Pedro Pascal will officially enter theMCUas Reed Richards inThe Fantastic Four: First Steps, and he has already nailed one aspect of the character so much that Marvel Studios had to ask that he tone it down. Pascal is due to star as theiconic Marvel Comics characteron July 25.
With Marvel’s First Family historically failing to hit the mark with critics, the pressure is on forPedro Pascal and his co-starsto do justice to the characters on the big screen. So far, the prognosis is positive, asThe Fantastic Four: First Stepsappearsto be leaning into the 1960s tone that evokes the age of their comic book debut.
Pedro Pascal has apparently taken to the spirit of this period so much that vocal coaches asked him to rein in the transatlantic accenthe was initially using for Reed Richards, as the actor divulged in an interview withVanity Fair. His comments can be seen below at the 22:30 mark.
What Pedro Pascal’s Comments Mean For The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Pedro Pascal Reveals A Lot About The Dynamic On Set
Pedro Pascal’s interview withVanity Fairis part of a “rewatch” series that sees him comment on his biggest roles in cinema. Given that the movie is yet to be released, his section onThe Fantastic Four: First Stepsonly reveals trailer footagethat has already been released to the public.
Pascal does offer insight, however, into the dynamic on set.He downplays himself as being the least funny, smart, and talentedon that set, referring to his co-stars, Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Ben Grimm), Joseph Quinn (Johnny Storm), and Vanessa Kirby (Susan Storm).
The Fantastic Four: First Stepswill also feature Franklin Richards, the newborn son of Reed and Susan, for the first time in live-action.
He reveals that the team worked together closely to “elevate” the story as much as they possibly could, confessing that he drew inspiration for his role from previous iterations ofReed Richards in prior Fantastic Four adaptationsrather than bringing something wholly distinct from the likes of Miles Teller and Ioan Gruffudd.
Nevertheless, his comments suggest thatthis iteration of Reed Richards will be unlike anything audiences have thus far seen.The Fantastic Four: First Stepsis treading new ground with its 1960s aesthetic in both adaptations of Marvel’s First Family and the MCU as a whole.
Pascal also refers to director Matt Shakman’s “vision” for the movie, and “the way that Kevin Feige has always hoped for the Fantastic Four to be seen.” Between this and his enthusiasm for the accent that denotes the period of the movie,The Fantastic Four: First Stepsappears to be shaping up to be a distinctly uniqueaddition to the MCU.
Our Take On Pedro Pascal’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps Comments
Pedro Pascal’s Enthusiasm Is A Good Sign
Thanks to trailer footage, we are already aware that Pascal’s accent inThe Fantastic Four: First Stepsis not a strong, transatlantic one from the jump. I do, however, feel thatPedro Pascal’s enthusiasm is a positive sign of his take on Reed Richards.
Pascal is aware that he has big shoes to fill, and the fact that his Vanity Fair interview reveals that he is putting his heart and soul into the role is a positive sign for The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
Pascal commented that being a part of the MCU was a “dream.” I thinkthis kind of enthusiasm for the franchise vivifies it at a time when it is most needed. As the Multiverse Saga struggles to match the heights of the Infinity Saga, both critically and financially, Pascal’s comments imbue me with confidence inThe Fantastic Four: First Steps.
There will always be an air of trepidation when it comes to adaptations of comic book fans' favorite characters. Pascal is aware that he has big shoes to fill, and the fact that hisVanity Fairinterview reveals thathe is putting his heart and soul into the roleis a positive sign forThe Fantastic Four: First Steps.
