The Marvel Cinematic Universe has always been known for its impeccable casting choices. Whether it was casting the original Avengers or characters in the upcoming movies and shows, the MCU pretty much has been nailing it all. Yet, when it announced the casting of Marvel’s first family, not all fans seemed to be happy. Not only are the cast of the upcoming Fantastic Four older, but some fans believe they aren’t the right choice.
Although they have since accepted the casting, a surprising detail regarding the casting choice for the role of Reed Richards has fans blasting Marvel again. Not only are they angry for casting Pedro Pascal but furious over choosing him over an actor who looks strikingly like Reed Richards.
MCU Chose Pedro Pascal Over an Actor Who Looks Exactly Like Reed Richards
While Marvel Studios is generally known for its incredible casting choices, there have been a sufficient number of times when they just missed casting a perfect actor. And the upcoming Fantastic Four seems to be its most recent mistake when it comes to missed castings.
The rebooted Fantastic Four will reportedly feature Pedro Pascal as Mr. Fantastic aka Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm aka Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/ the Human Torch, and Econ Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm or the Thing.
Although each one of them is a brilliant actor, the casting choice received a lot of flak when it was first announced. Marvel has been receiving more such hate after fans got to know they let go of the perfect actor to play Reed Richards.
Midnight Mass star Rahul Kohli recently revealed on the Salaam Nerds Podcast that he was in the run to play Reed Richards. While Kohli might not fit the race description for the character, he looks strikingly similar to the character’s comic book iteration.
Even before the casting or plans for a Fantastic Four movie were announced, Kohli has been several times fan-cast as the character. Not only was he perfect looks-wise, but he is just as great of an actor as Pascal, having shown his versatility in projects like The Haunting of Bly Manor and The Fall of the House of Usher.
Fans React to MCU Casting Pedro Pascal over Rahul Kohli
While revealing how Pedro Pascal was chosen over him for the role of Mr. Fantastic, Rahul Kohli expressed disappointment that despite being a popular fan cast, the studio decided to go with an A-list actor. Although he has since made his peace with the opportunities he has gotten, Marvel fans are ready to put this grave MCU mistake behind them.
As soon as the details of him being in the run to play the character went viral, Marvel fans were quick to criticize the MCU for choosing Pascal over him.
He actually resembles Reed. I like Pedro but this part just doesn't seem right for him at all.
— 𝙳𝙹 𝙺𝚛𝚞𝚗𝚌𝚑 (@MainEventKrunch) May 25, 2024
This would have also been a great casting!
— J-Horror-Official (@JHorrorOfficial) May 25, 2024
This is called “Marvel losing its edge and not taking risks anymore” this is why the infinity war saga worked so well.
— M0rteze (@M0rteze) May 25, 2024
Not a fan of race swaps, but he kinda looks like he might be good for it. A LOT more than pedro pascal.
— Michalx 🇵🇱 🇬🇧 (@Just_a_nut69) May 25, 2024
NOOOOOOO WE LOST OUT ON THE BEST FAN CAST😩😩😩 pic.twitter.com/jFi3N7nVf9
— Comics Run the World (@ComicsRTW) May 25, 2024
I would 100% choose him over pardo Paschal and I freaking Love me some pardo. But there is no comparison. Anyone who has seen iZombie knows he would be the perfect fit
— TheKingInBlack (@TheKingInBlack6) May 25, 2024
As fans express their disappointment and blast Marvel Studios for not taking a leap of faith, Pedro Pascal will be portraying Reed Richards in the upcoming movie. Although an amazing actor, fans still believe Rahul Kohli would have done justice to the part more than Pascal ever could.
With MCU’s door of multiverse open, fans still hope they will get to see a more comic-accurate version of Mr. Fantastic played by Kohli someday.
Fantastic Four will be in theatres on July 25, 2025.
