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Marvel’s success can be attributed to their casting choices, particularly with Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man. This decision sparked a string of successful superhero films that were expertly interconnected and pushed the boundaries of the genre. Actors like Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, Benedict Cumberbatch, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, and Tom Holland were all given career-defining roles in these films.
Maybe this is the reason why, as the studio has begun to struggle, it has been deliberate in its selection process for the new Fantastic Four movie, which will be the first to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Considering the past disappointing performances of the comic book quartet on screen, it is crucial that the team makes a strong impression this time.
Recent reports from Hollywood sources have confirmed that Pedro Pascal, known for his role in The Mandalorian, will take on the character of Reed Richards, also known as Mister Fantastic, in the upcoming film. Vanessa Kirby, from The Crown, has been cast as Sue Storm, also known as the Invisible Woman, while Joseph Quinn, from Stranger Things, will portray her brother Johnny Storm, also known as The Human Torch. Ebon Moss-Bachrach, known for his role in The Bear, will play Ben Grimm, also known as The Thing. This casting has been met with great enthusiasm, as Pascal’s success in The Mandalorian has solidified his position as a top action star, Kirby’s recent appearances in popular films have made her a sought-after British actress, Quinn’s performance in Stranger Things was highly praised, and Moss-Bachrach is an Emmy winner for his work in a well-received comedy-drama.
The upcoming debut of The Fantastic Four, now titled with the addition of “The”, has been pushed to July 2025. It will be the second full entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to feature characters from 20th Century Fox’s Marvel films from the 2000s and beyond (excluding post-credit scenes and alternate dimensions). Recently, a trailer for Deadpool and Wolverine was released, giving a glimpse into how the studio will handle Ryan Reynolds’ foul-mouthed mutant and his new sidekick, Hugh Jackman’s returning adamantium-clawed character. While Deadpool’s self-aware humor – referencing the fact that he is now part of the MCU due to Disney’s acquisition of Fox – may not be present in other more conventional episodes, it is hoped that there will be a similar tone of playful irreverence in The Fantastic Four. This comic book franchise has been mishandled by Hollywood for many years.
From the little-seen, famously low-budget Roger Corman-produced 1994 version, which was allegedly made to fulfil a contractual obligation, to the duo of dull and insipid efforts Fox made in the noughties (anyone remember Jessica Alba as Sue Storm? Nope, I thought not) to Josh Trank’s awkwardly gloomy and ill-conceived Fantastic Four in 2015, nobody has yet got Marvel’s first family right on the big screen. And it’s a shame.
Thanks to the truly inspiring selection of actors, the studio now has the necessary resources to rectify past mistakes. With some luck, July 25, 2025 will signal the start of a new era, leaving all previous efforts behind. One of the greatest aspects of Marvel’s expanded multiverse is that it allows for numerous interpretations of the Fantastic Four to coexist in alternate realities. What’s even better is that we have the freedom to disregard any versions that were not truly noteworthy to begin with.
Source: theguardian.com
