Fantastic Four Cast’s Roles Predict MCU Triumph – See Why They’re Perfect!

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Summary

  • The Fantastic Four joins the MCU in 2025 after a 17-year absence, with a retro-futuristic Earth setting.
  • Pascal, Kirby, Quinn, and Moss-Bachrach confirmed as the cast for the iconic quartet, sparking mixed opinions.
  • Each actor’s past roles showcase their ability to do justice to the beloved superhero characters in the MCU.

17 years after their introduction, Marvel’s original team, The Fantastic Four, is making a long-awaited debut in the mainline Marvel Cinematic Universe with the film titled “The Fantastic Four: First Footprints“. Set on an Earth reminiscent of the 1960s with a futuristic twist, this movie marks the beginning of Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic), Sue Storm (Invisible Woman), Johnny Storm (Human Torch), and Ben Grimm (The Thing) joining a world where established live-action heroes like Doctor Strange, Spider-Man, the Hulk, Captain Marvel, and others have been active – a development that Marvel enthusiasts have eagerly anticipated for far too long.

In just a few months, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” will hit the screens, and the cast has been finalized for quite some time now. Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach are set to portray the titular group, but opinions have been mixed about whether these choices were wise decisions on Marvel Studios’ part. Nonetheless, by examining the previous roles these actors have played, it becomes evident that they all possess the necessary traits and acting talent to bring their iconic superhero characters to life in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with credibility.

Pedro Pascal As Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic

Pedro Pascal has shined in big titles like Game of Thrones, The Last of Us, and The Mandalorian

Pedro Pascal is currently one of the highly admired and cherished actors in Hollywood, a title he has earned through his impressive acting career since 1996. His major breakthrough came in 2015 when he was chosen to play Oberyn Martell, a charming yet tragic character, in HBO’s hit fantasy series “Game of Thrones”. Since then, the Chilean-American actor has taken on various roles that hint at his potential fit for the role of Reed Richards in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

It seems that Pascal previously demonstrated exceptional talent in leading superhero teams, as seen in “We Can Be Heroes” and “The Mandalorian”. In the latter, he skillfully portrayed Din Djarin, a character praised for conveying emotions while wearing a helmet. This could be beneficial in showing his compassionate side, considering Richards’ stoic demeanor. Pascal also played Joel Miller, a protective individual with a strong emotional bond in “The Last of Us”, similar to Richards’ relationship with his Fantastic Four teammates. His experience as Maxwell Lord in “Wonder Woman 1984” will likely be an asset too.

Vanessa Kirby As Sue Storm/The Invisible Woman

Vanessa Kirby has balanced dramtic and action-packed roles in projects like The Crown and Hobbs & Shaw

English actress Vanessa Kirby primarily gained recognition for playing Princess Margaret in Netflix’s acclaimed drama series “The Crown,” a performance that earned her a BAFTA Television Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2018. After starting her acting journey on stage, she has since been actively working across both big and small screens, accumulating roles that have prepared her well to portray Sue Storm in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Previously mentioned role in “The Crown” highlighted Kirby’s talent for portraying the refined elegance and independence of Storm, contrasting her against her roles as a sidekick, wife, or sibling to more prominent characters. Her character in “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” demonstrated her prowess in action scenes, while her role as Empress Joséphine in “Napoleon” showcased her ability to play emotionally complex characters under pressure. In “Hobbs & Shaw” from 2019, she displayed both her action credentials and the capacity to portray a tough character with vulnerable moments. The advice from Jessica Alba can only serve to further enhance her acting skills.

Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch

Joseph Quinn gained prominence in Stranger Things, but also did great work in Gladiator II

Joseph Quinn, a well-known actor from England, gained significant attention in popular culture with his portrayal of Eddie Munson in the fourth season of Netflix’s hit sci-fi horror mystery series Stranger Things in 2022. Swiftly moving on to major Hollywood movies, it’s anticipated that Quinn will make a substantial impact as he plays the vibrant Johnny Storm in The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

Quinn’s outstanding performance as Munson in “Stranger Things” strongly suggests he’s the perfect choice to portray Storm. Similar to Storm, Munson is a jock, and Quinn skillfully embodied the youthful enthusiasm, liveliness, and, notably, arrogance required for the Human Torch’s character. His role as Arthur Havisham in “Dickensian” demonstrated his ability to play a self-absorbed and naive character capable of growth within a complex family setting. His latest role as Geta, one of two co-emperors alongside Fred Hechinger’s Caracalla in Ridley Scott’s sequel “Gladiator II,” provided an excellent foundation for a character with a significant sibling relationship (with Sue Storm) and a well-known rivalry (with Ben Grimm).

Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing

Ebon Moss-Bachrach returns to Marvel after The Punisher, but is best known for his excellent role on The Bear

It’s widely agreed that one of the most captivating choices for the cast of “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” is Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm, aka The Thing. Known for his long-standing career in acting and multiple key roles in popular productions, it wasn’t until he was 45 years old that he gained widespread recognition, largely due to his portrayal of restaurant manager Richie Jerimovich in the comedy-drama series “The Bear” on FX and Hulu.

Moss-Bachrach demonstrated an exceptional knack for portraying characters with tough exteriors concealing tender hearts, particularly in his role as Jerimovich on The Bear. Additionally, he showcased his talent for playing a team player within the series’ restaurant crew. With prior experience in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as David “Micro” Lieberman in The Punisher (2017), Moss-Bachrach has displayed both comedic relief and a heartfelt demeanor, qualities that mirror his character Grimm. The synergy between Micro and Frank Castle’s shared goal makes him a prime candidate for a role in the Fantastic Four. Furthermore, his portrayal of Desi Harperin on Girls revealed his ability to depict intricate interpersonal dynamics, notably with Marnie, while exhibiting emotional sensitivity and durability.

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

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2025-02-17 21:04