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Pedro Pascal Responds to Fantastic Four Casting Backlash: “I Was Just a Little More Sensitive”
Jul
The 50-year-old actor reflects on fan criticism and his role as Reed Richards in Marvel’s upcoming film.
Pedro Pascal has opened up about the age-related backlash he received after being cast as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, set to hit theaters on July 25, 2025. At 50, Pascal is the oldest actor to play the role, following Ioan Gruffudd, Miles Teller, and a cameo by John Krasinski. Some Marvel fans voiced concerns that he was “too old” for the part, but Pascal is facing it with honesty and heart.
“I just was a little bit more sensitive,” Pascal told AP News at a London fan event. “I think my nerves were bigger than they usually are… It’s because of the love people have for these characters. They wouldn’t exist without it.”
Pascal said his goal is to meet expectations while staying true to himself. “I want to give it all my focus, heart, body, and soul. That’s the best I can do,” he said.
Set in a retro-futuristic 1960s alternate universe, First Steps is Marvel’s attempt to reboot the Fantastic Four franchise and build excitement for their eventual crossover into the main MCU timeline. Pascal stars alongside Vanessa Kirby (Sue Storm), Joseph Quinn (Johnny Storm), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Ben Grimm).
Director Matt Shakman praised the casting, saying the chemistry between the leads was key: “Who was the best family? Who were the best siblings and married couple? This cast nailed that.”
Julia Garner will portray the Silver Surfer, Ralph Ineson plays Galactus, and Robert Downey Jr. is expected to return as Doctor Doom in a future installment.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps arrives in theaters July 25, 2025.
