There is little doubt that Marvel has seen a gross loss in quality in recent years, perhaps after the incessant success of Avengers: Endgame. However, things are certainly looking on the up, at least potentially, with a range of exciting projects set to be released in the coming time.
This, quite notably, includes the upcoming Fantastic Four movie, which has been allotted a release date of July 25, 2025, for the time being. Featuring a glut of stars such as Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach, it seems as if another superstar of Indian origin, previously seen in CBS’s SuperGirl, Rahul Kohli, was also in the running for a major role.
The actor revealed that he also ‘tried out’ for the role of none other than Reed Richards aka. Mister Fantastic, but it was eventually given to Game of Thrones star, Pedro Pascal
Rahul Kohli did ‘try out’ for the role of Reed Richards in the upcoming Fantastic Four movie
Pedro Pascal in The Last of Us| HBO
The first live-action iteration of the Fantastic Four since 20th Century Fox’s 2015 movie, there are several reasons why fans are bound to be excited for the July 2025 project. While Pedro Pascal’s casting news was met with delight by fans, considering his impressive portfolio of roles, Rahul Kohli was also viewed by many as a potential candidate for Reed Richards.
The Rubbery genius, the founding member, and the leader of the hero outfit, is also one of the most intelligent characters in the Marvel universe, and can be expected to be a huge part of the MCU’s future.
Regardless, Kohli revealed in an interview with Salaam Nerds that he did actually try out for the role:
Yeah, I don’t know if I’m allowed to talk about it but I didn’t get it, is the important thing. But on good days, I see the Constantine. It will flare up once and again. And, I love all of them. On good days, you’re like, ‘Man, I’m wanted!’ People really want to see. You’re the guy that people will shout out for anything. On bad days, ‘It’s a reminder that you’re not the guy. You’re not there. These are the roles you’ll never get.’ So, it’s sweet and it’s perspective. It’s how you feel about yourself.
While the actor was not even sure if he was ‘allowed to talk’ about his failed audition, he ended up doing just that. Of course, while Kohli would have been an interesting casting decision, there is not much to complain about with respect to the Fantastic Four project, at least thus far.
Marvel will have a lot pinned on the Fantastic Four
There is no doubt that Marvel as a whole is undergoing a change in direction from the glut of superheroes that have been delved into thus far. The recent success of the X-Men ’97 series has set up Deadpool & Wolverine perfectly to introduce a number of new mutant faces into the franchise. However, the next phase of the MCU will rely heavily on how The Fantastic Four is received by fans.
The movie saw its first image being released this year on Valentine’s Day, which featured all of its titular characters in full glory. Pascal’s Richards could be seen dancing with Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm, while Ebon Moss’s Ben Grimm is seen busy reading a newspaper. Joseph Quinn’s Johnny Storm looks on as a pre-transformation photo of Ben Grimm is seen hanging on the wall.
The image also gave fans their first glimpse at Herbie, who is also set to become a part of the movie. Set to also be the project that finally introduces Marvel’s rumored next big baddie in the form of Galactus, rumored to be played by British actor Ralph Ineson, there are simply a plethora of reasons why fans are bound to be excited.
As things stand, a long waiting period is in store, with the project set to be released in July 2025.
