The Fantastic Four: Comprehensive Cast and Character Guide for First Steps

The Cast of Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps

Marvel Studios is set to introduce a powerful ensemble for their upcoming film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, with a promise of bringing some of the most talented actors in the industry to portray the iconic heroes. The project was confirmed by Kevin Feige back in 2019, following Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox. Although fans have waited patiently for updates, reports have emerged regarding the direction of the film. Initially, Jon Watts, known for his work on Spider-Man: Homecoming, was slated to direct, but that role has transitioned to Matt Shakman, made famous by WandaVision. The script is being crafted by Josh Friedman and Cameron Squires, with a release date set for July 25, 2025, as part of the MCU’s Phase 6.

After the official announcement regarding The Fantastic Four: First Steps, speculation around casting heated up, resulting in a flurry of rumors surrounding potential actors for the superhero team. Finally, on Valentine’s Day, Marvel Studios delighted fans by unveiling the cast in a vibrant image shared on X. Subsequently, on February 4th, 2025, an enthusiastic teaser trailer was released, offering a sneak peek into the much-anticipated portrayals of these beloved characters. With the arrival of Marvel’s First Family into the MCU, the excitement surrounding the cast is palpable.

Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, A. K.A. Mister Fantastic

Born April 2, 1975

Reed Richards in The Fantastic Four: First Steps

Active Since: 1996

Pedro Pascal gained recognition for his captivating roles, notably as Oberyn Martell in Game of Thrones and Javier Peña in Narcos. Recently, he has garnered even broader acclaim through his leading roles in The Mandalorian and The Last of Us, along with his performance in Wonder Woman 1984. With an impressive resume, Pascal is poised to take on the mantle of Reed Richards, the brilliant leader of The Fantastic Four. He expresses great enthusiasm about making his mark in the MCU.

Notable Pedro Pascal Movies/TV Shows	Role
The Mandalorian	Din Djarin / The Mandalorian
Game of Thrones	Oberyn Martell
The Last of Us	Joel Miller

Character: Speculation about Pascal’s casting as Reed Richards had been rampant before the official confirmation, outpacing other fan-favorites like Ryan Gosling and Adam Driver. Richards, known as Mister Fantastic, possesses the unique ability to stretch his body in incredible ways and is recognized for his intellectual capabilities. His relationship with Sue Storm, the Invisible Woman, adds an emotional depth to the character.

Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, A. K.A. Invisible Woman

Born April 18, 1987 or 1988

Vanessa Kirby in Mission Impossible - Fallout

Active Since: 2010

Vanessa Kirby is renowned for her breakout role as Princess Margaret in The Crown. She has also earned critical acclaim for her performances in Pieces of a Woman and as Empress Joséphine in Napoleon. Additionally, she has participated in thrilling action films such as Mission: Impossible – Fallout.

Notable Vanessa Kirby Movies/TV Shows	Role
The Crown	Princess Margaret
Hobbs & Shaw	Hattie Shaw
Mission: Impossible – Fallout	Alanna Mitsopolis / White Widow

Character: Kirby’s portrayal of Sue Storm, also known as Invisible Woman, will showcase her remarkable powers of invisibility, force-field generation, and mental resilience. As the spouse of Reed Richards and sister of Johnny Storm (the Human Torch), her character will play a pivotal role in the film’s narrative, as hinted at in the teaser trailer, which prominently features her journey.

Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, A. K.A. The Human Torch

Born January 26, 1994

Johnny Storm flying in The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

The Human Torch flying low in The Fantastic Four.

Joseph Quinn in character for Gladiator II.

Active Since: 2011

Joseph Quinn skyrocketed to fame through his portrayal of Eddie Munson in the fourth season of Stranger Things. Prior to this breakthrough, he had appeared in various minor roles in shows such as Game of Thrones and Catherine the Great. His upcoming role in A Quiet Place: Day One and collaboration with Ridley Scott in Gladiator II further solidifies his expanding repertoire.

