Pedro Pascal, who plays Reed Richards in Fantastic Four, has clarified that his character will not be leading the Avengers, despite recent reports suggesting otherwise. This statement addresses confusion sparked by remarks from director Matt Shakman about Reed Richards’ role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Clarifying Reed Richards’ Role in the MCU
Matt Shakman previously described Reed Richards as a complex character who transitions from a scientist focused on his work to a devoted husband and father, and then to someone who takes on leadership responsibilities.
“He goes from being the nerdy scientist who’s locked away in the lab, to the husband and the father who’d do anything to protect his family, to the guy who’s leading the Avengers,”
Shakman said.
However, Pedro Pascal contested this interpretation in an interview with the Associated Press. He said,
“It’s big news to me, for one,”
and explained that although Reed Richards is drawn into a leadership role within the Avengers family in the comics, this development is not part of his character’s journey in the upcoming movies.
“I think Matt Shakman was doing an interview, and when he was speaking about Reed, there is something that happens within the comics, he’s sort of… drawn in by the Avengers family and asked to be put in a leadership position. But it is something that happens in the comics, it isn’t necessarily something that my character’s future entails.”
Pascal emphasized his honesty on the matter, adding,
“I’m being honest in that. I’m not even trying to avoid spoilers. I’m just saying, it’s a little bit of a… mislead.”
Director Matt Shakman Responds to Misinterpretation
Shakman also addressed the confusion during an interview with Bustle. He admitted that statements attributed to him about Reed leading the Avengers were taken out of context.
“I didn’t actually say that. I saw the internet said I said that,”
Shakman clarified. He explained that the original intention was to highlight Reed as a multifaceted character who combines scientific genius, heroic leadership, and family dedication.
“What I said, and just to clarify, was that he’s a really complex character in the comics. That he ranges from being this amazing scientist to being this leader who goes out and saves the day to being this family member, and I needed an actor who could encompass all three things. So unfortunately, a lot of that was taken out of context.”
Upcoming Marvel Releases and Connections
The Fantastic Four: First Steps has already been released in theaters, introducing Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards. Avengers: Doomsday, which premieres next year, is expected to further expand the Marvel storyline. A post-credits scene in Fantastic Four: First Steps directly teases Avengers: Doomsday, connecting the two films while leaving specifics under wraps.

Fans awaiting the next installments can follow Marvel’s full slate of movies and series to stay informed about the broader developments in the MCU. The evolving portrayal of Reed Richards and his ties to the Avengers will continue to be a point of interest as the story advances.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Can Pedro Pascal have kids?
A. His characters often end up in fatherly roles, like guiding a young alien in space or helping a teenage girl in a damaged world. However, in real life, Pascal’s lifestyle is quite different. He is single, doesn’t have kids, and has no plans to become a parent.
Q. Does Pedro Pascal support LGBTQ?
A. Pedro Pascal used Instagram to show his support for young people in the LGBTQ+ community.
Q. Why is Pedro Pascal a babygirl?
A. In its updated use, “babygirl” is a term for a man who has gentle and sensitive energy. When used for people like Mescal and Pascal, it often means they are appealing. However, it can also suggest that the person is a bit innocent.
