With Kevin Feige officially announcing the Fantastic Four (F4) will join the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), many people are speculating who he will cast for Marvel’s first family. This will be my fan cast for the family.
My criteria will fall into 3 options. I won’t use the popular choices that everyone is voting for i.e. John Krasinski, Emily Blunt and so forth. Option 1 will be big name stars. This will be the box stars. Option 2 will be the actors/actresses that are younger and may be big or smaller names. Option 3 will be the wild card where it’s someone who you may not have thought to be a fit for the role but if you think outside of the box it could work. First up is Reed Richards also known as Mr. Fantastic.
Reed Richards is the leader of the F4 and considered to be the brightest mind there is. He is a scientist that specializes in many fields such as chemistry, physics and biology. His power of elasticity allows him to stretch, deform and reform his body into any shape.
Option 1: Brad Pitt. Though he is a lot older for the role (58), Brad brings the star power that would draw people in. His portrayal of Gerry Lane in World War Z showed you his ability to be smart, yet decisive and think quickly on his feet. He has also appeared in a Marvel movie, Deadpool though very briefly. His portrayal of astronaut Roy McBride in Ad Astra allows you to see hints of Reed Richards and I feel would be a welcome to the MCU.
Option 2: Dylan O’Brien. Known for his role as lead in the Maze Runner film series, Dylan (30) would be primed to be the face of the F4. He also had the lead role in the film American Assassin where he played a CIA agent. This role showed his action side while the Maze runner showed his intellect and thought processing ability, both ideal traits for Reed Richards.
Option 3: Daveed Diggs. The star of Snowpiercer is my wildcard to play Richards. Not only is Diggs (40), an actor he also performs in theater and is a recording artist. His range will give Richards depth and a different perspective. Note he is of African American descent, however Jonthan Majors being casted as Kang the Conqueror is a descendant of Reed and makes a little more sense for those questioning the fit.
Susan Storm Richards, is the wife of Reed and brother to Johnny Storm. Her ability grants her the power of invisibility. Along with that she is able to generate force fields that she uses to protect her or anyone in danger.
Option 1: Emma Watson: Best known as portraying Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter Saga, Watson (32) would bring star power to Sue Storm. She also played the lead role in the live adaption of Beauty and the Beast, so she is capable of being the lead lady of the film.
Option 2: Chloe Grace Moretz: Known as Hit-Girl in the movie Kick-Ass, Moretz (25) brings presence at a young age. She has starred beside Denzel Washington in The Equalizer, and played the lead role in Mother/Android. She also has played the lead role in The Library, which was a play and shows Moretz diverse skills in acting.
Option 3: Nathalie Emmanuel The Game of Thrones turned Fast & Furious star could give Sue Storm the boost she needs. Nathalie (33) shows a caring gentle side when she portrayed Missandei, the advisor to queen Daenerys. Then she is able to switch into a hacktivist and show off her intelligence.
Johnny Storm, the youngest member of the Fantastic 4 as well as the hot head of the group, literally. The Human Torch has the ability to engulf his entire body in a fiery plasma, fly and control fire.
Option 1: Taron Egerton: The man who brought Elton John to life in The Rocketman, Egerton (32) is a box office star. He is also known for his role as Eggsy in the Kingsman films. He brings the attitude and looks you would want in Johnny and no doubt would be a fan favorite.
Option 2: Dacre Montgomery: Montgomery (27) has had roles in Stranger Things and played the leader of the Power Rangers. Dacre is making his way up the Hollywood ladder and playing Johnny Storm is the role he has the ability to crush. He flashes the cocky arrogant attitude in Stranger things but also shows you he’s able to be reasonable and lead a team in Power Rangers.
Option 3: Jharrel Jerome: Emmy award winning Jharrel Jerome (24) is an upcoming actor who is waiting to get his next box office hit. He played the lead role in the critically acclaimed When They See Us and won the Outstanding Lead actor in a limited or Anthology Series or Movie. Jerome would bring the true New York swagger in Johnny Storm.
Ben Grimm, also known as The Thing, is the best friend of Reed Richards. He is a skilled pilot and skilled hand to hand combatant. He possesses super strength while being covered in an orange rock like body.
Option 1: Joe Manganiello: Mr. Slade Wilson himself, Manganiello (45) is no stranger to superhero films. He has played Flash Thompson in Spider-Man and is 6’5 so he is physically imposing. His portrayal as Slade Wilson, embodied a gruff voice I envision Grimm to have and would be a nice counterpart to Reed Richards.
Option 2: Aaron Pierre: Pierre (28) has currently acted in 2 films however, he has a deep baritone voice that screams Ben Grimm. He has been casted to voice a young Mufasa in a Lion King prequel as well as joining the cast of the MCU’s new Blade movie.
Option 3: O’Shea Jackson Jr: The son of legendary rapper Ice Cube, Jackson Jr (31) has started to make his mark as an actor. He portrayed his father in the biopic Straight Outta Compton and starred alongside Gerard Butler in Den of Thieves. He most recently played Kawlan Roken in the Disney+ show Obi-Wan Kenobi. He’d bring a different vibe to the Fantastic 4 family.