As Marvel Studios gears up for the release of ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps‘ on July 25, 2025, the anticipation is sky-high, and rightly so. With one of Marvel’s most iconic teams finally joining the MCU, fans have been holding their breath to see how the beloved Fantastic Four will be reimagined.
Moreover, among the most talked-about elements of this reboot is Pedro Pascal’s casting as Reed Richards, a choice that initially raised eyebrows and even invited some skepticism. However, surprisingly, from Pascal himself.
Pedro Pascal’s Hesitation Comes From Deep Respect For The Role
In a candid interview with Empire, the actor revealed that he wasn’t unsure about the movie itself. However, he questioned whether he was the right person to play the ultra-intelligent, emotionally complex leader of Marvel’s First Family. “I was skeptical over [director Matt Shakman’s] choice to cast me,” Pascal confessed. “I was questioning if I would serve it as best as it was meant to be served, to be convincing as an astrophysicist, a father, a husband.”
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It’s a surprisingly vulnerable admission from an actor who has already played two of the most emotionally resonant and respected father figures in recent television: Joel in ‘The Last of Us’ and Din Djarin in ‘The Mandalorian’. He also played the charming Oberyn Martell in ‘Game Of Thrones’ and won everyone over. In many ways, those roles make him uniquely qualified to play Reed Richards.
Reed Richards isn’t just a brainy superhero; he’s human. A human who sometimes makes mistakes. He’s a visionary, a flawed genius, and a deeply devoted family man. Pascal’s concerns seem to stem from a desire to do the role justice, not just wear the costume and spout technobabble. “I definitely think it was destiny,” he said. That kind of gut instinct and openness to the unexpected already hints at the level of authenticity he’s bringing to the film.
‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Introduces Baby Franklin Richards
If Pedro Pascal’s casting gave fans something to talk about, the teaser reveal of baby Franklin Richards blew the lid off speculation. In a scene, we see Reed and Sue lying in bed with their infant son, small, vulnerable, and completely unaware that he may one day become the most powerful mutant in the Marvel Universe. For longtime comic readers, Franklin Richards is a game-changer.
In case you missed it: The Real Reason Why Doctor Doom Is Missing From ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’
Not only is he the son of two of the MCU’s most pivotal characters, but in the comics, he also reshapes entire realities. With reality-warping powers rivaling even cosmic entities like Galactus, Franklin has the potential to steer the MCU’s future in exciting new directions. Vanessa Kirby added fuel to the fire when she recently teased, “It’s not just adults that have superpowers.”
That one sentence is enough to send fans into a speculative frenzy. Her comment, paired with Franklin’s appearance, confirms that ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ is doing more than laying the groundwork, the film will give us a glimpse into Franklin. Director Matt Shakman confirmed as much in a recent statement, reflecting on the rich comic book legacy he drew from.
“Having absorbed six decades of F4 publishing, many of [Jonathan] Hickman’s magical moments and unique character dynamics stick with me. And they made it into our film in small and large ways. The Future Foundation. The Bridge. The mystery of children and the anxiety we have as parents about their future.” Moreover, in a franchise that’s often been criticized for being formulaic, ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ feels refreshing.
