3 Things That Could Make Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards a Much Cooler MCU Character

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After more than two decades at the top, the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to surprise with new twists. For a long time, Marvel Studios has managed to turn lesser-known groups like the Guardians of the Galaxy into popular household names. While the Avengers are the main team in the MCU, they’re not the most prominent in the Marvel Comics world. That title goes to the X-Men, who consist of mutants, a type of human that’s set to play a significant role on the big screen. But before Wolverine and Professor X go into action against evil, the MCU wants to give the Fantastic Four their moment in the spotlight first.

The Initial Journey of the Fantastic Four – Battling Galactus’ Threat

This narrative revolves around the eponymous team facing off against Galactus, a cosmic entity aiming to consume Earth and kidnap Franklin Richards, son of Sue Storm (The Invisible Woman) and Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic). The idea of handing over their child to a mad villain is unacceptable to Reed Richards, leading him to work relentlessly in search of a solution. Although there are some setbacks along the way, he ultimately finds success. However, possessing a brilliant mind may not be enough to elevate Reed Richards to the top tier of Marvel Cinematic Universe heroes just yet. Here are three potential ways to make Pedro Pascal’s portrayal of Mister Fantastic more captivating:

1. A deeper exploration of Reed’s personal struggles – Showcasing the internal turmoil that Reed experiences as a result of his immense intellect and the responsibility he bears for his family and humanity could provide more depth to his character.

2. Developing a unique visual style – By incorporating distinctive visual effects or costume designs, Mister Fantastic can stand out among other characters in the MCU, making him more visually appealing to audiences.

3. Enhancing Reed’s relationship with fellow team members – Establishing strong, complex relationships with the rest of the Fantastic Four (Invisible Woman, Human Torch, and The Thing) will help reinforce the team dynamic and create a more engaging storyline.

3) Making Him the Leader of the Avengers

Prior to the cinema debut of “First Steps”, director Matt Shakman hinted that Reed might assume the leadership position among Earth’s Mightiest Heroes in “Avengers: Doomsday”. However, these statements were later clarified to imply that Reed will play a significant part in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as a whole, rather than immediately taking over the role. Given Iron Man’s strong resemblance to Mister Fantastic and his long-standing role as the Avengers’ public figurehead, it wouldn’t be surprising if another genius like Reed could step into that position.

As a movie enthusiast, I must admit that if the multiverse conflict ends favorably, the Baxter Building appears to be an ideal place for the Avengers to store their superhero garments. With such formidable power at hand, Mr. Fantastic could tackle innumerable issues that potentially endanger Earth and other realms. A second thought would surely cross Galactus’ mind before attacking Earth again if Mr. Fantastic were able to rally the Avengers together.

2) Making Him a Villain

The individuals who comprise the Fantastic Four are unselfishly devoted. They consistently devote their time to improving Earth as a habitable environment for its inhabitants. Unfortunately, when the team reappears after encountering Galactus and shares that this enigmatic figure demands Franklin in exchange for sparing the planet, humanity doesn’t reciprocate with kindness.

As Sue manages to quell the chaos and unite everyone, it’s become evident to Reed what the true backing of the Fantastic Four is. The next time peril arrives, this intellectual powerhouse might choose to prioritize his own well-being and family over global needs. Witnessing Reed tread a gloomy path could pave the way for the emergence of his Maker persona, who dwarfs Thanos in terms of menace.

1) Introducing the Council of Reeds

If Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) decides against making one of its newest heroes into a villain, an effective approach might be to further develop and deepen their character. In the comic books, Marvel Comics turns to a group known as the Council of Reeds for guidance and assistance to the leader of the Fantastic Four. The MCU could learn from this by having other versions of the same character collaborate, allowing them to explore new dimensions and potential storylines. Essentially, they could draw inspiration from the source material’s use of collaboration to broaden their horizons.

Introducing diverse interpretations, be they more like Pascal or another live-action portrayal of the character, allows the MCU to make sure that Reed Richards from Earth-828 stands out as the top choice among all. Despite the sentimental attachment to Ioan Gruffudd’s performance, it is crucial not to let nostalgia overshadow advancement, particularly since Marvel Studios has high expectations for the Fantastic Four.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is in theaters now.

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2025-09-02 20:42