Apart from the plethora of projects that are set in line for the MCU’s upcoming phases, one of the most anticipated ones is MCU’s Fantastic Four reboot. However, rumors surrounding the casting of Mila Kunis as one of the team’s most prominent members have some fans divided on the internet, and they are coming forward to share their viewpoints on this seemingly bizarre concept.
Although there have been multiple adaptations of the popular IP, with the last one being a disastrous experience for the fans, it seems that MCU is adamant about bringing a new spin to the characters.
Mila Kunis is being considered for the role of The Thing in Fantastic Four
Following the rumors surrounding the casting of the members for the upcoming Fantastic Four, reports suggest that MCU, “are looking at Jewish actors, both male AND female for The Thing in Fantastic Four. Mila Kunis is one of them”. Although the character of The Thing aka Ben Grimm is generally male in the comics, however, following MCU’s approach of gender-swapping several characters in the past, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if The Thing turned out to be a woman. Apart from rumors, the director of the movie, Matt Shakman, previously expressed his desire to make a great experience for the fans by stating,
“A lot of people know this origin story. A lot of people know the basics. How do we take that and bring something that they’ve never seen before? We’ve set a very high bar for ourselves with bringing that to the screen.”
Although the casting of the movie is still under wraps and the reports don’t have any substantial weight behind it, fans haven’t backed away from sharing their thoughts on the situation.
Fans are divided over the rumors surrounding Mila Kunis’ casting
MCU is not new to the concept of gender-swapping prominent characters in their cinematic universe. Although characters, including Ancient One, played by Tilda Swinton in Doctor Strange, were well received by fans, on the flip side, fans bashed the MCU for Taskmaster’s representation in Black Widow. And following the recent rumors surrounding Mila Kunis being considered for the role of The Thing, fans are once again divided on the subject and have shared their perspectives through Twitter.
W Mila as The Thing
— fel!c!a (@MMADQUEENN) April 29, 2023
They’ve genderswapped plenty of characters before, and it’s been fine, I suppose, but the Thing is probably the last character I’d think should be genderswapper.
— 『D4C』 (@EmperorD4C) April 29, 2023
Changing Ben’s gender would be a bad decision in my opinion. We already have a great female lead in Sue. I’d love to see Lieve Schreiber as The Thing. Maybe he’s too old.
— Bauti Gil Castillo (@BautiGilC) April 28, 2023
God this is so lame – the thing , female…?
— Edgar Alan Dough🏋🏼♂️📈🅱️ (@edgaralandough) April 28, 2023
Y'know I think Female Thing wouldn't be such a bad thing. I mean they've gender swapped characters before and it was general positive reaction from what I've seen.
— Myron (@myron_at_woburn) April 28, 2023
Okay but Mila Kunis?
— Viktor St. Clair (@VikStClair) April 28, 2023
Although there hasn’t been any official confirmation about the casting of Mila Kunis, swapping of gender doesn’t always result in bad representation. And considering that Shakman is dedicated to crafting a truthful adaptation of the popular IP, fans can be hopeful for the movie’s future.
Fantastic Four will hit theatres on 14 February 2025.
Source: Twitter
