Marvel's New Focal Point: 'Fantastic Four' Casting and Release Date

Marvel Studios has unveiled the main cast and concept art for the upcoming Fantastic Four movie, set to be released next year, in celebration of Valentine's Day. The movie's title has also been changed from 'Fantastic Four' to 'The Fantastic Four'.

Reed Richards, also known as 'Mr. Fantastic', will be played by Pedro Pascal. Pedro Pascal is one of the busiest actors in Hollywood these days. He is currently starring in the Star Wars franchise's 'The Mandalorian' and the HBO series 'The Last of Us'.

After being exposed to cosmic radiation, Reed Richards gained the ability to stretch his body like rubber. He is the smartest person in the Marvel Universe, with a time machine and a multiverse travel device as standard equipment in his home. However, his inventions often lead to unforeseen consequences. (Such as a villainous version of Reed Richards from another universe invading, for example.)

In Marvel Comics, he has played a role similar to Iron Man in the movies. Given that they've cast a proven actor like Pedro Pascal, it seems he will take over Tony Stark's position in the MCU after his departure.

Sue Storm (aka Invisible Woman) will be portrayed by Vanessa Kirby. Vanessa Kirby gained recognition for her portrayal of Princess Margaret in the Netflix series 'The Crown,' with a striking visual resemblance to the real Princess Margaret. Recently, she played Josephine in Ridley Scott's 'Napoleon'.

As a result of the cosmic radiation incident, Sue Storm gained the ability to manipulate light. This often allows her to become invisible. She is Reed Richards' girlfriend and eventually becomes his wife.

Sue Storm's younger brother, Johnny Storm, also known as the 'Human Torch', will be played by Joseph Quinn. Joseph Quinn impressed viewers with his performance as Eddie Munson in Stranger Things season 4. He also made a brief appearance in Game of Thrones season 7 as Korner, guarding the Winterfell gates.

After the cosmic radiation incident, Johnny Storm gained the ability to ignite his body. In the comics, he is a close friend of Spider-Man, so we're hoping to see him meet Tom Holland.

Reed Richards' close friend, Ben Grimm (aka The Thing), will have his voice and motion capture provided by Ebon Moss-Bachrach. Most recently, he played the Rebel opportunist Arvel Skeen in the Disney+ series 'Star Wars: Andor'.

As a result of the cosmic radiation, Ben Grimm's skin transformed into a rocky substance. Ben, known for his hot temper, later develops a more introspective and darker side.

What will the MCU's Fantastic Four be about?

It seems that Marvel Studios' Fantastic Four will be set in the 1960s. The first Fantastic Four comic was published in 1961, and it was born out of the Cold War space race of the 60s. The four main characters of Fantastic Four were astronauts during the space race era, who gained special abilities after exposure to deadly cosmic radiation.

The concept art unveiled today and director Matt Shakman's previous work further strengthen the likelihood of a 1960s setting. The magazine Ben Grimm is looking at in the illustration is the cover of 'Life' published in December 1963, featuring then-US President Lyndon Johnson.

Director Matt Shakman helmed the 2021 Disney+ series 'WandaVision'. 'WandaVision' is a series that revolves around events unfolding within a sitcom world created by Wanda's magic, parodying sitcoms from the 1950s to the 2000s. Shakman might parody 60s sci-fi series in this movie as well. Furthermore, the Marvel Universe timeline from 1945 to 2023 is now fairly tightly structured. The MCU's Fantastic Four could bring the heroes who debuted in the 60s to the present day through time travel or other such elements.

Despite the setbacks of previous live-action film adaptations, the Fantastic Four is one of the most important franchises in Marvel Comics. In the comics, Iron Man isn't as popular, so Reed Richards holds a position similar to Tony Stark in the films. Notably, Jonathan Hickman's 'Secret Wars', serialized in 2015, revolves around the Fantastic Four. Since 'Secret Wars' is the subtitle of Avengers 6, it seems that Marvel Studios is aiming to make the Fantastic Four the new focal point of the MCU.

The Fantastic Four will begin filming in London this summer and is scheduled for release on July 25, 2025.