LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Pedro Pascal, the 48-year-old actor who has become a veteran in playing sci-fi and fantasy characters, is now rumored to pick up the mantle of Dr Reed Richards, aka Mr Fantastic, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe's upcoming film 'Fantastic Four'.
sources have revealed that the three-time Emmy-nominated actor is in talks to play the leader of the iconic superhero team, but the deal has not been closed as of now, according to Deadline.
'The Mandalorian' actor has a full calendar for the upcoming months. That includes 'Gladiator 2', which is expected to go into production before the end of 2023, as well as the new season of the popular HBO series 'The Last Of Us', which he is expected to shoot for in 2024, along with Zach Cregger’s 'Weapons'.
Inside sources close to the negotiations have told the publication that the scheduling is being worked out so that the star can work on the Marvel Studios' film while managing his other projects, and so far it is headed in the right direction for Pascal.
Marvel has not commented on Pedro Pascal being in consideration for Mr Fantastic
The studio has been working on finalizing the cast of the film for months. In early 2023, Adam Driver was rumored to have been locked in to play Reed Richards, along with Margot Robbie as Sue Storm, aka Invisible Woman. However, in June, CBR reported that neither were still in talks to star in the film.
The character of Mr Fantastic made his debut in the MCU in the 2022 film, 'Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness', where John Krasinski played a multiversal variant of him. He was killed by the Scarlet Witch, played by Elizabeth Olsen in the film, and there has been no discussion since of his reprising the role.
The upcoming film will be the fourth time Marvel brings the superhero team to the big screen with a new cast. The first movie adaptation happened in 1994, followed by the 2005 reboot along with its 2007 sequel, and the last reboot was in 2015.
Matt Shakman, the director of the upcoming film, is currently working on pre-production at Pinewood Studios in England. The studio is eager to finalize the cast list so that they can start production in early 2024.
Internet reacts to rumors of Pedro Pascal being part of 'Fantastic Four'
While some fans cannot get enough of 'Internet's Daddy' and are overjoyed by the probable development, others feel that the casting call was simply "lazy" as Pascal's presence is seen in an increasing number of sci-fi franchises.
"Pedro Pascal stepping into the iconic role of Reed Richards in the upcoming Fantastic Four! The Fantastic franchise just got a whole lot more fantastic!" opined a fan of the actor.
One person wondered, "Did marvel fire the casting director and let an Ai make decisions," criticizing Marvel, writing, "These are just so bizarre choices."
A third person declared, "Nothing against Pedro - he's wonderful - but this is very lazy casting by Marvel," and further explained their point, "Like, let's just go get the most 'it' guy we can find, rather than dig deep for an up-and-comer that could possibly cost them less and stick around for much longer."
"Though John Krasinski would be the best pick I’m of the belief Pedro Pascal will be fantastic," commented a fourth.
A fifth person half-heartedly wrote, "Congrats to Pedro I guess… Hollywood keeps casting the same people now adays."