015 reboot, and John Krasinski—who appeared as an alternate-universe Reed Richards in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Pascal’s surprise casting brought him new attention from fans and prompted reactions about his suitability for the role. Critiques ranged from comments on his age to questions about his appearance.
“’He’s too old. He’s not right. He needs to shave.’”
—Pedro Pascal, Actor
The Path to Becoming Mr. Fantastic
Pedro Pascal revealed that landing the Reed Richards role felt daunting, even after portraying major characters in Star Wars and The Last of Us. He described the casting process as sudden and life-changing. Unlike his acclaimed role as Joel Miller in The Last of Us TV adaptation, which met with little resistance from long-time fans, this Marvel role prompted mixed opinions from the franchise’s passionate audience.
Pascal secured the Fantastic Four part after being approached directly by the film’s director, Matt Shakman. While fans were surprised, the director’s choice reflected Pascal’s rising popularity in Hollywood.
Support and Outlook for the Marvel Franchise
As the Fantastic Four prepares for their official MCU introduction, the cast is set to return in the Avengers: Doomsday movie. This is significant, considering the connection between Reed Richards and his comic book adversary, Dr. Doom, who will be portrayed by Robert Downey Jr. Pascal shared that Downey reached out to him after the casting news, describing Downey as both generous and welcoming during this transition.
What Lies Ahead for Fantastic Four Fans
The Fantastic Four: First Steps will arrive in theaters on July 25, 2025, marking a new era for these characters within the Marvel universe. With key figures like Miles Teller, Ioan Gruffudd, John Krasinski, and David Tennant featured in conversations about the role, all eyes will be on Pascal as he steps into one of Marvel’s iconic positions. The future promises further connections in MCU storylines, particularly as Avengers films expand the universe, placing Pascal and his castmates at the center of major Marvel events.
