With the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) taking a dip after the blip (sorry), it’s refreshing to see the return of comic’s most loved teams like the X-Men, and now the Fantastic 4.
Rumours have been circulating the fandom of a revamped cast, with the love leaning towards Hollywood power couple, Emily Blunt and John Krasinski to play Sue Storm and Reed Richards. This fire was then fuelled after Krasinski’s fan cast cameo in 2022’s Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
But just a few weeks ago, nerds, like myself, could not be happier to hear that The Mandalorian himself, Pedro Pascal, will take on the salt-and-pepper-haired role of Mr Fantastic! Having already played similar roles in The Last of Us and Narcos, I personally am very excited to see Grogu’s Dad don a superhero outfit where you actually see his face!
Richards’ love interest Sue Storm will now be played by Vanessa Kirby, a brilliant actress who has dipped in and out of action roles in recent years (in between her stint in The Crown). Blonde and beautiful, she has the ‘right’ image to play a classic Invisible Woman, straight from the comics. I’m hoping here they might focus on Sue’s story, and remember she is more than just a love interest - Kirby definitely has the acting skills to pull off both the action and emotion!
"if they get The Thing driving in a car, singing Taylor Swift, then I will be even happier"
Playing her ‘hot-headed’ younger brother is Stranger Things’ Joseph Quinn. I won’t lie, this one was a unexpected surprise for me, thinking they might go for the ‘Chris Evan’s’ type again. However, Quinn really made his mark as the arrogant rocker Eddie Munson, and shows great potential for the action and superhero world.
And finally, my favourite casting, is for Ben Grimm, AKA The Thing - Ebon Moss-Bachrach! If you’ve watched The Bear, Andor or even The Punisher, you’re probably a fan. This is a genius casting move as Moss-Bachrach has plenty of potential to play both the cocky and emotional side to this character. And if they get The Thing driving in a car, singing Taylor Swift, then I will be even happier.
So there you have it, the MCU’s new Fantastic 4 cast! I’m delightfully surprised by this star-studded clan, but I do hope this isn’t just another Kevin Feige cash grab! The plan is that the MCU will breath new life into the Fantastic 4, led by Mando, Princess Margaret, Eddie Munson and Cousin!
