Fantastic Four director Matt Shakman recently responded to casting rumors surrounding the upcoming blockbuster.
Shakman downplayed reports that he was close to filling any of Fantastic Four's key roles in an interview with Collider. "All the casting stuff you see is just rumors," he said. "We are early in our process there. We have nothing to announce right now, and certainly, when we do we'll let you know." These remarks follow the director's earlier announcement that Fantastic Four will commence principal photography in early 2024. This timeline leaves Shakman plenty of time to lock in actors to headline the film, which is a reboot of the Fantastic Four franchise set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The Fantastic Four cast has been a source of speculation ever since Marvel Studios unveiled the production in 2019. Notably, several high-profile actors have been linked to the Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic part, including Adam Driver, Dev Patel and Diego Luna. Luna downplayed reports that he was in talks with Marvel Studios in a recent interview, although he didn't rule out the possibility he might join the Fantastic Four ensemble, either. "The only thing I can tell you is that, for the next two years, I’m busy. In two years, we’ll see if what I want to do is even film," he said.
Fantastic Four Casting Rumors Persist
The Sue Storm/Invisible Woman role is a major talking point, too. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel star Rachel Brosnahan is frequently cited as a frontrunner to portray Sue Storm, however, she previously stated that no discussions between herself and Marvel Studios have taken place. That said, Brosnahan also confirmed that she would "absolutely" accept the role if it was offered to her, citing her availability following the conclusion of Mrs. Maisel's final season. She added that it "would be a blast" to participate in Fantastic Four.
Then there's the Johnny Storm/Human Torch role, which Elvis' Austin Butler is supposedly campaigning for. Butler is reportedly one of several young actors putting themselves forward for Fantastic Four, as the MCU's immense popularity makes it one of Hollywood's most attractive projects. Fellow Oscar nominee Ryan Gosling's name is also in the mix for Fantastic Four, with Marvel Studios allegedly keen for Gosling to join the production in an unspecified role. However, it's currently unclear whether Gosling has met with the studio about Fantastic Four, and he is not attached to the movie at this stage.
Marvel Studios' Fantastic Four reboot is slated to premiere on Feb. 14, 2025.
Source: Collider