Pedro Pascal unites DC and Marvel fans with Instagram post, bringing both franchises together at a pivotal moment as Superman and Fantastic Four are set to premiere in July. By sharing a creative image that merges symbols from both universes, Pascal emphasizes fandom unity over rivalry, inviting fans to celebrate upcoming releases instead of fueling old debates.
A Unique Instagram Post Bridges Two Fan Communities
With the superhero genre dominated by the Marvel Cinematic Universe and DC, competition between these two franchises has shaped online discussions for years. As anticipation builds for Marvel’s Fantastic Four: First Steps—premiering July 25—and DC’s Superman—releasing July 11—the longstanding DC versus Marvel debate has been reignited among die-hard supporters of both sides.
However, Pedro Pascal, who stars as Mr. Fantastic (Reed Richards) in Fantastic Four, shifted the conversation with a single gesture. By reposting fan art from @justralphy on Instagram Stories, Pascal showcased Reed Richards and Superman side-by-side beneath a sky blending their iconic logos. Accompanied by the hashtag #SuperFantastic and heart emojis, his post quickly gained attention for promoting camaraderie over competition.
This moment came at a crucial time, as both blockbusters are just weeks away from release and social media fan wars have ramped up. Rather than taking sides, Pascal’s post celebrated the stories and talents behind each film, encouraging more positive and inclusive dialogue among comic book fans.
Positive Reception from Fans and Industry Leaders
Pascal’s show of support for both franchises set off a wave of positive reactions online. Known for his upcoming portrayal of Mr. Fantastic in Matt Shakman’s Fantastic Four and for hyping the film’s retro-futuristic 1960s setting, Pascal also recognized the significance of James Gunn’s Superman reboot for DC, which features Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, and Isabela Merced in major roles.
James Gunn echoed these sentiments earlier this month when asked about the heated competition between the franchises. He commented on Threads,
“there’s room for us both! I love my friends at Marvel.”
He emphasized that focusing on the excitement surrounding both movies is more rewarding than getting caught up in divisive online rivalries. —James Gunn, Director
Fans from both camps shared their own enthusiastic responses, with comments like “Beautiful to see” and
“WE WILL BE SEATED FOR BOTH”
appearing across major social platforms. Many expressed gratitude for Pascal’s positive influence, viewing his gesture as a welcome antidote to the usual toxicity around superhero debates. As conversations evolved, hashtags like #SuperFantastic were adopted to promote unity, and community sentiment shifted away from comparisons and toward shared anticipation.
Upcoming Releases Promise an Exciting Summer
The studios behind Superman and Fantastic Four have assembled high-profile casts and created storylines that appeal to comic book enthusiasts of all backgrounds. For the first time in years, both DC and Marvel appear poised to deliver major cinematic spectacles in close succession. The fan dialogue sparked by Pascal’s Instagram story suggests that audiences may be more excited to experience both films than to argue over which will prevail.
James Gunn’s Superman will be released in theaters on July 11, introducing a new era for the DC Universe with Rachel Brosnahan, Corenswet, and Isabela Merced among its leading cast. Marvel’s Fantastic Four: First Steps follows two weeks later, starring Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, and is expected to bring a retro yet visionary style to the franchise under Matt Shakman’s direction. Throughout this unfolding superhero showdown, stars and fans alike are championing a message of inclusiveness and mutual appreciation rather than division.
As the release dates approach, industry observers will be watching to see if the unified enthusiasm sparked by Pedro Pascal’s post signals a lasting change in superhero fandom. With anticipation at an all-time high for both blockbusters, the summer promises excitement and, perhaps, a new spirit of understanding across the DC and Marvel communities.
