In a playful new release for “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” Marvel Studios shared a promo that spotlights Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards using his stretching powers in a unique way, placing the Pedro Pascal Fantastic Four promo in the spotlight for fans. This promotional content arrives just as the film streams on Disney+, drawing attention to the inventive ways the character’s abilities are represented onscreen.
The film “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” recently achieved significant critical acclaim, earning an 86% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, marking a milestone for the franchise. However, some fans and critics noted that Reed Richards, played by Pedro Pascal, did not utilize his distinctive stretchy powers as frequently or as boldly as other characters like Sue Storm or Johnny Storm. Despite these concerns, Marvel has addressed fans’ anticipation with a fresh glimpse into Reed’s capabilities—this time showcased in a Thanksgiving-themed promotional video.
The segment features Pedro Pascal alongside cast members Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn, all gathered tightly to capture a group selfie. In a humorous twist reflective of his character’s stretching ability, Pascal extends his arm to fit everyone into the frame. The moment is capped by Pascal declaring, I am feeling fantastic. The promo’s playful energy connects to ongoing social media trends, even referencing memories of previous takes on the Fantastic Four franchise.
Community Response and Social Media Engagement
Marvel Studios shared the Thanksgiving promo across their social media channels, encouraging fans to gather and watch “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” now available on Disney+. The post’s caption read:
“Gather your family (and friends) together to stream Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Now on Disney+.”
— Marvel Studios
This creative use of Reed’s powers in such a lighthearted setting caught many fans off-guard, especially given that the character’s abilities are often the subject of debate online. While some see stretchy superpowers as challenging to portray convincingly in live-action films, comic book history and previous films, such as Tim Story’s 2005 adaptation starring Ioan Gruffud, have shown how inventive these abilities can be. In that film, Reed Richards’ powers were highlighted through grand displays like transforming into a giant wheel, bouncing, and creating an expansive tarp to contain villains such as Doctor Doom.
Within the Marvel Universe, Reed’s stretching ability is considered one of the most versatile and potentially powerful among superheroes, ranking alongside Sue Storm’s unique visual set. Discussions in fan circles emphasize hopes that Marvel Studios will continue embracing Reed’s full capabilities in upcoming projects, including “Avengers: Doomsday” and the highly anticipated “Secret Wars,” scheduled for release in 2027.
Insights from Cast and Crew on Bringing Reed Richards to Life
In an interview with Comicbook.com, Pedro Pascal shed light on the mental challenges of portraying Reed Richards compared to playing Din Djarin in “The Mandalorian.” He commented:
“With Reed, his body may stretch, but this is a brain character. […] I thought of the brilliance of an octopus. Not in any, like, literal, physical translative way, but in a kind of… put it into my subconscious.”
— Pedro Pascal, Actor (Reed Richards)
This perspective highlights the duality of Reed’s character—balancing extraordinary physical abilities with remarkable intellect—a theme that Pascal incorporates into his approach to the role.
Further insight was provided by Eric Pearson, screenwriter for “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. Pearson described the director Matt Shakman’s intention to present Reed’s powers in a more grounded and believable manner, rather than resorting to exaggerated or “cartoony” effects. Pearson explained:
“I don’t know if it made you uncomfortable, the stretch [of Reed Richards]. [Director] Matt [Shakman] wasn’t allergic to stretching, but he was like, ‘I want to know my rules for stretching and I don’t want it to be too crazy cartoony. I want it to be within the physiology of the human body.’ So I was like, ‘Well, if you want that, then let’s test the limits.’ And it felt like [Reed Richards actor] Pedro [Pascal]’s ribcage was coming apart. You want the moments where it feels like they’re totally screwed and they’re going to lose.”
— Eric Pearson, Screenwriter
This approach was particularly evident in the film’s memorable scene where Mr. Fantastic nearly faces defeat against Galactus, emphasizing the limits and potential consequences tied to Reed’s unbelievable powers.
What Lies Ahead for The Fantastic Four in the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Looking forward, “The Fantastic Four” are set to appear in “Avengers: Doomsday,” slated for theatrical release on December 18, 2026. The addition of characters like Reed Richards—who brings both intellectual and elastic strengths—promises compelling storylines and dynamic action sequences. With Marvel Studios’ renewed focus on portraying Reed’s stretching powers with both creativity and realism, fans anticipate even greater integration of these abilities in the next phases of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
As audiences continue to engage with the new Pedro Pascal Fantastic Four promo and speculate about future cinematic developments, the inventive portrayal of Reed Richards signals Marvel’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of superhero storytelling on both visual and emotional levels. The next chapter will likely raise the bar for what fans can expect from this beloved team as they return to the screen.
