Fantastic Four’s Cast Brings 12 New Marvel Characters To The MCU

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After the premiere of “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” in 2025, we’ve reached the end of Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movies for now. It’s going to be quite a while until the next MCU movie, “Spider-Man: Brand New Day”, which is set to release on July 31, 2026. Thankfully, during this waiting period, we’ll have some exciting offerings from Disney+. These include the series “Eyes of Wakanda” (debuting August 27, 2025), “Marvel Zombies” (debuting October 3, 2025), “Wonder Man” (debuting in December 2025), and “Daredevil: Born Again” Season 2 (debuting in March 2026). Some of these shows will be introducing new characters to the MCU, similar to “Thunderbolts*” and “Ironheart”, and “First Steps” is no exception.

This text can be rephrased as: The list that follows includes every character confirmed for the movie who will be another recognizable figure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The casting team did an outstanding job for this film, and fans will eagerly anticipate these characters to appear multiple times in the future.

1) Reed Richards / Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal)

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve always been eager for the day when Pedro Pascal would join the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and now that dream has come true as he takes on the iconic role of Mr. Fantastic. Previously, Ioan Gruffudd and Miles Teller portrayed this elastic hero in Tim Story’s films and Josh Trank’s respectively.

Mr. Fantastic is not just a scientist with an extraordinary ability to stretch, but also the leader of the Fantastic Four, constantly juggling his family responsibilities and a burning desire to save the world with his intellect. In this upcoming film, he faces two formidable challenges: the impending doom of humanity and the joyful chaos of an upcoming baby.

2) Sue Storm / Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby)

As a movie critic, I’m thrilled to share my thoughts on Vanessa Kirby’s remarkable portrayal of Sue Storm, also known as Invisible Woman, in the latest Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film. Previously played by Jessica Alba and Kata Mara, Kirby brings a fresh and captivating take to this iconic role.

One of the standout aspects of “First Steps” is undeniably Kirby’s performance as Sue Storm. She masterfully embodies a character who is not only the head of a foundation leading global demilitarization efforts but also a new mother. To add to her multifaceted role, she possesses the ability to create force fields and render herself completely invisible.

Kirby’s Sue Storm is a true jack-of-all-trades, seamlessly integrating into the MCU and promising an intriguing journey ahead for this character. Her performance is undoubtedly one of the film’s top elements that leaves audiences eagerly anticipating her future appearances in the Marvel Universe.

3) Ben Grimm / The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach)

In a more simplified version: The Thing character is tricky to portray well. However, Michael Chiklis’ interpretation in Tim Story’s films was highly praised. Now, in the new series “First Steps”, fans of the comics are finally getting an accurate physical representation of the character. Ebon Moss-Bachrach, known for “The Bear”, is playing The Thing this time around, and for at least one scene, he appears without CGI effects. Additionally, in this version, The Thing sports a rocky beard, which has never been seen before.

4) Johnny Storm / Human Torch (Joseph Quinn)

Actor Joseph Quinn, known for his roles in ‘Stranger Things’ and ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’, is now stepping into the role of Johnny Storm, a beloved character from the Fantastic Four. This part has previously been portrayed by Michael B. Jordan from ‘Black Panther’ and Chris Evans, who also donned the role briefly for a humorous cameo in ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’. Unlike his previous versions, this new Johnny Storm is not the overt womanizer seen in Tim Story’s movies or in much of the comic book lore. Instead, he maintains his comedic flair and even pursues the Silver Surfer, as he did in one of the best scenes from ‘Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer’. Interestingly enough, let’s talk about the Silver Surfer…

5) Shalla-Bal / Silver Surfer (Julia Garner)

The Silver Surfer is adored by fans due to his aesthetically pleasing design and complex emotional struggles, making him an engaging character. Julia Garner from Ozark and Wolf Man, taking over roles previously played by Doug Jones and Laurence Fishburne in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, portrays a similar character essence. In the trailer, we witness Shalla-Bal, as played by Garner, announcing the approaching presence of Galactus, much like Norrin Radd did in Rise of the Silver Surfer. The film’s version of Silver Surfer is influenced by the Shalla-Bl character from Earth X, a comic series that also depicts Norman Osborn as president and Namor killing Johnny Storm.

