Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Joseph Quinn.Getty Images; AP
Marvel Studios has announced the casting for its upcoming film “Fantastic Four.” Pedro Pascal will portray Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic), Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm (the Invisible Woman), Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm (the Human Torch), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm (the Thing). The release dates for “The Fantastic Four” and “Thunderbolts” have been swapped, with the former set for May 2, 2025. Notably, the role of the iconic villain Victor von Doom remains uncast.
The Fantastic Four’s backstory involves them becoming superheroes after exposure to cosmic rays in space. Reed gains the ability to stretch his body, Sue can manipulate light and generate forcefields, Johnny can transform into fire and fly, while Ben is transformed into a rock-like creature with super strength. Matt Shakman will direct the film from a screenplay by Josh Friedman, Jeff Kaplan, and Ian Springer, with filming expected to commence in the summer.
Previously, the Fantastic Four were under the jurisdiction of 20th Century Fox, with earlier films featuring different casts. Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox brought the characters into the Marvel Studios fold. The casting of the Fantastic Four may signal Marvel’s strategy to anchor the post-“Avengers: Endgame” MCU, following criticism of the franchise’s direction post-departure of key characters.
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