The latest Thanksgiving promo for Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps highlights Pedro Pascal’s portrayal of Reed Richards, using his unique stretching ability in a humorous twist for fans. Released to coincide with the film streaming on Disney+, the spot celebrates the movie’s critical success and offers a fresh look at a power that has sparked discussion among audiences.
Reception and Critiques of The Fantastic Four: First Steps
The Fantastic Four: First Steps has achieved a notable milestone as the first adaptation of the team to receive widespread critical acclaim, reflected by its 86% Rotten Tomatoes score. Despite its achievements, one frequent critique has centered on the limited display of Reed Richards’ (Mr. Fantastic’s) stretching abilities throughout the film. While the character does demonstrate his powers effectively during certain moments, they receive less attention compared to the visually striking feats of other team members, such as Sue Storm and Johnny Storm.
Marvel’s Promotional Twist Delights Fans
In a new promotional campaign, Marvel Studios offers fans an amusing expansion of Reed’s abilities. The Thanksgiving-themed advertisement features cast members Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn gathering closely to snap a selfie. Facing the challenge of fitting all four into the shot, Pascal—in character—extends his arm, demonstrating Reed’s signature stretching power for comedic effect. The moment is punctuated with the actor declaring, “I am feeling fantastic.” (Cue the viral meme referencing Miles Teller’s 2015 portrayal of the character.)
The Marvel Studios promotional post encouraged viewers with the following caption:
“Gather your family (and friends) together to stream Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Now on Disney+.”
Marvel Studios, Social Media Post
Such a display of Reed’s powers in a promo rather than within the narrative itself was unexpected but welcomed by fans, especially given online debates concerning the adaptability and visual appeal of stretching abilities in live-action films. Reed’s power set is noted for its versatility, second perhaps only to Sue Storm’s, in terms of visual uniqueness and the potential for creative depiction on screen.
The Evolution of Reed Richards’ Powers in Adaptations
Reed Richards has demonstrated his elastic talents with a blend of humor and ingenuity throughout comics and earlier films. Examples include Tim Story’s 2005 Fantastic Four, where actor Ioan Gruffudd’s Reed ingeniously transforms into imaginative shapes—such as morphing into a wheel or converting into a vast tarp to subdue Doctor Doom—illustrating the character’s resourcefulness both in battle and in problem-solving.
With a reputation for versatility, Reed stands out as one of Marvel’s most powerful and intellectually formidable heroes, and fans are hopeful that future appearances will embrace the full scope of his powers. Marvel Studios appears poised to further explore this aspect in upcoming titles such as Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars, as the storylines expand the possibilities for dynamic displays of Reed’s elasticity.
Pedro Pascal on the Challenges of Portraying Reed Richards
The complexity of bringing Reed Richards to life extends beyond visual effects and stunts. In an interview with Comicbook.com in April 2025, Pascal discussed the character’s blend of physicality and intellect, comparing the role to others in his career:
“With Reed, his body may stretch, but this is a brain character. […] I thought of the brilliance of an octopus. Not in any, like, literal, physical translative way, but in a kind of… put it into my subconscious.”
Pedro Pascal, Actor
This philosophical approach to the role highlights the significance not only of Reed’s physical abilities but also of his intelligence—a trait that guides his actions and sets him apart among the Fantastic Four.
Creative Limitations and Filmmaking Decisions
Inside insights into the making of The Fantastic Four: First Steps reveal the creative decisions underpinning the depiction of Reed’s powers. Screenwriter Eric Pearson shared with The Hollywood Reporter that the film’s director, Matt Shakman, sought a more grounded and believable portrayal, preferring stretching sequences that respect the physiology of the human form rather than veering into exaggerated, cartoonish visuals. Pearson described the intention to push boundaries, leading to a tense scene featuring Reed nearly being torn apart by Galactus.
“I don’t know if it made you uncomfortable, the stretch [of Reed Richards]. [Director] Matt [Shakman] wasn’t allergic to stretching, but he was like, ‘I want to know my rules for stretching and I don’t want it to be too crazy cartoony. I want it to be within the physiology of the human body.’ So I was like, ‘Well, if you want that, then let’s test the limits.’ And it felt like [Reed Richards actor] Pedro [Pascal]’s ribcage was coming apart. You want the moments where it feels like they’re totally screwed and they’re going to lose.”
Eric Pearson, Screenwriter
This focus on authenticity and risk aims to create moments of suspense, ensuring Reed’s stretching powers enhance the narrative’s intensity without undermining realism.
The Road Ahead for Marvel’s First Family
The Fantastic Four are set to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Avengers: Doomsday, scheduled for theatrical release on December 18, 2026. With anticipation building among fans, attention will likely center on how Reed Richards’ powers are utilized in greater depth, especially in high-stakes scenarios across future films.
As Marvel Studios continues to develop its Fantastic Four franchise, the interplay between cast interpretations, visual storytelling, and character-driven realism will shape the legacy of these iconic heroes. The Pedro Pascal Fantastic Four promo serves not only as a playful nod to the character’s long history but also as a signal of increased attention to the creative possibilities offered by Reed Richards’ unique skill set.
