Celebrated actor Pedro Pascal is joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the upcoming film, Fantastic Four: The First Steps, where he will portray Reed Richards, also known as Mister Fantastic. Slated for release on July 25th, this film marks his debut in the MCU, and Pedro is also set to feature in the highly anticipated Avengers: Doomsday. The compelling tale of how Pedro Pascal decided to take on this iconic role involves a serendipitous encounter at a lemonade stand with director Matt Shakman’s daughter, which solidified his decision to embark on this new cinematic journey.
In a recent exclusive feature with EW, Pedro Pascal shared insights into this unexpected turning point in his career. “It was a big strange thing that I hadn’t planned on happening. It changed the course of my life in a very sudden way, so I really had to process,” he revealed. During a reflective walk with a friend, he was charmed by an enthusiastic encounter at a lemonade stand, where Matt Shakman’s daughter playfully inquired about his presence. This moment unfolded just after his initial discussion with Shakman about joining the Fantastic Four project, further emphasizing the serendipity of the situation. Pascal reflects, “Then this happened, and as we walked away with our lemonade, my friend said, ‘I guess you’re doing it!’”
Taking on the role of Reed Richards presents a new set of challenges for Pedro Pascal, who has built a robust career through diverse roles, from Game of Thrones to Narcos and The Last of Us. He opens up about the pressures of joining such a revered franchise, stating, “It was really intimidating. I relied on the people that I was around to hold me to the experience and help get me through it.” As someone who has been part of large-scale productions before, Pascal mentions the constant desire to meet the audience’s expectations while remaining true to his artistic self. “You also want to be authentic to yourself so that it can be the best that it can be for anybody who wants to be entertained by a story and travel with us into this world,” he expressed.
With the Fantastic Four: The First Steps poised to introduce a fresh iteration of beloved characters, the anticipation surrounding Pedro Pascal’s performance as Mister Fantastic is reaching new heights. This venture not only speaks to Pascal’s adaptability as an actor but also sets the stage for future narratives within the MCU. As fans eagerly await the film’s release, the impact of Pascal’s participation is expected to resonate deeply, ensuring that the Fantastic Four franchise steps confidently into its next chapter.
