Pedro Pascal on playing Mr. Fantastic in Fantastic Four has pushed the acclaimed actor into his most challenging role yet, as he steps into Marvel’s cinematic universe for the upcoming film Fantastic Four: First Steps. Speaking to assembled journalists during a roundtable interview on set, Pascal described how this part feels especially daunting, despite an already impressive record of iconic characters across various franchises.
Facing the Unique Pressure of the Marvel Universe
Having won praise as Joel Miller in The Last of Us, Din Djarin in The Mandalorian, and Oberyn Martell in Game of Thrones, Pascal is familiar with fan expectations and the weight that comes from major pop culture roles. However, he acknowledges that embodying Reed Richards, the brilliant and elastic leader of Marvel’s First Family, comes with a distinctive kind of responsibility and anxiety unlike anything he has experienced before. As he explained during the interview, stepping into each new major franchise has continued to raise the stakes and intensify his sense of challenge.
“Each time you step into one, and you feel like this can’t be scarier, you find out, oh, this is scarier. Going into Game of Thrones, going into DC, going into Star Wars, and then the entire gaming world that introduced itself like an atom bomb to me. And in the best way, because I learned very, very quickly the incredible medium of storytelling that’s happening within gaming.”
—Pedro Pascal, Actor
The actor emphasized that the Marvel Cinematic Universe presents a new kind of mountain to climb, both creatively and emotionally, and that weight is apparent as he steps into the role of Reed Richards in Fantastic Four: First Steps. With fans eager to see his interpretation, the level of scrutiny is at an all-time high.
The Importance of Teamwork and Support on Set
Fortunately, Pedro Pascal has not had to take on this major role alone. He spoke openly about how collaboration with his colleagues has not only eased the intensity of the experience, but also enhanced it. During the filming process, the support from both cast and crew made a significant difference in managing the pressure, with everyone bringing their best to create something special within the Marvel universe.
“Then the kind of crown, top of the mountain feels like stepping into something like this. That’s why the lucky thing is to anchor yourself so completely to a partnership, to your colleagues, to the original kind of authorship of this particular telling of the Fantastic Four — under, you know, basically the best in the business. It holds you and really, really can be the perfect antidote to the fear and to the pressure and stuff like that. You just wrap yourself around that.”
—Pedro Pascal, Actor
By staying grounded in the talents and camaraderie of those working alongside him, Pascal found a way to focus despite the immense attention. The team dynamic, both in front of and behind the camera, provided a form of stability and encouragement that proved essential during production.
Building Chemistry Within Marvel’s First Family
This spirit of collaboration was especially important with Vanessa Kirby, who portrays Sue Storm, Reed Richards’ partner and Marvel’s Invisible Woman. Even before the cameras rolled, Pascal and Kirby invested significant time in developing a genuine connection, aiming to capture the deep, complicated relationship from the comics. Playing Reed requires Pascal to explore a character who is not just a heroic genius, but also a husband, a father, and a man coping with cosmic stakes and familial bonds.
“You just wrap yourself around that. And that’s how you get through it.”
—Pedro Pascal, Actor
The preparations and trust between cast members have allowed for richer, more authentic performances. This dynamic is central to Fantastic Four: First Steps, where the relationships within Marvel’s most famous family are as important as any special effect or storyline twist.
Main Cast of Fantastic Four: First Steps
Fantastic Four: First Steps introduces audiences to a new team, with Pedro Pascal taking the lead as Reed Richards, also known as Mr. Fantastic. Vanessa Kirby plays Sue Storm, the formidable Invisible Woman, who shares not only superhero duties but also a complex marriage with Richards. Joseph Quinn joins as Johnny Storm, known to fans as the fiery Human Torch, while Ebon Moss-Bachrach appears as Ben Grimm, or The Thing, bringing a variety of talents and backgrounds to the ensemble.
Release Details and What Lies Ahead
Fantastic Four: First Steps is slated to hit theaters on July 25, with tickets now available for those eager to witness Pascal’s take on Mr. Fantastic. This high-stakes casting decision is likely to draw in devoted Marvel followers as well as fans of Pedro Pascal’s renowned performances in The Mandalorian, Game of Thrones, and The Last of Us.
The collaboration between this talented cast, which includes Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach, is expected to redefine Marvel’s iconic team for a new era. As Pascal and his colleagues embrace the challenges and joys of bringing Reed Richards and his family to life, audiences can look forward to a fresh chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, one centered on resilience, creative partnerships, and the enduring appeal of these heroes.
