In a dramatic turn within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the highly anticipated casting for “The Fantastic Four” has made headlines with Rahul Kohli, known for roles in iZombie and The Fall of the House of Usher, revealing he was considered for the character of Mister Fantastic, Reed Richards.
In a candid interview with Salaam Nerds, Kohli disclosed, “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.” His reflections highlighted the bittersweet experience of being in the spotlight yet not closing the deal.
Ultimately, the studio chose Pedro Pascal to play the iconic role of Mr. Fantastic. Pascal will join a star-studded cast featuring Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Econ Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm. Additional cast members include Julia Garner as Silver Surfer, Paul Walter-Hauser, John Malkovich, Ralph Ineson, and Natasha Lyonne.
The film, helmed by WandaVision director Matt Shakman, boasts a script crafted by Eric Pearson, Josh Friedman, Jeff Kaplan, and Ian Springer. Production is set to begin this summer, aiming for a theatrical release on July 25, 2025. This project forms a crucial addition to Marvel's ever-expanding universe, promising new dynamics and explorations of beloved characters.
For Kohli, the journey of almost stepping into the MCU mainframe adds to an actor's intriguing and often challenging path. Reflecting on the actor's experience, he mentioned, “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 fans might ponder what could have been, the finalized casting promises fresh excitement. Pedro Pascal's established gravitas, combined with the versatile ensemble, sets the stage for what might be one of Marvel's eagerly awaited releases. This casting news and the narrative it heralds foreshadow a spectacular reimagining of “The Fantastic Four,” poised to grip audiences with its slated premiere in summer 2025.