Notable Joseph Quinn Movies/TV Shows	Role
Stranger Things	Eddie Munson
A Quiet Place: Day One	Eric
Gladiator II	Emperor Ability

Character: As the fiery Human Torch, Quinn’s character is the younger sibling of Sue Storm, allowing for a dynamic sibling relationship to unfold on-screen. His casting marks a new chapter for the character, previously portrayed by actors Chris Evans and Michael B. Jordan.

Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm, A. K.A. The Thing

Born March 19, 1977

Active Since: 1999

Ebon Moss-Bachrach is recognized for his dynamic portrayal of David Lieberman in Netflix’s The Punisher. He brings his extensive experience to this new Marvel venture, while also receiving critical acclaim for his roles in The Bear, Girls, and Andor.

Notable Ebon Moss-Bachrach Movies/TV Shows	Role
Andor	Account Skeen
The Punisher	David “Micro”Lieberman
The Bear	Richie Jerimovich

Character: In The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Moss-Bachrach will portray Ben Grimm, also known as the Thing, whose transformation requires significant CGI enhancement. His casting is significant as it represents Ben Grimm’s Jewish heritage, making this portrayal authentic and representative.

Julia Garner As Shalla-Bal, AKA Silver Surfer

Born February 1, 1994

Active Since: 2010

Julia Garner has made a remarkable mark in the industry, primarily known for her Emmy-winning role in Ozark. Her talent shines through in various series, including Inventing Anna and The Americans as she takes on critical and dynamic roles.

Notable Julia Garner Movies/TV Shows	Role
Ozark	Ruth Langmore
Inventing Anna	Anna Sorokin
The Americans	Kimberly “Kimmy”Breland

Character: Garner will take on the role of Shalla-Bal, marking the film’s unique interpretation of the Silver Surfer. Instead of the traditional character Norrin Rad, Shalla-Bal will introduce an intriguing narrative twist, keeping veteran comic fans on their toes while distinguishing this film from its 2015 predecessor.

Ralph Ineson As Galactus

Born December 15, 1969

Galactus consuming planets in Marvel Comics.

Active Since: 1993

Ralph Ineson possesses a powerful screen presence and has gained recognition for his roles in critically acclaimed films like The Witch and The Green Knight. Ineson’s voice work includes notable characters in video games, such as Charles Vane in Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag.

Notable Ralph Ineson Movies/TV Shows	Role
The Witch	William
The Green Knight	Green Knight
Nosferatu	Dr. Wilhelm Sievers

Character: In the Marvel Universe, Galactus is depicted as a colossal being capable of altering his size and consuming entire planets. After a less-than-stellar portrayal in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, which presented him as an indistinct cosmic cloud, this iteration promises a more accurate comic-book representation, exhibiting his daunting presence over New York City in the teaser trailer.

Unlike a traditional villain, Galactus functions more like a force of nature, his insatiable hunger and actions representative of the intertwining forces of creation and destruction.

Supporting Cast & Characters in The Fantastic Four: First Steps

Top-Tier Actors Round Out the Cast

John Malkovich as a mysterious character in The Fantastic Four: First Steps

Paul Walter Hauser in an Undisclosed Role: Although specific details of his character remain under wraps, there’s speculation that Hauser might portray Mole Man, the original nemesis of The Fantastic Four in Marvel Comics. His ability to inject both intensity and humor could bring an engaging dynamic to this classic character.

John Malkovich in an Undisclosed Role: With a remarkable career spanning numerous genres, Malkovich is recognized for his distinctive style and depth. Rumors suggest that he may be cast as The Red Ghost, a scientist determined to outpace Americans in the space race, as suggested by his intriguing appearance in the trailer.

Natasha Lyonne in an Undisclosed Role: Similarly to her co-stars, the details of Lyonne’s character are yet to be announced, adding a layer of anticipation concerning her involvement in the film.

Sarah Niles in an Undisclosed Role: The British actress, noted for her performances in I May Destroy You and Ted Lasso, has also been confirmed for a role, although specifics about her character are still unknown.

For further updates and insights on the film and the cast, feel free to check additional resources at Source &Images.