‘It Was Really Intimidating’ Pedro Pascal On Playing This Iconic Role

by

Summary

  • Pedro Pascal was cast as Mr. Fantastic in MCU’s Fantastic Four, feeling intimidated by the role.
  • He joins Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach in leading the superhero flick.
  • Pascal’s casting stirred excitement as he brought charm, likability, and authenticity to the role, creating high expectations.

Pedro Pascal got candid about one of his latest roles. According to him, it was “intimidating.”

Actor Pascal, hailing from Chile and America, has graced both movies and television series since the late 90s and early 2000s. He made appearances on shows such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, NYPD Blue, Law & Order, and The Good Wife, establishing his reputation. His breakout moment came when he played Oberyn Martell in Game of Thrones, a role that showcased his ability to portray bold, charismatic, and tragic characters, propelling him onto the global stage. He also starred in Netflix’s Narco (2015 – 2017). However, it was landing the lead role in Star Wars’ The Mandalorian that truly solidified his superstar status. Most recently, he has captivated audiences with his portrayal of Joel in The Last of Us, garnering critical acclaim and multiple award nominations. His accolades include wins at the Astra TV Awards, MTV Movie & TV Awards, People’s Choice Awards, and Screen Actors Guild Awards. Despite his impressive achievements, Pascal expressed feelings of apprehension when he joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

Oscar Isaac has been chosen to embody Reed Richards, aka Mister Fantastic, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s forthcoming production titled The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Joining him on screen will be Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, or Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm, the Thing. Isaac is set to become the fifth actor to portray Mister Fantastic. Although Alex Hyde-White was originally cast in this role for The Fantastic Four (1994), the film never had an official release despite some illegal copies being circulated. Ioan Gruffudd and Miles Teller have played Reed Richards in earlier films, specifically in Fantastic Four (2005) and its sequel, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007), as well as in the 2015 reboot, respectively. John Krasinski portrayed Mister Fantastic in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022). Isaac shared his feelings about the casting with Entertainment Weekly, stating that it was a “very intimidating” experience given his previous significant roles, and he has often felt like he couldn’t surpass the level of intimidation from the last role. He added that part of this feeling stemmed from not wanting to disappoint the audience.

It’s intimidating as you have high aspirations to bring joy to others, especially when dealing with something well-known and anticipated. You also strive to remain true to yourself to ensure the best possible outcome for those who are eagerly waiting to be captivated by your tale and embark on this journey together.

Before the formal declaration of Pascal becoming Mister Fantastic, whispers were circulating about him possibly bagging the role. A page on the SAG-AFTRA Foundation website appeared to validate this, as it detailed a project he was set to undertake post wrapping up work on Gladiator 2. The article announced that Pascal would soon begin filming Marvel’s Fantastic Four. In an interview with EW, Pascal described his MCU casting as “an unexpected and bizarre event,” stating it “altered the trajectory” of his life. It felt like fate when he reminisced about a peculiar encounter with the director of The Fantastic Four, Matt Shakman. While taking a walk with a friend, Pascal was approached by an assertive little girl selling lemonade. Coincidentally, it turned out that the voice inquiring about their activities was none other than Shakman, as his daughter was the lemonade vendor. This encounter transpired on a Sunday following discussions about the project. At this juncture, Pascal felt that the project was something he hadn’t anticipated but believed he had to be part of it. They left with their lemonade, and his friend supposedly told him, “I guess you’re on board now.

Fans thought Krasinski might become Mister Fantastic due to his brief appearance in “Doctor Strange.” Yet, Pascal is equally suitable for the role given his acting talent and proficiency. Reed is a complex character grappling with leadership issues, fixation, and family matters. Pascal has demonstrated an aptitude for portraying emotionally intricate roles through his work on “The Last of Us” and “The Mandalorian.” Furthermore, Reed is intelligent but not dull, and Pascal excels at combining seriousness with likeability thanks to his charisma and commanding stage presence. Moreover, Pascal’s popularity as an actor generates enthusiasm for the film, potentially garnering significant attention and a promising beginning.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps hits theaters on July 25, 2025.

Read More

2025-04-14 23:44