Fantastic Four Rumors: Fan Cast, Real Cast, Never Cast
Image Source: The Direct
The Fantastic Four are set to hit the screens in their 3rd iteration in 2023. As of this writing, we've had a director and a writer attached but no casting. So this begs the question: Who will play the members of Marvel's first family?
Reed Richards is the Fantastic Four's leader and has had the most speculation about him. So far, Mr. Fantastic has been played by Ioan Gruffudd and Miles Teller. The first on the list for fan casting is, of course, John Krasinski, who was lobbied for so hard that he was cast as another universe's version of Richards to appease the fans.
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However, there has been no confirmation or signs from either the studio or Krasinski, making it less likely the longer it continues. He certainly has a look and the range that would fit, but the short glimpse we saw seemed too well put together and socially aware to play the chronically in-his-own-head Richards. One of the other prominent rumors concerns Penn Badgley of Gossip Girl and You. His previous work shows that he could play the unassuming, neurotic science nerd balanced with an emotional detachment and workaholism that wreaks havoc on his marriage and sometimes turns him into a villain.
Based on their history, it's unlikely Disney will change Mr. Fantastic's ethnicity, but if they were to, some names that have popped up have been John David Washington and John Cho. Each of these choices comes with strengths that would lend themselves well to the character, such as Washington's gravitas or Cho's ability to flesh out depth with darkness in a protagonist, and would all likely work well in the role.
Image Source: YouTube
The other half of the John Krasinski fan casting is the hope that Emily Blunt would be cast as the Invisible Woman. Played by Jessica Alba and then Kate Mara, Sue Storm is Reed Richards’ partner. As mentioned, Emily Blunt has had the most fan casting in her direction, but she hasn't heard anything regarding the movie. Known for being strongly independent and having a sometimes tumultuous relationship with Richards, some other names have been thrown out there.
There have been no concrete rumors at this point regarding her casting, but two other names that have come of have been Melissa Benoist and Jodie Comer. Both of whom have played strong, independent lead roles. Johnny Storm (aka the Human Torch) is a show-off who's full of himself. He was played by Captain America himself, Chris Evans, before casting another MCU alum Michael B. Jordan. This precedent opens up a greater chance that Marvel will want to use this as an opportunity for more diversity. It also adds more diversity by having Sue be a person of color or adds a compelling adopted-siblings storyline that can be explored.
Image Source: TV Series We Love
So far, there has been the least amount about Johnny's casting other than some wild speculation about Jamie Dornan. The heart of the Fantastic Four, The Thing, is one of the more tragic characters in the comics. He is the only one whose appearance is drastically altered, which leaves him feeling pushed away from society. He has been played by Michael Chiklis and Jamie Bell, but with CGI, he could really be played by anyone.
One of the more exciting rumors has been Jason Segel, who has the size but hasn't shown the tough guy persona. Others that have been mentioned if Marvel does want to go with size would be Alan Ritchson or John Cena. Ritchson has demonstrated a good tension between the ultimate tough guy and a very subtle soft side in his role on Reacher.
Ultimately, it is all speculation as the casting process was getting underway as of the summer. So we will have to wait to find out who will make up the Fantastic Four when they launch Phase 6 in 2024.
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Source(s): Distractify, Forbes, Deadline, ShortList
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