David Tennant’s Ambitions in the MCU
David Tennant would probably have liked to use the TARDIS to nab the lead role in Walt Disney Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps . During a panel conversation at MCM Comic Con in London, the esteemed Doctor Who alum was asked by a fan whether there were any villains or superheroes he would like to portray that he hasn’t had the chance to yet. Though Tennant acknowledged that he struck gold with the mind-controlling abusive antagonist Killgrave in Jessica Jones , there’s another MCU role he would have loved to land.
Reed Richards: A Missed Opportunity
“In terms of superheroes, I don’t know, I did slightly have my eye on Reed Richards , and unfortunately, it looks like they’ve gone in a different direction,” he said tongue-in-cheek. “Although if it has to be someone, I’m happy for it to be Pedro Pascal , frankly.” As the audience whooped upon the mention of Mister Fantastic himself, Tennant agreed, exclaiming a resounding “yes!”
Tennant’s Aspirations for Mr. Fantastic
He continued, “I would have quite liked to be Reed Richards , I’d quite like to be able to do all that,” reaching out in front of him and making a sound effect to demonstrate the character’s elasticity power . “So I’ll stick with that even though it’s gone, even though it’s gonna be a while before there’s another go at that, I think, unfortunately.” He concluded, “I think Pedro Pascal is great. I’m very, very pleased that he exists.”
Competition for the Role
Tennant is not alone in his aspirations, as last year, The Fall of the House of Usher actor Rahul Kohli also mentioned that he lost out on the coveted role. Rounding out the fictional quartet is Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm (aka the Invisible Woman ), Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm (aka the Human Torch ), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm (aka the Thing ). Additional cast members include Julia Garner as Silver Surfer , and notable actors like Paul Walter Hauser , John Malkovich , Ralph Ineson , and Natasha Lyonne .
Pedro Pascal on Taking up the Mantle
For the Invincible Man himself, Pascal recently noted that embodying the de-facto leader of the familial superhero clan and fan-favorite franchise character was “really intimidating.” He told Entertainment Weekly, in part, “You really want to make people happy, especially if it’s something that’s widely known with particular expectations around it because you want those expectations to be met. You also want to be authentic to yourself so that it can be the best that it can be for anybody who wants to be entertained by a story and travel with us into this world.”
The Future of The Fantastic Four Franchise
Due in theaters on July 25 and helmed by three-time Emmy nominee Matt Shakman , First Steps marks the fourth attempt to translate the original comic book characters to the silver screen. This time, the action will take place in an alternate history/parallel universe set in the ’60s , offering a retrofuturistic environment for audiences. The film aims to blend classic superhero storytelling with a unique twist that reflects the cultural nuances of the era.
The Legacy of the Fantastic Four
The Fantastic Four has been a significant part of comic book history, representing themes of family, teamwork, and adventure. As new actors step into these iconic roles, there is a strong desire from fans to see both fidelity to the source material and innovative storytelling. The inclusion of fresh faces like Pedro Pascal and established talents such as Vanessa Kirby and Joseph Quinn suggests that this reboot will not only pay homage to its predecessors but also pave the way for new and exciting narratives.
Conclusion: A New Era for Marvel
The upcoming release of The Fantastic Four: First Steps will undoubtedly usher in a new era for the franchise and expand the Marvel Cinematic Universe . With David Tennant expressing his own wishes for a role and Pedro Pascal stepping in as the iconic Mister Fantastic , fans are eager to see how the story unfolds. The intersection of established talents and creative storytelling assures that this new adaptation will resonate with both old and new fans alike.