The Fantastic Four MCU cast may have found its Reed Richards in a high-profile star who fans might already be familiar with: Adam Driver.
Based on the long-time fan-favorite characters from the pages of Marvel Comics, the Fantastic Four are a super-team that got their start when they were exposed to radiation while on a scientific space mission, giving Reed Richards, his wife Susan, her brother Johnny Storm, and their close friend Ben Grimm unique powers. With the film rights for the group owned by Fox, the team has seen a few live-action adventures to mixed receptions but has never made it into the ultra-successful Marvel Cinematic Universe. After years of waiting and speculation by fans of the Fantastic Four and the MCU, a proper first film for Marvel's first family was confirmed, with director Matt Shakman confirming the Fantastic Four filming timeline.
However, a rumor that has been going around for quite some time has recently been lent strong backing by industry insider Daniel Richtman, who alleges that the role of Reed Richards has been all but filled by the talented Driver. Driver, who portrayed key antagonist Kylo Ren in the latest Star Wars trilogy and has had other successful roles in recent times, is said to be in final talks to take on the part of the super-powered scientist, with an official announcement not too far around the corner. Richtman gave this news credence via his Patreon page, confirming that the negotiations were nearing completion. If this works out, it will be a massive addition to Driver's portfolio, which, combined with his role in Star Wars, might even have him joining the likes of the ultimate franchise star Pedro Pascal.
Driver's casting, if confirmed, will certainly sit well with many MCU fans, a group that isn’t too far removed from the Star Wars fandom, to begin with. The role will be a lot of responsibility due to fan expectations and in light of Kevin Feige teasing the big role the Fantastic Four will play in the MCU when the team finally joins the enormous franchise. While the big heroes of the MCU's most fondly remembered periods are set to fade away, the Fantastic Four can draw enough attention with a veritable treasure trove of compelling and action-filled stories.
Only time and an official announcement can tell if Driver will be the star who ends up on the big screen as the leader of the Fantastic Four, especially as the actor has been in high demand with many recent projects and speculation about whether he will join Daisy Ridley New Jedi Order Star Wars movie, possibly as a Force Ghost. Whichever way it works out, the role and the accompanying fan expectations will be a heavy burden.
Fantastic Four is currently set to hit theaters on February 14, 2025.
Source: DanielRPK