Kristina Roberts
edro Pascal, the talented actor known for his roles in The Last of Us and The Mandalorian, has recently spoken about the mixed reactions from fans regarding his casting as Reed Richards, also known as Mister Fantastic, in Marvel’s upcoming movie The Fantastic Four: First Steps. The film, set to release on July 25, will introduce the beloved superhero team to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). While many fans are excited to see Pascal take on the role, others have expressed concerns about his age and appearance, saying he might be too old for the part or that he should change his look.
In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Pascal shared his thoughts on the criticism. He admitted that he hasn’t seen the final version of the movie yet but is feeling both nervous and excited about how audiences will react. “I’m getting an inkling of excitement because it seems to reflect what our common goal was and what we want to share, which is all of our f**king hearts on a platter within this genre,” he said. “You just never know if people are going to be disgusted by your heart or not.” His words show how much he cares about the role and how much he wants fans to enjoy the film.
Pascal also talked about how stepping into the Marvel universe has been a bit overwhelming for him. He mentioned that he’s more aware of the criticism surrounding his casting than he has been for any other role in his career. “I’m more aware of the disgruntlement around my casting than anything I’ve ever done,” he said. “People are saying, ‘He’s too old. He’s not right. He needs to shave.’” Despite the negative comments, Pascal is staying positive and focusing on the support he’s received, especially from his friend and fellow actor Robert Downey Jr., who played Iron Man in the MCU.
According to Pascal, Downey Jr. has been a great source of encouragement. “Robert is just so immediately generous and inviting that you feel like you can be afraid, you can be hungry, you can be ambivalent,” Pascal shared. It’s clear that having someone like Downey Jr. by his side has helped him navigate the pressures of joining such a huge franchise.
The role of Reed Richards is a big deal in the superhero world. Reed is the leader of the Fantastic Four, a genius scientist with the ability to stretch his body like rubber. Fans have strong opinions about who should play him, and Pascal understands that. He knows that stepping into such an iconic role comes with high expectations, and he’s doing his best to meet them.
This isn’t the first time an actor has faced backlash for being cast in a superhero movie. Many fans initially doubted whether Robert Downey Jr. was the right choice for Iron Man or whether Heath Ledger could pull off the Joker. In the end, both actors proved the doubters wrong with unforgettable performances. Pascal seems to be taking a similar approach—acknowledging the criticism but staying focused on delivering a great performance.
Pascal’s career has been on the rise in recent years. From playing the charming and protective Din Djarin in The Mandalorian to the tough yet loving Joel in The Last of Us, he has shown that he can bring depth and emotion to any role. Now, with The Fantastic Four, he has the chance to add another memorable character to his list.
The movie is expected to be a major part of Marvel’s next phase, introducing new storylines and characters to the MCU. Alongside Pascal, the film will star other talented actors playing the rest of the Fantastic Four—Sue Storm (the Invisible Woman), Johnny Storm (the Human Torch), and Ben Grimm (the Thing). Fans are eager to see how this new version of the team will fit into the larger Marvel universe.
While some fans may have doubts now, there’s a good chance Pascal will win them over once the movie comes out. After all, Marvel has a history of surprising audiences with casting choices that end up being perfect. Chris Evans wasn’t everyone’s first pick for Captain America at first, and now it’s hard to imagine anyone else in the role.
Pascal’s honesty about the criticism is refreshing. Instead of ignoring the comments or getting defensive, he’s open about his feelings and the challenges of taking on such a big role. His humility and dedication to his craft might just be what makes his version of Reed Richards stand out.
As the release date gets closer, fans will likely see more trailers and interviews that could change their minds about Pascal’s casting. For now, the actor is staying focused on giving his best performance and trusting that the movie will speak for itself. Whether fans are excited or skeptical, one thing is certain—Pedro Pascal is ready to bring his heart and talent to The Fantastic Four, and that’s something worth looking forward to.
The conversation around casting choices in big movies like this is nothing new. Fans always have strong opinions, and actors often face pressure to meet those expectations. But at the end of the day, what matters most is the story, the characters, and the passion behind the project. With Pascal’s dedication and the support of his co-stars, The Fantastic Four: First Steps has the potential to be another exciting addition to the MCU.
Only time will tell how audiences react to Pascal’s take on Reed Richards, but one thing is clear—he’s not letting the criticism stop him from giving it his all. And if history has taught us anything, it’s that sometimes the most unexpected casting choices turn out to be the best ones.
So, when the movie finally hits theaters, fans will get to see for themselves whether Pascal was the right pick. Until then, the debate will continue, but one thing is certain—Pedro Pascal is ready to prove that he’s more than capable of bringing Reed Richards to life in a way that honors the character and excites the audience.
