Pedro Pascal addresses ‘Fantastic Four’ casting criticism: “Too Old, Not Right, Needs to Shave”

Pascal Confronts Casting Criticism

Pedro Pascal broke his silence on backlash over being cast as Reed Richards in Fantastic Four: First Steps, acknowledging he’s heard fans call him “too old,” “not right,” and “needs to shave.” He admits the criticism has hit harder than anything he’s faced before.

Still, Pascal remains optimistic. He believes the response reflects shared passion for the project, assuring fans that the cast has poured their “hearts on a platter” into this new MCU entry.

Age Doesn’t Define the Character

Pascal admits he’s heard the voice of critics labeling him “too old” for Mister Fantastic. Yet he argues Reed Richards is defined more by intellect than youth.

Drawing inspiration from octopus-level intelligence, Pascal plans to lean into Reed’s mind, not his physique. He’s betting brainpower, not appearance, will shape this cinematic Reed into a character fans can connect with deeply.

Shaving for Silicone or Realism?

Fans mocked Pascal’s facial hair, joking that Reed Richards “needs to shave.” The actor laughed it off, acknowledging the critique without apology.

Rather than overcorrect, Pascal sees it as part of his Reed interpretation, messy, human, and real. He’s leaning into authenticity rather than a perfect comic-book look.

Dank Backlash vs. Genuine Excitement

Pascal says the backlash is louder than anything he’s previously faced, but also sees hope in it. He believes the noise comes from deep investment in the franchise’s future.

That duality excites him. If fans feel passionately, skeptical, or supportive, it shows that his take matters. And as he told Vanity Fair: “It seems to reflect what our common goal was.”

RDJ as His Marvel Mentor

On stepping into the MCU, Pascal credits Robert Downey Jr. for making his transition smoother. The Iron Man star welcomed him warmly into what’s known as the Avengers family.

That support helped ease the pressure. Pascal feels grounded and inspired by RDJ’s generosity. Facing intense scrutiny, he now enters the project with the confidence of an armored ally.

Octopus Strategy for Stretchy Powers

Pascal shared his creative process: he studied octopus intelligence as a subconscious model for Reed Richards’s brain. It’s less about physical stretchiness and more about cognitive flexibility.

This approach aligns well with Reed’s origin as the group’s genius. Pascal is deliberately shifting focus from supernatural spectacle to intellectual depth, building curiosity and dimension into the character.

Retro Accent Got Dialed Down

On set, Pascal first leaned into a 1960s “mid-Atlantic” accent, so heavily that the crew asked him to tone it down. His thorough immersion reportedly got theatrical.

He embraced the retro-futuristic world enthusiastically, but ultimately adapted to a more natural delivery. It reflects a balance between stylistic homage and audience accessibility.

Embracing the ’60s Aesthetic

Fantastic Four: First Steps is set in a stylized 1960s sci-fi universe. Pascal threw himself into the period dress, dialect, and vibe to match the film’s aesthetic.

That enthusiasm shows in his performance. However, the creative team reined him in to keep scenes grounded. Pascal respects their judgment and sees it as an opportunity to grow inside the role.

Chemistry with the Ensemble Cast

Pascal called working with Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach “a dream.” The cast quickly bonded, creating an on-set vibe filled with mutual respect, laughter, and creative energy.

That real-life camaraderie feeds directly into the story. In a world of superpowers and sci-fi stakes, the team’s chemistry hopes to deliver something deeper, a believable, heartfelt family dynamic.

Build-Up to July 25 Premiere

Fantastic Four: First Steps lands in theaters July 25, 2025, kicking off Phase Six of the MCU. With Pascal at its center, expectations are high and scrutiny fierce.

His journey, from criticism to collaboration, foreshadows whether passion can eclipse skepticism. The film’s release party will be Pascal’s moment to prove fans right or win them over.

Stretchy Humor on Jimmy Kimmel

Pascal joked on Jimmy Kimmel Live about Reed Richards’s stretch powers, claiming “everything has to stretch.” The playful quip lit up social media.

It showcased his light-hearted take on the character and willingness to embrace campy comic-book banter. It also reminded fans: Pascal isn’t hiding behind seriousness, he’s leaning into the fun.

Pascal the Everyman Hero

Pascal’s charm lies in his humanity; he blends vulnerability with quiet strength. His natural warmth, subtle humor, and grounded presence make his version of Reed Richards feel more relatable than rigid.

That authenticity might be what wins over doubters. If it resonates onscreen, the initial backlash could fade, remembered not as rejection, but as part of the journey toward a fresh take.

A Unique MCU Leadership

Reed Richards leads not with fists, but with intellect. Pedro Pascal leans into that strength, focusing on Reed’s mind over muscle. It’s a conscious shift from the action-first heroes that dominate the screen.

This could redefine what leadership looks like in the MCU. A hero powered by thought, not brute force, brings a refreshing and risky twist to the franchise formula.

Age Debate Roars Online

The age controversy fuels modern fan-versus-screen debates. Some believe Reed Richards should reflect his comic-book youth, while others push back against ageism in casting choices.

Pedro Pascal’s casting challenges these expectations. It sparks a deeper question: should a character be limited by looks, or defined by experience? Sometimes, decades of craft speak louder than a wrinkle-free face.

From Mandalorian to Multiverse

Pascal transitions from beloved roles like The Mandalorian and The Last of Us into a colossal MCU debut. His evolving career marks one of this generation’s most dynamic journeys.

That trajectory fuels expectations and fan scrutiny. But it also boosts Pascal’s confidence: he’s earned each role, criticism or not. Now, he’s ready to shape Reed Richards anew.

From career highs to red carpet lows, Pascal’s unexpected exchange with Washington turned heads.

The Proof Will Be on Screen

Pascal’s optimism remains firm: all the passion and prep will show when audiences finally see the movie. He positions skepticism as an opportunity, not a hurdle.

If First Steps delivers on its promise, criticism may fade into the past. Until then, patience and popcorn remain crucial for fans and critics alike.

Masterpieces, milestones, and movie magic, Spielberg’s must-watch list starts here.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and with human editing.