Summary

  • Marvel Studios' rumored casting choice for Fantastic Four, Pedro Pascal, has divided audiences due to his age and suitability for the role of Reed Richards.
  • A theory suggests that the inclusion of Reed Richards and Sue Storm's children, Franklin and Valeria, in Fantastic Four could explain the decision to cast a slightly older actor like Pascal.
  • The introduction of Franklin and Valeria Richards would provide an impactful storyline and potentially create stronger connections between Fantastic Four and the wider world of the MCU.

Marvel Studios' newest controversial casting for MCU's Fantastic Four reboot in 2019, following Disney's acquisition of 20th Century Fox. Since then, the rumor mill has been spinning regarding who may be cast in the four titular roles of Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm. Fantastic Four's production period has been plagued with push backs and delays, particularly after 2023's WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, but new speculation has started to emerge about the 2025 project, though not everything has garnered a positive response.

On November 15, 2023, perfect casting for Fantastic Four.

Franklin & Valeria Richards Could Debut In Fantastic Four

A new theory shared on Fantastic Four in the MCU's Phase 6, but will also mark the debut of Franklin and Valeria Richards, Reed Richards and Sue Storm's children. Franklin Richards first appeared in Marvel Comics' Fantastic Four Annual #6 in 1968, and his younger sister, Valeria, arrived in Fantastic Four (Vol. 3) #15 in 1999. Reed Richards and Sue Storm's radiation-altered genes meant that Franklin and Valeria began to manifest abilities as children, with Franklin being able to warp reality at will, and Valeria displayed a genius-level intelligence from an incredibly early age, eventually becoming smarter than her father.

For many years, Franklin Richards was depicted as a mutant in Marvel Comics, and though this was later retconned after he was depowered, it's possible his inclusion in the MCU's Fantastic Four could connect the Phase 6 project to the formation of Marvel Studios' X-Men. When Valeria was introduced to Marvel Comics, she was depicted as the daughter of Sue Storm and an alternate Doctor Doom, and this sort of storyline would mark an impactful introduction for the much-anticipated villain in the MCU. The introduction of Franklin and Valeria Richards in Fantastic Four also helps to explain new rumors, perhaps making Pedro Pascal perfect for a role in the MCU.

Reed Richards’ Kids In Fantastic Four Explains Pedro Pascal’s Rumored Casting

Pedro Pascal imagined as Reed Richards in MCU Fantastic Four fan art

One of the main criticisms of Pedro Pascal's rumored casting in Fantastic Four is that the 48-year-old actor is perhaps too old to portray the charismatic and energized Reed Richards. However, if Franklin and Valeria Richards are set to be involved in Fantastic Four, potentially as young adults, this could explain why Marvel Studios may focus on a slightly older version of Marvel's First Family. Even so, Pascal's recent roles in The Last of Us, We Can Be Heroes, and The Mandalorian prove that he can still fill this kind of role. Nevertheless, it would be great to see Franklin and Valeria Richards introduced to the MCU in Fantastic Four​​​​​​​.