Pedro Pascal, cast as Reed Richards in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has addressed the ongoing Pedro Pascal Reed Richards casting controversy, acknowledging the mixed reaction from Marvel fans following his selection. The conversation became more prominent after his casting was revealed for The Fantastic Four: First Steps, which will launch in July 2025.
Backlash Surrounds Marvel’s Choice for Reed Richards
Marvel Studios officially announced Pedro Pascal as Mister Fantastic alongside Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as core members of the Fantastic Four. Additional roles, such as Julia Garner as Silver Surfer and Ralph Ineson as Galactus, were introduced later as excitement and debate swelled within the fandom. Despite his established career, Pascal was neither the first nor only actor considered for the role—reports suggest that Matt Smith, Adam Driver, Christopher Abbott, Jamie Dornan, and Jake Gyllenhaal all held discussions or screen-tested with Marvel Studios before the final decision.
Pedro Pascal Addresses Concern Over His Casting
Speaking candidly in a cover story interview with Vanity Fair, referenced by ComicBookMovie, Pedro Pascal recognized that he was not the top pick for many Marvel fans. He admitted to being more aware than ever of public unease about his casting:
“You just never know if people are going to be disgusted by your heart or not. I’m more aware of disgruntlement around my casting than anything I’ve ever done. ‘He’s too old. He’s not right. He needs to shave.’”
—Pedro Pascal, Actor
The strongest fan complaints appear centered on Pascal’s choice not to go clean-shaven for the role, even though some versions of Reed Richards in the comics have a beard. Traditionally, however, the character is seen without facial hair, leading to further criticism over this creative decision in the new Marvel Cinematic Universe portrayal. Regardless, many believe that Pascal’s performance itself will ultimately determine fan acceptance when the film debuts.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps Approaches Its Premiere
Directed by Matt Shakman, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is scheduled to premiere in theaters on July 25, 2025, marking the start of Marvel’s Phase 6. With a confirmed runtime of 115 minutes, this movie will showcase how Pascal and his co-stars Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach handle these iconic roles. As anticipation and debate continue, Marvel’s decision to cast Pascal remains at the center of discussions among devoted fans and industry watchers alike.
The release of this film is expected to settle ongoing arguments surrounding the Pedro Pascal Reed Richards casting controversy, as audiences witness his interpretation and compare it to past big-screen versions of Reed Richards within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
