Back in December 2020, the news of a Fantastic Four reboot triggered a spur of excitement amongst Marvel fans. Although the previous installments failed to meet high expectations, many believe that the upcoming project might actually do justice to the Marvel Comics superhero team. But amidst the anticipation, fans are excited to know who will play the role of the supervillain Doctor Doom in the movie.
However, the journey to bring the superheroes to life again has been a rollercoaster ride for the makers. For starters, the constant directorial changes and script alterations saw Wanda Vision director Matt Shakman take over the project from Jon Watts. Moreover, scriptwriter Josh Friedman’s work was also halted owing to the ongoing writer’s strike.
Insider drops an intriguing casting news for Doctor Doom
Interestingly, a notable insider has shared an exciting piece of news surrounding the casting of the upcoming Fantastic Four. During his conversation with YouTuber John Rocha, senior film reporter, and critic Jeff Sneider revealed that actor Josh Hartnett is reportedly a contender for the role of Doctor Doom in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
While there are no official details about the offer, Sneider said that he would be happy if this turns out to be true. Although he did mention that the character might not have a prominent role in the upcoming movie, he did agree that its presence might set the stage for later developments in the superhero universe.
“Doctor Doom is gonna be a very small role in Fantastic Four. They could maybe see him in the end or maybe a post-credit sequence. But I’d be okay with that. I mean I like the Hartnett essence that we are about to experience.”
However, Hartnett, who is famous for his work in Pearl Harbor, Black Hawk Down, and Oppenheimer might not exactly be the first choice for fans to portray Doctor Doom.
Marvel fans demand for other Oppenheimer actors to play Doctor Doom
As soon as the rumors surrounding Hartnett being a contender for the role surfaced online, Marvel fans rallied for other Oppenheimer actors to be considered for the role. While many suggested that Cillian Murphy is perfect to portray Doctor Doom, some others believed that Marvel superstar Robert Downey Jr. who was previously offered the role in 2005 might have been a good choice.
They should get Cillian Murphy instead
— Reed Richards (@RRMFF4) September 1, 2023
He would be great but I’d rather cillian murphy. pic.twitter.com/wBk3J8dMkG
— Jacob gunter (@JacobGunte42798) September 2, 2023
Me when Doctor Doom shows up in Secret Wars but it’s RDJ playing him: pic.twitter.com/mC62Opmtn1
— H4TW (@_h4tw) May 24, 2023
Kevin Feige has confirmed that #Marvel once had talks with Robert Downey Jr. to play Doctor Doom in 2005’s #FantasticFour movie! Full details: https://t.co/KXj5lISDJd pic.twitter.com/mL0Gd7WIPy
— MCU – The Direct (@MCU_Direct) May 24, 2023
I know this was before iron man but fuck it give him $100m to come back as a variant dr doom different universe. Let’s get nuts
— Moosey (@0nlyMeez) May 25, 2023
Fantastic Four will reportedly kick off the sixth phase of the MCU. Scheduled for release on May 2, 2025, the four astronauts turned superheroes will make their debut in Marvel-verse. Moreover, rumors about the studios having some significant plans for Doctor Doom in the upcoming Avengers: Secret Wars have further stoked the excitement surrounding who exactly will adorn the garb of the monarch of Latveria.
Source: John Rocha
