The MCU’s Fantastic Four Finds Its Reed Richards In Pedro Pascal

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The MCU is about to get its Fantastic Four together, and it looks like the piece of the puzzle has finally fallen into place. While not confirmed by any of the official Hollywood trades, it looks like director Matt Shakman may have slipped up by confirming the casting of Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards in the film.

Shakman confirmed the news on his Instagram story after Pascal’s SAG-AFTRA profile mentioned the actor’s upcoming production schedule. “Pascal recently wrapped production on Ridley Scott’s highly anticipated Gladiator 2 and will soon begin production on Marvel Studios’ Fantastic Four,” read Pascal’s profile — before being scrubbe, of course.

While Pascal may have been cast as Richards, the rest of the cast is yet to be announced. There have been rumours that the other roles will be fulfilled by Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing. With production set to commence soon, Marvel Studios is expected to officially announce the cast soon. If production starts within the next couple of months, then expect the first footage to be shown at San Diego Comic-Con.

Shakman replaced Spider-Man director Jon Watts in 2022, after impressing Marvel’s higher-ups with his direction of WandaVision. The Disney+ show had a strong focus on dysfunctional family relationships which no doubt played a big role in landing Shakman the job.

Plot details are being kept under wraps, but there have been rumours that the film will see the Fantastic Four travel to, or originate from, the 1960s. The team’s archenemy Doctor Doom is not expected to be the primary antagonist of the film, with that role being fulfilled by Galactus. Doom, on the other hand, may be introduced in the film’s post-credits scene, setting the stage for him to become the MCU’s next big bad as the company pivots from the Kang storyline.

Related: Forget The X-Men And Fantastic Four - Reboot The MCU With Fewer Heroes

Shakman replaced Spider-Man director Jon Watts in 2022, after impressing Marvel’s higher-ups with his direction of WandaVision. The Disney+ show had a strong focus on dysfunctional family relationships which no doubt played a big role in landing Shakman the job.

Fantastic Four is scheduled to release on May 2, 2025.

Related: More Rumors Suggest Marvel Will Abandon Jonathan Majors’ Kang Storyline