LOS ANGELES (AP) — Marvel fans will have to wait a little longer for the highly anticipated Fantastic Four movie. Filming, which was initially scheduled to begin in April of this year, has reportedly been delayed until the third quarter of 2024. This postponement has had a ripple effect on the casting of the film’s potential Mr. Fantastic, Pedro Pascal.
The film industry has been grappling with scheduling challenges as studios rearrange their projects to accommodate the aftermath of last year’s strikes and the availability of actors, directors, and crew members. The Fantastic Four movie was no exception to this trend.
According to insiders, Pedro Pascal had been eyeing the role of Mr. Fantastic while also balancing commitments to other projects, including the second season of The Last of Us and Zach Cregger’s upcoming film, Weapons. Initially, it appeared that the shooting schedule for Fantastic Four would have allowed Pascal to balance all his commitments. However, due to the reported change in filming dates, Pascal had to withdraw from Weapons due to scheduling conflicts.
Although the casting choices for Fantastic Four have not been officially announced, this development has fueled speculation about Pascal’s involvement in the Marvel superhero film. Previously, Deadline had reported that the actor was in talks to play Reed Richards, also known as Mr. Fantastic. Talks were reportedly underway with Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn for the roles of Sue Storm, Ben Grimm, and Johnny Storm, respectively.
Despite the anticipated release date of May 2, 2025, for Fantastic Four, it is uncertain whether the shooting delay will impact this timeline. As the Marvel Cinematic Universe eagerly awaits the integration of this popular supergroup, fans will have to stay tuned for further updates.
In conclusion, the filming of Marvel’s Fantastic Four movie has been postponed from April to the third quarter of 2024. This change has affected the potential casting of Pedro Pascal as Mr. Fantastic, leading him to withdraw from another project due to scheduling conflicts. While no official announcements have been made, rumors continue to circulate about Pascal’s involvement in the film, alongside other reported casting choices. As fans eagerly anticipate the arrival of Fantastic Four into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the impact of this shooting delay remains uncertain.