Pedo Pascal, star of the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movie The Fantastic Four: First Steps, has admitted he’s aware of the backlash surrounding his casting as Reed Richards, but he’s not letting it get to him. Pascal, who has gained widespread recognition for roles in The Mandalorian and The Last of Us, is no stranger to the spotlight, yet he claims the criticism surrounding his portrayal of Mister Fantastic has been louder than any he’s encountered before. In an interview with Vanity Fair, Pascal said, ‘I’m more aware of disgruntlement around my casting than anything I’ve ever done.’ He noted how some people think he’s ‘too old’ or ‘not right’ for the role, while others are bothered by his mustache. Yet, he also stressed that it’s about more than appearances-his focus is on delivering a performance that reflects the heart of the character.
Despite the criticism, Pascal feels reassured by his fellow MCU star, Robert Downey Jr., who has offered his support. 
Pascal is set to star alongside Downey in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, though Pascal remained tight-lipped about the secretive film. ‘He’s so immediately generous and inviting that you feel like you can be afraid, you can be hungry, you can be ambivalent,’ Pascal said about his co-star. He’s grateful for the encouragement, as it helps him handle the tough public reception.
The upcoming Fantastic Four film has high expectations, and with it comes intense scrutiny. While some fans criticize the casting, others are more hopeful. The movie has already sparked debates about what Reed Richards should look like, but ultimately, it’s about the performance. As Pascal puts it, ‘You just never know if people are going to be disgusted by your heart or not.’ The film’s success will depend not just on how well Pascal portrays Reed Richards but also on the overall story and direction.
Marvel Studios seems confident in Pascal’s casting, with reports suggesting that a sequel is already being planned, despite the movie not yet being released. The future of the MCU seems promising, even as some fans wrestle with changes to beloved characters.