As the new Reed Richards in Marvel’s Fantastic Four, Pedro Pascal must be convinced as the most intelligent mind in the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. But Pascal’s “psychotic” yet ingenious ritual for completely memorizing all script dialogue shows he has the sheer brilliance to pull it off.
Pedro Pascal’s “Psychotic” Process for Memorizing Dialogue
In conversation with a panel of the SAG AFTRA foundation, Pedro Pascal gave insight into his extreme process for imprinting lines word-for-word, explaining :
“This psychotic example, a physical example that I have now, that I have to do to learn my lines.”
His approach involves vigorously scribbling down pages of abstract shorthand and cues representing every single line.
Though the elaborate pages of scribbles appear nonsensical to outsiders, this ritual helps Pascal thoroughly commit dialogue to memory. It was forged early in his career after a traumatic on-set experience.
“You just use the first letter of each word and kind of like sort of these towers, these like columns I guess,” Pascal explained of his cryptic notes. “It’s just a very very tedious way of making yourself learn the line.”
The rigorous system stems from an embarrassing incident where Pascal completely blanked on lines mid-scenes in the past. Haunted by the cringe-worthy flub, he now leaves nothing to chance with memorization.
A Process Befitting Marvel’s Smartest Mind
Marvel films require actors to precisely deliver extensive technical dialogue, especially genius characters like Reed Richards. So Pascal’s intense line-by-line memorization ritual proves he has the sheer brilliant and obsessive mindset to authentically inhabit Richards’ fanatical psyche.
Between flawlessly performing pages of complex dialogue and deep character immersion from his self-imposed memorization boot camp, Pascal’s “psychotic” process shows he isn’t just playing the smartest man in the MCU, he methodically transforms into Marvel’s most cerebral icon.
Pascal’s extreme regimen echoes the obsessive dedication Richards devotes to science and discovery. Just as Pascal meticulously breaks down each sentence piece by piece, Reed also manically analyzes the intricate details and mechanisms underpinning cosmic phenomena. Here is how fans reacted to Pascal’s methodical learning :
I see Reed Richards all over this man, he'll do amazing.
— Stanley tamz (@StanleyTamz) February 17, 2024
So he really is Reed Richards
— Trav B Ryan • Knicks Spawn 🇹🇹🇭🇹♒️🗽 (@travbryanmusic) February 17, 2024
it's giving Reed Richards 😭
— Rayyan 🇵🇸 (@RayyanTCG) February 17, 2024
im starting to see the vision for reed pic.twitter.com/9M3YjnDxRc
— gram2 (@BrianMaze82336) February 17, 2024
Imagine if Pedro just flashed the Fantastic Four script and none of us can decipher it 😭😂
— Max MediaVerse (@MediaverseCU) February 17, 2024
This dogged preparation will likely pay dividends onscreen through Richards’ extensive technical dialogue. Unlike more action-oriented Marvel heroes, much of Reed’s heroism manifests through elaborate speeches and complex scientific exposition central to the plot. Having thoroughly pre-processed such verbose dialogue, Pascal can devote his full talents towards subtly emphasizing the wonder and urgency as Reed unpacks reality-altering theories or technology.
Why Pedro Pascal Is the Best Fit for Fantastic Four?
Beyond dialogue delivery, Pascal clearly shares much of Reed’s psychology already, the haunted perfectionism, intellectual curiosity, and slight manic eccentricity all shine through his exhaustive memorization notes. This intrinsic connection will lend the character impressive authenticity. Whenever Reed frantically scribbles advanced equations on window steam or babbles euphorically over new research, audiences will recognize the same spirited genius they witnessed in Pascal’s own process.
Between their shared obsessive flourishes and staunch work ethic, Pascal has already notably begun channeling Marvel’s most brilliant icon. His elaborate prep regime shows substantial commitment to honoring the character’s storied intellect. So, as Pascal helps unveil the MCU’s smartest mind yet in next year’s Fantastic Four, his proven dedication assures Richards’ brilliance will finally ring true on film.
