Pedro Pascal recently clarified misunderstandings concerning his character Reed Richards and the leadership dynamics in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. The actor explained that despite comments made by director Matt Shakman, Reed Richards will not be leading the Avengers in the new film.
Shakman, who directs The Fantastic Four: First Steps, had discussed Reed Richards’ character development in an interview with Variety. He described Richards as evolving from
“the nerdy scientist who’s locked away in the lab”
to a devoted family man and, unexpectedly,
“the guy who’s leading the Avengers.”
This statement was widely interpreted by fans as hinting that Pascal’s character would become the Avengers’ leader in the next movie.
Pascal Explains the Context Behind Director Matt Shakman’s Remarks
Pascal clarified to Entertainment Weekly that Shakman’s comments referred to a version of Reed Richards found in Avengers comic storylines, where the Fantastic Four members are integrated into the Avengers team and Richards leads a mission. However, he emphasized that this is different from the version presented in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s upcoming films.
“Matt was talking about a Reed Richards that, within the comics of the Avengers, the Fantastic Four are brought into the Avengers and Reed is commissioned to lead a mission, but that is different than what we’re doing,”
Pascal said.
“So I think what Matt has said about Reed and the comic has been taken out of context.”
—Pedro Pascal, Actor
Introduction of Marvel’s First Family and Plot Tease for Fantastic Four: First Steps
The Fantastic Four: First Steps introduces Pascal as Reed Richards alongside Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm (Invisible Woman), Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm (Human Torch), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm (the Thing). This superhero team exists in a parallel reality where, unlike in the world protected by the Avengers, they are Earth’s sole defenders.
The story intensifies with the arrival of Silver Surfer, played by Julia Garner, heralding the cosmic threat of Galactus, portrayed by Ralph Ineson. The family must unite to defend their world and protect each other from destruction.
Upcoming Appearances and Shifts in the Marvel Cinematic Universe
All four lead actors from Fantastic Four: First Steps will also star in Avengers: Doomsday. The film will notably feature Robert Downey Jr. in the role of Victor Von Doom, one of Marvel’s iconic villains from the Fantastic Four lore, marking a significant change in character casting and narrative focus within the MCU.
Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige revealed that the studio shifted the next Avengers film’s antagonist away from Kang, played by Jonathan Majors, because Kang was not seen as a threat on the scale of previous villains like Thanos. Feige explained that the decision to center Doctor Doom as the primary adversary had been contemplated even before Ant-Man 3’s release.
“We had started to realize that Kang wasn’t big enough, wasn’t Thanos, and that there was only one character that could be that because he was that in the comics for decades and decades. We started talking about Doctor Doom even before we officially pivoted from Kang. In fact, I had started talking with Robert about this audacious idea before Ant-Man 3 even came out.”
—Kevin Feige, Marvel Studios President
Release Information and Anticipation for the Future
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is set to debut in theaters this coming weekend, offering fans a fresh look at Marvel’s First Family on the big screen. Avengers: Doomsday, which continues this expanded narrative arc, is scheduled for release on December 18, 2026. These developments highlight Marvel’s evolving focus on new characters and storylines within its cinematic universe.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is Pedro Pascal so loved?
A. Pascal is firm in his beliefs and openly shares his opinions on social topics like trans rights. He actively supports the trans community and often attends red carpet events with his sister, Lux Pascal.
Q. Can Pedro Pascal have kids?
A. He is single, has no kids, and doesn’t intend to have any. Despite this, he often acts as a father figure in his roles. Fans have made this a part of his online persona. Pascal not only knows about this but also embraces it completely.
Q. Does Pedro Pascal support LGBTQ?
A. Pedro Pascal used Instagram to show his support for LGBTQ+ young people. This happened after the government decided to shut down the LGBTQ+ support division of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Q. Why is Pedro Pascal a babygirl?
A. The term “babygirl” is now often used for Hollywood male stars or middle-aged male fictional characters. It describes a man with a gentle and sometimes vulnerable vibe. This usage applies to people like Mescal and Pascal, and to many, it also suggests they are appealing.
