Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards in The Fantastic Four is set to bring a fresh level of complexity and surprise, as the actor takes on the iconic role in Marvel’s upcoming retro-futurist adventure set to debut in UK cinemas on July 25. Under Matt Shakman’s direction, the story will not only spotlight the intellect and leadership of Reed Richards but also explore his personal challenges as he prepares for fatherhood alongside Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm.
A Multifaceted Hero Faces New Frontiers
Reed Richards, often nicknamed ‘Mr. Fantastic,’ stands out as the inventive and brilliant leader of Marvel’s First Family. Within the walls of their Baxter Building home, Richards juggles the responsibilities of family life, gadget wizardry, and guiding his group through cosmic dilemmas. Now, in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Richards’ story takes a turn as he expects a child with Sue Storm, introducing another layer to his role as not only leader but future father.
This transition promises to be significant, as the upcoming plot introduces threats such as Galactus, a cosmic giant with an appetite for entire worlds, placing Reed’s analytical skills and emotional resilience to the test. Beyond his genius inventions and strategic mind, Reed faces the emotional demands of supporting a pregnant partner and protecting his family and home from interstellar danger.
Pedro Pascal’s Insight Into Reed Richards
Pedro Pascal shared his perspective on undertaking such a nuanced character, emphasizing just how intricate the role of Reed Richards is for an actor.
“I see a limitless amount of layers to this character,”
—Pedro Pascal. In balancing the looming responsibilities of impending parenthood and the existential threat posed by Galactus, Pascal pointed out that Richards’ mind works in unique ways:
“He does the ultimate version of catastrophising,”
—Pedro Pascal. While Reed approaches dangers with a mathematical precision, that cerebral approach is constantly balanced by a drive to be emotionally in tune:
“A brain that has an overview of threats on a mathematical level, but also being emotionally available. It was a fascinating contradiction.”
—Pedro Pascal.
Director and Cast Praise Pascal’s Versatility
Director Matt Shakman expressed why Pedro Pascal stood out among actors to embody Reed Richards in this chapter for The Fantastic Four.
“I was looking for an actor who could contain multitudes,”
—Matt Shakman. Shakman highlighted the many dimensions Reed must inhabit—thought leader, action figure, dedicated friend, husband, and soon-to-be father:
“There’s the very cerebral Reed Richards, and then there’s the action hero, the leader, the husband, the father, the friend. I knew Pedro could do all of that.”
—Matt Shakman. The rest of the cast features Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach, with key studio guidance from Marvel’s Kevin Feige, ensuring a dynamic new direction for Marvel’s iconic family.
Anticipation Builds Ahead of Release
Audiences can look forward to the July 2025 issue of Empire, where behind-the-scenes insights with Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, director Matt Shakman, and Marvel president Kevin Feige will offer more background on The Fantastic Four: First Steps. As anticipation grows for the UK release, the film is expected to showcase not just the action and spectacle fans associate with the franchise, but also a deeper exploration of Reed Richards’ humanity, leadership, and the complex dynamics at play within the First Family. With this fresh perspective and a talent-packed cast, Marvel’s next cinematic chapter is set to surprise fans and introduce new dimensions to the legendary group.
