Pedro Pascal’s Mr. Fantastic Fights a Super-Ape in Fantastic Four: First Steps Deleted Scene

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In the initial deleted scene from “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” Mr. Fantastic, portrayed by Pedro Pascal, isn’t merely fooling around. Instead, director Matt Shakman’s Marvel production opts to skip the team’s origin story. Instead, we find ourselves in a conversation with talk show host Ted Gilbert, played by Mark Gatiss, who explains how astronauts Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm encountered a cosmic storm that altered their DNA during a space mission. Upon their return to Earth, they found themselves with extraordinary abilities, transforming into the Earth’s protectors in an alternate reality known as Earth 828.

Over the span of four years, a series of events showcases the Fantastic Four’s heroic actions: they foil the Mole Man’s (Paul Walter Hauser) heist on the Pan Am building, engage in combat with the colossal monster Giganto, and prevent the Mad Thinker from causing chaos within New York City’s public transportation. We learn that they successfully vanquished the Red Ghost (John Malkovich) and his Super-Apes. In a thrilling sequence, Reed stretches himself to climb up a launchpad just before the elastic member of the Fantastic Four hurls himself towards Peotor, propelling the cosmic-infused orangutan into the ocean below.

This is the last remaining piece of a deleted action sequence where Malkovich portrayed the villain in the Fantastic Four movie. Due to time constraints, this particular scene was omitted from the final version. However, storyboard artist Jeremy Simser recently shared on Instagram an exclusive sneak peek at an extended battle between Mr. Fantastic and Miklo the gorilla, which didn’t make it into the film.

As a cinephile, I can’t help but feel a pang of disappointment that I can’t share this entire scene with you all. The frames depict Reed gracefully dodging the Super-Ape’s blows, much like the masterful dance in a ballet. To pay tribute to the iconic work of Alex Ross, I’ve also included a nod to his 2024 Fantastic Four #22 cover, where Igor, the baboon, forcefully elongates Reed’s skin – a testament to the artistic genius that is Ross.

Prior to Silver Surfer (Julia Garner) making her announcement of Galactus’ (Ralph Ineson) arrival, Reed informs his family that he’s begun following up on super-criminals such as the Puppet Master in the Bowery, the Wizard in Gramercy Park, and Diablo in Washington Heights. While these traditional Fantastic Four villains are restricted to animated form during the post-credits scene, Shakman hints that they might reappear in a potential sequel.

Shakman praised Malkovich’s portrayal of the Red Ghost, remarking that he did an outstanding job. He considers Malkovich a talented actor, one of his favorites, who delivers a stellar performance in the movie. However, it was heart-wrenching to cut that part of the character, as there was simply too much new content to introduce. With numerous characters and a whole new universe to establish, the extensive backstory became excessive.

As a movie enthusiast, let me share my thoughts. The Fantastic Four comics are a treasure trove of captivating villains and memorable characters, and I eagerly anticipate future chances to bring them all to life on the big screen. Initially, however, the Four will go head-to-head with their arch-nemesis, Doctor Doom, played by none other than Robert Downey Jr., in the blockbusters Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is now playing only in theaters.

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2025-08-11 20:25