Fantastic Four Video Shows How the MCU Almost Avoided the Biggest Reed Richards Complaint

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A recently released storyboard video from a Marvel Cinematic Universe concept artist shows that something was left out of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, but it was almost included in the Phase 6 movie. The Fantastic Four: First Steps premiered in July and introduced Marvel’s First Family from Earth 828. While each member of the Fantastic Four demonstrated their powers while fighting Galactus and the Silver Surfer (Shalla-Bal’s herald), audiences felt they wanted to see even more from the team’s incredibly intelligent leader.

Despite mostly positive feedback, one common critique of The Fantastic Four: First Steps was that Reed Richards, aka Mister Fantastic, didn’t get to demonstrate his stretching abilities as much as the other members of the team. However, a newly shared storyboard video from artist @rodneyimages on Instagram reveals a planned scene that would have showcased Mister Fantastic’s powers in a spectacular way. The video depicts Richards climbing the outside of the Baxter Building, using his elasticity to avoid falling debris and objects – a scene that would have been a very impressive addition to the MCU film.

Don’t Worry, Mister Fantastic Will Get More Opportunities to Show Off His Powers

It was disappointing that Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal) didn’t have many chances to fully demonstrate his stretching abilities in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, although he did use them briefly a few times. The film really highlighted Johnny Storm’s Human Torch’s (Joseph Quinn) fire powers, Sue Storm’s Invisible Woman’s (Vanessa Kirby) forcefields and invisibility, and Ben Grimm’s Thing’s (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) incredible strength. While Reed Richards’ intelligence was the main focus of his character, his cosmic powers were less prominent, but that could change as the MCU continues.

It’s now official: the entire Fantastic Four team from Earth 828 will be back in the MCU for Avengers: Doomsday. They’ll be teaming up with the MCU’s existing heroes to battle Doctor Doom (played by Robert Downey Jr.). The cast of First Steps have all expressed their enthusiasm about playing the Fantastic Four for the next few years, giving Reed Richards ample opportunity to demonstrate his powers. While The Fantastic Four: First Steps offered a brief glimpse, upcoming MCU films will undoubtedly showcase his stretching abilities more fully.

Although it would have been fantastic to see Mister Fantastic utilize his abilities in more creative ways in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, it’s still thrilling to consider how his powers might evolve. Pedro Pascal will return as the character in 2026’s Avengers: Doomsday and likely again in 2027 for Avengers: Secret Wars. Furthermore, given the team’s Phase 6 introduction, a follow-up to The Fantastic Four: First Steps seems highly probable – and is already reportedly being planned – so we can anticipate seeing Reed Richards’ powers showcased in unprecedented ways soon.

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2025-09-29 17:41