Fans are on cloud nine as the Fantastic Four will finally appear in the MCU. It comes after multiple failed tries to bring them to the big screen. Eventually, the film is scheduled to be released as part of Phase Six of the MCU.
The first movie of the Fantastic Four was made in 1994 but never came out. They finally hit the big screen in 2005. Then, in 2015, a reboot directed by Josh Trank was released, which didn’t do well with critics or at the box office. Now, they’re getting another shot in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Phase 6 lineup.
Even before the Marvel announced the main cast for the Fantastic Four, Antonio Banderas was already among the actors in the lineup for the role of Glactus. But now, an Oscar-winning actor is said to be the frontrunner for the role.
Javier Bardem is Favored Over Antonio Banderas for Galactus in Fantastic Four
Galactus has been reported to be the Fantastic Four‘s main antagonist. The 63-year-old Antonio Banderas is still being considered for the role of Galactus in Marvel Studios’ upcoming film. But reports indicate that Javier Bardem is currently the studio’s preferred choice.
Back in 2023, reports surfaced that Banderas would portray Galactus. Although he might seem like an unexpected choice, many can imagine him fitting well into the iconic villain’s role.
Reliable sources (via Giant Freakin Robot) also indicated that it was up to the Spanish actor’s decision whether he wants to play this iconic comic book character. Besides this, a rumor also has it (via CBR) that Bardem is the leading candidate to portray the iconic supervillain.
Following the official announcement of the MCU’s Fantastic Four cast, Jeff Sneider from The InSneider reported that Marvel is in talks with the Academy Award-winning actor to play Galactus.
According to his report, Bardem is close to signing on, and Marvel is adjusting the filming schedule to make room for him. Sneider also noted that Doctor Doom is expected to appear in the film. Although Marvel Studios has not confirmed these rumors yet.
Who Else Are in the Cast of the Upcoming Fantastic Four?
The official casting for Fantastic Four was announced in February 2024 through Marvel Studios’ X post. Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach were announced as the main cast of the film.
The shared image confirms Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm. Fans are over the moon over the casting choice because these actors have been often suggested by fans for the roles.
The voice actor for the robot companion H.E.R.B.I.E. hasn’t been announced yet. Also, there’s no confirmation about whether Doctor Doom or Galactus will be the movie’s villain.
The Fantastic Four is set to release in the United States on July 25, 2025.
