Blessing our feeds with a 60s style promo post, our four beloved characters Ben Grimm, Johnny Storm, Susan Storm and Reed Richards are re-introduced into the world. But who are filling the roles of the OGs? True film fanatics will be thrilled to see some of today’s best actors taking on the weighty task of bringing the family back to screens. First up is Reed Richards, played by the effervescent Pedro Pascal. With his wicked acting skills most notably portrayed in HBOs Last of Us, the Chilean-American actor sure knows how get an audience hooked. Being the most searched celebrity on the planet, revealed by IMDb, his clear dedication to all of his roles is sure to make us obsessed with the upcoming reboot. Miles Teller gives Mister Fantastic a decent go in 2015, but something wasn’t quite right. Let's hope Pascal will bring a bit more to the table.
British-born talent Vanessa Kirby is ready to try her hand at being arguably the most powerful member of the team, Susan Storm, in the newest remake. Sue's electric chemistry between her and Reed is sure to rile up the excited fans - it will be interesting to see how Kirby and Pascal recreate this dynamic (if that’s the path director Matt Shakman wants to take…). Kirby's dominance in the entertainment industry, with major roles in Ridley Scott’s Napoleon and the most recent instalment of Mission Impossible, certainly makes her one to watch. I have high hopes for Kirby as Kate Mara’s Sue in 2015 just missed the boat.
The sheer talent of the four protagonists said to be stepping in next year, however, could make this version a winner
The third team member, Ben Grimm, takes on a more traditional representation, going back to Stan Lee and Jack Kirby’s 1961 comic original. Between Michael Chilkis and Jamie Bell, the character of the Thing has had his ups and downs but overall his character development is what we live for. Ebon Moss-Bachrach adds Grimm to his list of impressive roles along with his part in award-winning The Bear. Acquainted with Marvel's process due to his involvement in The Punisher, Moss-Bachrach is set to do his character justice. With an important hint in the promo depicted by the team’s tough guy, Grimm is seen chillaxing on the sofa with a 1963 issue of Life Magazine, perhaps solidifying the period of time in which the movie is supposedly set.
With the first adaptation being in the noughties, Chris Evans became a major heart-throb, as his arrogant and egotistical Johnny Storm was a literal hot head. Taking on the role of the Human Torch in 2025 is Stranger Things favourite Joseph Quinn. From the astounding amount of attention he received for his role of rockstar hero Eddie Munson, the casting directors clearly knew how to get people on board despite previous flops. Will the new and improved Johnny make as much of an impact as Evans did? There’s only one way to find out…
Being a sucker for the 2005 original, I can never quite disassociate the primary actors with their roles. 2015’s instalment really messed things up getting a meagre 9% on Rotten Tomatoes. Don’t get me wrong, there are many elements that make my skin crawl in the 2005 adaptation; however, showing a dashingly young Chris Evans and gripping picture of the family’s origin story, you can’t go wrong when looking for some superhero entertainment. The sheer talent of the four protagonists said to be stepping in next year, however, could make this version a winner.
One thing that does grind my gears is Marvel’s unhealthy addiction to remakes and spin-offs, with superhero movies are developing a bit of a bad rep. However, I hope for Marvel’s sake that they get their act together. Kevin Feige promisingly reported that this adaptation doesn’t focus on the origin story at all, bringing a completely new story into the multiverse. It seems we are in for one hell of a surprise. Mark your calendars for the 25th of July, 2025 pronto.
