David Tennant revealed a brief brush with Marvel's The Fantastic Four: First Steps during a Q&A at London's MCM Comic Con, playfully admitting he once hoped to play Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic)—a role ultimately awarded to Pedro Pascal. "I slightly had my eye on it, but if it had to go to anyone, I'm thrilled it's Pedro," said Tennant, best known for Doctor Who and Broadchurch. "He's fantastic in every sense of the word."
The upcoming Marvel film, releasing July 25, 2025, features Pascal leading a star-studded cast: Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm (Invisible Woman), Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm (Human Torch), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm (The Thing). Julia Garner and Ralph Ineson round out the lineup as Silver Surfer and the planet-consuming Galactus, respectively. The story follows the superhero team as they balance familial bonds with saving Earth from cosmic threats.
A Lighthearted Nod to Pascal's "Daddy" Status
The panel took a humorous turn when moderators referenced a viral Vanity Fair segment where Pedro Pascal jokingly dubbed himself "the bigger daddy" compared to Moon Knight star Oscar Isaac. Asked to weigh in on the title, Tennant quipped, "What's the criteria? But yes, it's obviously Pedro—he's literally Mister Fantastic."
Tennant's remarks underscored his admiration for Pascal, whom he called "a gift to the industry." The exchange highlighted the camaraderie among actors vying for high-profile roles, even as Tennant's own superhero credentials grow—he currently voices Loki in Disney+'s animated series Loki: What If…?.
Why Tennant's Interest Matters
While Tennant's comments were light-hearted, they reflect broader fan enthusiasm for Marvel's Fantastic Four reboot, which marks the team's first MCU debut since Disney acquired 21st Century Fox. Pascal's casting has drawn praise for balancing star power with fresh narrative potential, while Tennant's name recognition—bolstered by roles in Harry Potter and Jessica Jones—keeps him a fan-favorite for future superhero projects.
As the film's release approaches, Tennant's playful "what-if" serves as a reminder of Hollywood's competitive casting landscape—and the respect peers hold for Pascal's rising legacy. For now, fans can catch Tennant in Doctor Who's 2024 season and Pascal in The Last of Us Season 2, streaming this fall.