6) Harvey Elder / Mole Man (Paul Walter Hauser)

Paul Walter Hauser has not appeared in any promotional content for “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.” Initially, it was unclear if he was cast, but now, he’s officially playing the Mole Man, the first villain of the Fantastic Four. According to reports, he features in a single sequence near the start of the movie. Interestingly, Hauser had worked with the film’s director, Shakman, on an episode of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” previously.

7) Galactus (Ralph Ineson)

Galactus is one of Marvel’s most renowned antagonists, demanding an actor with captivating charm. Essentially, casting Ralph Ineson from “The Witch” and “Game of Thrones” was brilliant. Director Shakman describes the character as a “gigantic, 14-billion-year-old, cosmic vampire that consumes planets,” and he is remarkably portrayed with stunning comic book authenticity. Moreover, as the end credits of “Thunderbolts” unveiled, the Fantastic Four travel to Earth-616, a universe distinct from that of “First Steps” (Earth-828). It appears, at least, that Galactus is one of the few Marvel Cinematic Universe villains who successfully carries out their objective.

8) H.E.R.B.I.E. (Matthew Wood)

H.E.R.B.I.E., short for Humanoid Experimental Robot B-Type Integrated Electronics, serves as the mechanical companion to the Fantastic Four, with a special focus on assisting Reed Richards. He occasionally adds some charming comic relief. Interestingly, Matt Wood provides H.E.R.B.I.E.’s voice, who is also known for voicing General Grievous in Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, as well as other Star Wars productions.

9) Franklin Richards (Ada Scott)

It was disclosed in the marketing for First Steps that Sue Storm and Reed Richards are expecting a child, who is named Franklin Richard in the comics. This character goes by several names such as Powerhouse, Psi-Lord, and Ego-Spawn. Similar to his parents, he possesses unique abilities, including energy manipulation, energy projection, and teleportation. However, since he’s just a baby in this movie, we won’t get to witness all of his powers just yet.

10) Ted Gilbert (Mark Gatiss)

Mark Gatiss, an English actor and comedian, is the familiar face that graces most promotional materials for the series “First Steps.” He portrays Ted Gilbert, the host of “The Ted Gilbert Show,” where the Fantastic Four make their grand entrance to a thunderous applause. Before “First Steps,” Gatiss was recognized for his roles as Mycroft Holmes in “Sherlock” and Tycho Nestoris in “Game of Thrones.” Additionally, he has appeared in “Christopher Robin,” “The Favourite,” and “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning.

11) Lynne Nichols (Sarah Niles)

In the world of comics, the Future Foundation is a charitable institution established by Mr. Fantastic, with the primary objective being to enhance the future for all humanity. In the story “First Steps”, Sue Storm serves as its leader, and Sarah Niles portrays Lynne Nichols, who holds the position of chief of staff. Notably, Sarah Niles has appeared in various roles, including those in “Ted Lasso”, “Riches”, and Amazon’s lesser-known movie from Summer 2025 titled “Heads of State”.

12) Victor von Doom / Doctor Doom (Robert Downey Jr.)

It’s generally predicted that Robert Downey Jr.’s portrayal of Doctor Doom will make an appearance in the upcoming movie, “First Steps.” Given his role as the main antagonist of the group, it seems reasonable to assume that he might appear, possibly even in a scene after the credits. In fact, considering the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s (MCU) pattern, where Thanos was introduced before his full debut in “Avengers: Infinity War,” it would be logical for Doctor Doom to make a cameo in Shakman’s film as well. “Avengers: Doomsday” is slated to release in Phase 6 on December 18, 2026, and it’s more probable that he’ll appear in “First Steps” rather than “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

Cast Members with Mystery Roles (& One Who Was Cut)

Actress Natasha Lyonne, known for her role in ‘Poker Face’, and several other cast members from Roger Corman’s 1994 unproduced film – Alex Hyde-White, Rebecca Staab, Jay Underwood, and Michael Bailey Smith – are all set to star in an upcoming movie. The specific roles they will play in the film have yet to be revealed; we’ll find out when it hits the cinema screens. Lyonne has previously lent her voice to Byrdie the Duck in ‘What If…?’ animated series.

Originally, I had eagerly anticipated seeing the inimitable John Malkovich bring Ivan Kragoff, aka Red Ghost, to life on the big screen. Alas, it seems that fate or some unknown circumstances have led to his character’s portrayer being replaced, leaving me with bated breath and a lingering sense of curiosity as to why this change has occurred.

Fantastic Four: First Steps is premiering in theaters and IMAX.

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2025-07-24 01:42