Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness introduced a lot of characters within its two-hour runtime. Outside of a villainous Scarlett Witch, new character America Chavez and a host of McGuffins, the movie also introduced The Illuminati, consisting of Mr Fantastic, Professor X, Black Bolt and more.
Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe were over the moon with the introduction of this group. Not just because another group of beloved comic book characters were gracing the screen, but because Mr Fantastic was played by long-fan-casted heartthrob John Krasinski. However, that casting may not last long.
Will John Krasinski be Mr Fantastic in Fantastic Four?
Despite being a casting choice so beloved by fans, John Krasinski as Mr Fantastic may not last long. In fact, following the movie’s Disney Plus release, it seems pretty certain that the actor will be replaced for the main MCU Fantastic Four movie.
In the now-released audio commentary for the movie, director Sam Raimi revealed that Krasinski’s role is only possible due to the movie’s multiverse nature. If the character was not a multiverse counterpart, then the actor would not have the role.
“It’s so funny that Kevin [Feige] cast John [Krasinski] because the fans had a dream of who the perfect Reed Richards would be,” director Sam Raimi said. “And because this is an alternate universe, I think Kevin said, ‘Let’s make that dream come true.’ I’ve always really enjoyed all of his performances.’”
This means that there’s a high possibility that John Krasinski will not return as Mr Fantastic when the MCU Fantastic Four film releases. However, that may all be a ploy to drum up drama for the movie. After all, it doesn’t really make sense.
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Why the bait and switch?
Fans have campaigned for years to get John Krasinski as Reed Richards in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as well as his real-life wife Emily Blunt as Susan Storm. With fans getting their dream in Multiverse of Madness, does it make sense to then replace the actor in the upcoming Fantastic Four movie?
A lot of that may depend on Krasinski himself. With the Fantastic Four expected to be a huge part of the MCU, the proper Mr Fantastic actor may have to sign on for over a decade. That’s a lot of commitment.
Krasinski has publicly talked about the fact that he could be too old to play the character for as long as Marvel would want. While unfortunate, at least fans have seen him in the role once, even if it will make them want more.
Who else could play the character?
There are already a few picks for the mainline version of Reed Richards that would be a perfect fit. One actor is Glen Howerton who plays Dennis in Always Sunny, a perfect fit for the not-always-heroic nature of Richards in the comics.
Another popular choice is Bly Manor and Midnight Mass actor Rahul Kohli. The now-beloved Netflix actor has been a popular pick for the character, and fan-made pictures show him as a perfect fit.
No matter what happens, Marvel’s casting will make the right choice. So far, pretty much every character in the MCU has been perfectly casted; they won’t mess up with Mr Fantastic.