Pedro Pascal is finally stepping into the Marvel Cinematic Universe with a surprising twist. He will not just be the brilliant and stretchy Reed Richards, but also a man of science, depth, and intellect.
In the upcoming film ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’, Pascal brings an unexpected approach to portraying Mister Fantastic and it may forever change how audiences perceive Marvel’s most elastic hero.
Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards In ‘The Fantastic Four’ Is A Unique Superhero
In an exclusive interview with ComicBook, Pedro Pascal offered fans a rare peek into his thought process as he prepared for one of the MCU’s most cerebral characters. His source of inspiration, however, was not another superhero or even a scientist; it was an octopus. “I thought of the brilliance of an octopus,” Pascal shared, “Not in any literal physical translated way, but I put it into my subconscious.”
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The Fantastic Four have always been different from other superhero teams. They’re explorers, scientists, and adventurers, and Reed Richards is their captain, scientist, strategist, and most of all, their thinker. While the stretching powers may be his most visually dynamic trait, Reed has long been defined by his intelligence and ability to solve problems no one else can.
Pascal is clearly leaning into this essence. “With Reed, that, for me, was a brand new kind of experience to author something that is very, very familiar to the world,” Pascal said. “To me, you know, his body may stretch, but this is a brain character.” This statement alone flips the script on what audiences have come to expect from superhero portrayals. He’s not just playing a superhero; he’s playing a scientific pioneer, a thinker, a problem-solver, a man whose genius is his greatest weapon.
Pedro Pascal Wanted Mr. Fantastic To Be More About His Brilliance Than Powers
‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ is doing more than just rebooting Marvel’s First Family. It’s taking audiences way back into a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic alternate universe. In a cinematic world often driven by apocalyptic threats and dark tones, this film dares to be bright, hopeful, and visionary. And Pascal’s portrayal fits perfectly within that framework.
In case you missed it: Why Mr. Fantastic’s Powers Are Hidden In ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Trailer
It’s not about brute force. It’s not about the flashiest power, it’s about innovation. The stakes, of course, are still massive. With Galactus looming as the cosmic-level threat and Julia Garner as the Silver Surfer, the film promises epic confrontations and stunning visuals. However, even in the face of galactic annihilation, Pascal emphasizes that Reed’s intellect will lead the way.
And this tracks well with the comics. Time and again, Reed Richards has stood toe-to-toe with cosmic forces, not through violence but through his brain. As the countdown to the July 25, 2025, release of ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ begins, Pedro Pascal’s Mister Fantastic is already shaping up to be something to look forward to.
