Pedro Pascal Embraces Powerful Women as Marvel’s Sue Storm Takes the Lead

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Marvel’s “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” isn’t only revamping its team interactions, it might also be mirroring the perspective of its main actor, Pedro Pascal. Known for his role as Reed Richards in the upcoming MCU reboot, Pascal is accustomed to playing supporting roles to strong female characters. In a recent interview with Collider, he expressed high praise for his co-star Vanessa Kirby, comments that have already ignited much conversation.

Pascal expressed his feelings when asked about working with Kirby: “I thrive on being guided,” he said. “What some may see as generosity, I don’t. Instead, it’s powerful women who have been my inspiration and helped me endure life. To collaborate with one, to learn from her – it’s a partnership; it’s not just about being male or female, but rather a transcendent bond in our work and characters. Honestly, I’m unsure of how I’ll manage without you.

Kirby herself responded in kind, calling Pascal the most supportive male actor she’s worked with.

She stated that she’s never worked with a male co-actor who was as equally strong and cooperative in our dynamic, yet also fully developed his own character. Every day, I’m simply thankful for having someone as giving as Pedro in this role.

Discussions about Marvel’s approach towards the Fantastic Four series, particularly First Steps, have been intensifying even further. Recently, Producer Grant Curtis expressed his viewpoint that Sue Storm is the main focus instead of Reed Richards within the Fantastic Four group.

In his conversation with Collider, Curtis pointed out that upon revisiting the comics, it becomes clear that Sue Storm is effectively the head of the Fantastic Four. He explained that if Sue Storm wasn’t around, everything would crumble, as she plays a crucial role in holding the team together. Regarding Sue Storm’s portrayal, Kirby stressed that she will not be depicted as an over-the-top, tough female character or caricature. Instead, she will embody a genuine feminine essence.

In the movie, it’s been pointed out by Director Matt Shakman that Sue will lead the Future Foundation. He characterized their relationship as a “visionary society,” and further explained, “If he is the world’s most brilliant scientist, then she is its most compassionate emotional guide.

For Pascal, this kind of character transition isn’t something unfamiliar. Viewers of “The Mandalorian” may recall the change in Season 3, as the narrative spotlight shifted significantly from Pascal’s Din Djarin to Katee Sackhoff’s Bo-Katan Kryze. In a plot twist that some viewers found sudden, Din not only handed over the Darksaber to her but also swore allegiance and servitude.

Similarly, in the HBO series The Last of Us, Joel, played by Pascal, is deeply affected emotionally by almost every significant female character – from Tess to Ellie, and even his therapist during the second season. In the second season, Pascal’s Joel meets a tragic end at the hands of Abby, a smaller-built woman who brutally kills him in front of Ellie in a moment that remains one of the most divisive incidents in gaming history.

In the context of Pascal’s approach to strong female characters mirroring his acting style, some fans have pondered over its implications for the dominant position of Reed Richards within the Fantastic Four mythos. Historically, Reed has been portrayed as the group’s leader, a role that suits him perfectly given his genius intellect and ability to guide the team effectively. Known as Mr. Fantastic, this name itself suggests his leadership and intelligence.

Moving Sue Storm into that role isn’t just about changing the storyline; it’s a strategic switch for the characters, a conscious decision made by the creators.

It may also shed light on why another actor reportedly passed on the role.

Initially discussed for the part of Reed Richards, Adam Driver ultimately decided against the project without providing specific explanations. However, it was suggested that he struggled to empathize with the script or character on an emotional level. There’s speculation, albeit unconfirmed, that Marvel’s portrayal of Reed as a passive or secondary figure might have conflicted with Driver’s vision for the role.

It’s been reported that this isn’t the first instance where Marvel has encountered resistance from a main actor regarding creative control. There are strong whispers about Oscar-winner Mahershala Ali expressing dissatisfaction with early scripts for the now seemingly canceled Blade movie, as these supposedly diminished the character to make room for a younger female lead – Blade’s daughter. Insiders in the industry claim that the scripts focused more on a “passing of the torch” narrative rather than centering around Blade, leading to delays and numerous revisions. The criticism eventually led Marvel to change the film’s direction, but not before the project encountered several roadblocks during development.

Contrarily, Pedro Pascal seems to wholeheartedly embrace the idea of being guided by strong women, not only in his professional life but also in his personal relationships as well.

In a fresh and clear rewording, The upcoming movie titled “Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps” features Pedro Pascal portraying Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn playing Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach in the role of Ben Grimm. This film is scheduled for release in 2025 and will introduce the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s version of Marvel’s original superhero team, with a possible twist on who holds the power.

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2025-06-08 16:56