Pedro Pascal is officially joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as Reed Richards, also known as Mr. Fantastic, in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, set for release on July 25, 2025. This marks his first appearance in the MCU and positions him at the forefront of Marvel’s Phase Six.
A New Chapter Begins
Pascal’s casting as Reed Richards was confirmed in February 2024, alongside Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm. The film, directed by Matt Shakman, is set in a 1960s-inspired retro-futuristic alternate reality, distinguishing it from previous Fantastic Four adaptations.
Pascal has acknowledged the pressure of stepping into such an iconic role. He described joining the MCU as “scarier” than any previous franchise he’s been part of. He also addressed fan criticism over his age and appearance, noting that he’s more aware of “disgruntlement” around this casting than any other role he’s taken. Despite the backlash, he remains focused on portraying the character’s intellect and complexity, drawing inspiration from the intelligence of an octopus.
Role in the MCU Expands
Pascal’s involvement doesn’t end with First Steps. He is confirmed to reprise Reed Richards in Avengers: Doomsday, scheduled for December 18, 2026, and again in Avengers: Secret Wars, set for December 17, 2027. In Doomsday, he plays an integral but not leading role among a massive ensemble cast, which includes Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom and a host of other MCU and X-Men characters.
Pascal himself clarified that Reed Richards will not lead the Avengers in Doomsday, despite speculation to the contrary.
Rumors and Variants: What Lies Ahead?
Speculation continues around Avengers: Secret Wars. Scooper James Mack suggests that a variant of Reed Richards may appear in the film. If Ioan Gruffudd (the original Reed from early 2000s films) does not return, Pascal may portray that variant. No official casting has been confirmed yet.
Why This Matters Now
This development is significant for several reasons:
- It introduces a major new character into the MCU’s Phase Six, signaling a shift toward integrating legacy teams like the Fantastic Four.
- Pascal’s casting and the film’s retro aesthetic suggest Marvel is exploring new creative directions.
- His recurring role in upcoming Avengers films positions Reed Richards as a key figure in the MCU’s future.
What’s Next for Fans
Marvel’s roadmap is clear: The Fantastic Four: First Steps launches in July 2025, followed by Avengers: Doomsday in December 2026, and Avengers: Secret Wars in December 2027. Fans will be watching Pascal’s portrayal closely, especially given the mixed reactions to his casting. His performance could redefine the Fantastic Four’s place in the MCU.
“Each time you step into one, and you feel like this can’t be scarier, you find out, ‘Oh, this is scarier.’”
Conclusion
Pedro Pascal is undeniably joining the MCU as Reed Richards, beginning with The Fantastic Four: First Steps in July 2025. His role continues through Avengers: Doomsday (2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027). While fan reactions have been mixed, Pascal’s casting signals Marvel’s commitment to elevating the Fantastic Four within its cinematic universe. The coming years will reveal whether his portrayal resonates with audiences and reshapes the MCU’s trajectory.
