Kristina Roberts
Tom Ellis, the charming actor famous for his role in Lucifer, shared that he once auditioned for the role of Reed Richards, also known as Mister Fantastic, in Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Though Pedro Pascal ultimately got the part, Ellis felt he closely resembled the character and cherished the experience.
Sometimes, life takes surprising turns even for stars who seem to have it all. For Tom Ellis, the beloved actor who won millions of hearts as the devilishly charming Lucifer Morningstar, one such twist came when he nearly entered the Marvel universe. Ellis recently revealed that he came very close to playing Reed Richards, famously known as Mister Fantastic, in The Fantastic Four: First Steps — a dream role for many actors around the world.
In an interview with Square Mile, Ellis opened up about this unexpected opportunity and how close he was to joining the Marvel family. The actor explained that he was one of the few people selected to audition for the role of Reed Richards, the intelligent and stretchy leader of the Fantastic Four. “There was a select group of people that got asked to tape for Reed Richards,” Ellis shared. “I had been waiting for the right thing, timing-wise and character-wise, to come along.”
The news took many of his fans by surprise because Tom Ellis is usually associated with roles full of charisma, mystery, and mischief—like his famous portrayal of Lucifer Morningstar in the hit show Lucifer or King Cenred in Merlin. But this time, the British actor almost traded his wings and wit for a superhero suit and science lab. He had been quietly waiting for a project that felt right, and when the opportunity for The Fantastic Four: First Steps came along, he felt it might finally be “the one.”
Ellis even mentioned that when he looked at the comic book illustrations of Mister Fantastic, he noticed something that made him confident. “And I remember looking at the photo of Richards in the comics and going, ‘this could be the one.’ We look quite similar,” he said. The resemblance gave him hope that perhaps this was his chance to make his big debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Ellis sent in his audition tape, giving his best performance as Reed Richards—the brilliant scientist who can stretch his body into any shape. He later found out that Pedro Pascal had been chosen for the role. Although it could have been disappointing news, Ellis handled it with warmth and humor. Instead of expressing regret, he praised Pascal’s work and expressed excitement for the film’s release. “I mean, to be fair, he’s not in much,” Ellis joked, showing that he has a lighthearted attitude about missing out on the role.
Many fans admired Ellis’s graceful response. It’s never easy to come so close to something big and not get it, especially in the entertainment industry where competition is intense. But Ellis’s reaction showed maturity and gratitude rather than bitterness. He acknowledged that timing plays an important part in an actor’s career, and maybe this wasn’t the right moment for him to join Marvel.
What’s even more interesting is how Ellis’s experience shows a different side of the actor. Most people know him for playing darker or more mysterious characters, yet the role of Mister Fantastic is that of a calm, intelligent, and rational hero. It would have been fascinating to see how Ellis’s charm and depth might have brought a unique flavor to the character. Perhaps that’s why his name was seriously considered during casting.
Fans have long admired Ellis for his ability to make even complex or flawed characters feel human. Whether he’s playing the devil who learns to care or a conflicted man searching for purpose, Ellis has always brought emotion and honesty to his performances. That’s what made his audition for Reed Richards even more promising. The character of Mister Fantastic isn’t just a superhero—he’s a husband, a scientist, and a leader trying to balance personal and professional challenges. In many ways, it’s the kind of layered role that fits Ellis’s style perfectly.
While Pedro Pascal ultimately landed the role, Tom Ellis continues to have a strong and loyal fan base that loves seeing him explore new roles. In the interview, he made it clear that he isn’t disappointed. Instead, he expressed admiration for Pascal’s work and excitement to watch The Fantastic Four: First Steps when it releases. His positive attitude proves that even in Hollywood’s tough world, kindness and grace never go unnoticed.
It’s also interesting to think about how differently the character might have been portrayed if Ellis had been cast. His smooth voice, confident manner, and emotional expressiveness could have added a new layer to Mister Fantastic. But maybe, as Ellis himself hinted, every role finds its right actor at the right time.
Beyond this near-Marvel moment, Ellis remains busy with other projects and continues to charm audiences around the world. His fans still associate him with his unforgettable portrayal of Lucifer—a role that made him a global name and turned the show into a cult favorite. But opportunities like auditioning for The Fantastic Four show that Ellis’s talent reaches far beyond one iconic role.
The story of his almost-entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe reminds us of how unpredictable an actor’s journey can be. Success isn’t always about the roles you get—it’s also about how you handle the ones you don’t. Tom Ellis handled this moment with humor, humility, and class, leaving fans proud and inspired.
Perhaps the most beautiful part of his story is that he didn’t let the missed opportunity define him. Instead, he treated it as a valuable experience and moved forward with gratitude. And who knows—Marvel has a history of surprising fans. Many actors who missed out on one role later appeared in other parts of the franchise. Maybe one day, we’ll see Tom Ellis in another Marvel film, playing a completely different character.
