Pedro Pascal has addressed the fan backlash following his casting as Reed Richards in The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
In a recent interview, Pascal admitted he was more aware of criticism than praise this time around. Remarks such as “he’s too old,” “he’s not right,” and “he needs to shave” were among the most repeated online, he noted.
Despite the scrutiny, Pascal shared that support from Robert Downey Jr. helped him navigate the emotional toll of such reactions. “He made me feel safe to be afraid, hungry, or ambivalent,” Pascal said, describing Downey’s warmth and mentorship during early cast interactions..
Pascal also expressed confidence in the film’s creative direction, even though he hasn’t seen the final cut yet. He said the production was built around genuine feeling and real chemistry, especially important in portraying Marvel’s “first family.”
The casting controversy erupted shortly after the film's reveal, with fans divided over Pascal’s age and physical match with the comic book version of Mr. Fantastic. However, studio executives and co-stars have continued to show confidence in the choice.
Fantastic Four: First Steps is set to hit theaters on July 25, 2025, followed by Avengers: Doomsday on December 18, 2026, where Pascal and Downey will share screen space again.
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