The MCU is set to expand its horizons with the much-anticipated release of ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps‘ on July 25, 2025. Directed by Matt Shakman, renowned for his work on ‘WandaVision‘, this film promises to reintroduce Marvel’s First Family with a unique twist.
The film, set in a retro-futuristic parallel universe inspired by the 1960s, seeks to combine the nostalgic charm of Silver Age comic books with current cinematic flair. Pedro Pascal plays Reed Richards and leads the ensemble cast. Pascal, known for his appearances in ‘Game of Thrones‘ and ‘The Last of Us‘, is expected to add a new dimension to the character. However, David Tennant has said that he wanted to play the MCU hero, too.
David Tennant Wanted To Be The MCU’s Reed Richards
During an appearance at MCM Comic Con, David Tennant was asked by a fan which superhero role he would most love to play. And that’s when he let the tea spill. “In terms of superheroes, I did slightly have my eye on Reed Richards and unfortunately, it looks like they’ve gone in a different direction,” Tennant said during the fan Q&A.
“Although if it has to be someone, I’m very happy for it to be Pedro Pascal, frankly.” Because this wouldn’t be a proper fan panel without a little meme-worthy humor, the moderator couldn’t resist bringing up Pedro Pascal’s now-viral Vanity Fair lie detector video. In it, Pascal cheekily refers to himself as “the bigger daddy” when compared to fellow actor Oscar Isaac.
So naturally, Tennant was asked the same thing: who’s the real “bigger daddy” – him or Pedro Pascal? “What’s the criteria?” Tennant shot back with a grin. “I mean, it will definitely be him. He’s Mister Fantastic, so in every sense of the word. I think Pedro Pascal is great. I’m very, very pleased that he exists.“
‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ cast
Pedro Pascal takes on the lead role of Reed Richards, also known as Mister Fantastic. Vanessa Kirby, well-known for her roles in ‘The Crown‘ and ‘Mission: Impossible,’ will accompany him in her role as Sue Storm, also known as the Invisible Woman. ‘Stranger Things‘ star Joseph Quinn will play the fiery and impetuous Johnny Storm, also known as the Human Torch.
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Following highly lauded roles in ‘The Bear‘ and ‘Andor,’ Ebon Moss-Bachrach is taking on the challenging role of Ben Grimm, popularly known as The Thing. Meanwhile, the Silver Surfer will be portrayed with cosmic complexity by Julia Garner, the Emmy-winning actress from ‘Ozark‘ and ‘Inventing Anna.’ Last but not least, Ralph Ineson, well known for his roles from ‘The Witch‘ and ‘Game of Thrones,’ as the ominous Galactus, the planet-devouring space god.
In the storyline, the Fantastic Four will have their hands full defending Earth from Galactus and his mysterious and loyal Herald, the Silver Surfer. But at its heart, ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps‘ will focus on more than just intergalactic threats.
Could David Tennant Still Return To The MCU?
While it looks like Mister Fantastic is off the table for Tennant, there’s still hope for his return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Fans will remember his unforgettable performance as Kilgrave in ‘Jessica Jones‘.
Prior to revealing his dream of playing Mr. Fantastic, he acknowledged his time on the series: “In terms of supervillains, I got the best one with Killgrave; I was quite pleased with that… Worked out quite nicely for me.” And with Jessica Jones making a comeback, there’s always a chance Tennant could reappear, either through flashbacks, multiverse madness, or even a resurrection twist.
