The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is set to expand with the addition of the Fantastic Four. In case you missed the news last year: Disney acquired Fox, so the rights to Marvel’s First Family reverted to Marvel Studios.
Considering the sour taste that director Josh Trank’s Fantastic Four left in our mouths in 2015, there’s an excitement to see a rebooted version of this classic comic book franchise. More importantly, there’s the chance to see the likes of Reed Richards, Sue Richards, Johnny Storm and Ben Grimm interact with superheroes such as Spider-Man and Wolverine. It’ll feel more Marvel-lous than ever before!
Naturally, we’ve mulled over potential castings for the MCU’s Fantastic Four. Here are our top picks:
Ethan Peck – Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic
Are you shocked not to see John Krasinski’s name here? The thing is, Krasinski is an obvious choice. Star Trek: Discovery‘s Ethan Peck isn’t but makes so much sense. He’s already been cast in the 10-episode Marvels podcast drama as Mister Fantastic, so he has history and experience here. More importantly, he’s prime for another big role after playing Spock and could prove to be an inspired casting.
Emilia Clarke – Sue Richards/Invisible Woman
Again, Emilia Clarke isn’t Emily Blunt, but she might be an even better choice for the part, since she possesses the ability to play a softer character with immense potential and power. Much like Daenerys in Game of Thrones, the Invisible Woman harbours tremendous ability and is capable of becoming a huge fan-favourite in the MCU. Unleash her!
Dave Franco – Johnny Storm/Human Torch
One of the most important qualities that Johnny Storm will require is chemistry with the Thing. As a result, there will be a need for an actor with good comedic timing and an affable personality. Checking Dave Franco’s filmography, he was born to play this part.
Vin Diesel – Ben Grimm/Thing
Look, Vin Diesel is more than capable of portraying Groot and the Thing. It isn’t like he’s saying or doing much as Groot, so why can’t he take on a more substantial role in the MCU? Diesel also has the necessary voice for the Thing. Everyone knows that the Thing is a mouthy character and requires a little more character than the average comic book hero, so Diesel, the guy who’s all about family, is the ideal personality to bring him to life.
Mads Mikkelsen – Victor Von Doom/Doctor Doom
Before Disney bought Fox, there was a plan for a Doctor Doom film, with Legion showrunner Noah Hawley attached to direct. Additionally, Mads Mikkelsen expressed his interest in playing the part, having confirmed that he’d auditioned previously for 2015’s Fantastic Four. While the film is no longer happening, what’s stopping the MCU from pulling in Mikkelsen for the role now?
Tell us, who would you cast in the MCU’s Fantastic Four? Let us know in the comments section.
Emilia Clarke chewing scenery as Sue Storm? I don‘t see it happening. The MCU has a history of casting strong actresses over pretty girls. In GoT, people were wiling to overlook Clarke’s highly limited acting skills (probably, because they were looking at other things), but in an ensemble movie like FF, it would be rather obvious.
Unless they change the origin, Ben and Reed are supposed to be schoolmates. Diesel is 52, Peck is 34. Also, Diesel is a rather cliched „strong guy“ choice. It‘s like making a FF movie in the 80s and casting Stallone as Ben Grimm.
And in case you haven‘t noticed, Mikkelsen was already a bad guy in the MCU. How about actually casting a guy from Eastern Europe with a real accent? Obviously, they need to make sure that he doesn‘t end up sounding like Count Dracula when he threatens the heroes.
While I am not a fan of politically correct casting, I also have no problem with finding the best actors as opposed to finding the best white actors. How about O‘Shea Jackson as Ben Grimm? Or (please give it a few seconds to sink in) how about Awkwafina as Sue Storm? Not saying that they would be perfect for these roles, but at least they would not be boring vanilla safe choices.
I don’t mind the casting choices here, its breath of fresh air to see other takes on casting than kransinksi and blunt, and especially taron egerton s wolverine (blahhhhh) but as far as Mads Mikkelson for victor von doom, he would nail that, BUT the MCU won’t pick him, coz he has already played Kaesillus in Doctor Strange, which means that will never happen…
Gemma Chan seems to be the only exception thus far as she was a blue skinned Kree in Captain Marvel, and Serie in Eternals, so never say never.
I would personally go with
Steven Strait for Mister Fantastic.
Emily Blunt for Sue Storm.
Marky Mark Whalberg for Ben Grimm.
Ben Barnes for Johnny Storm.
With Viggo Mortenson for Victor