The cast of Marvel's latest Fantastic Four adaptation, Fantastic Four: First Steps, recently found themselves in the gaming spotlight—but not on the big screen. Instead, they were trying their hands at Marvel Rivals, a popular free-to-play fighting game featuring characters from the Marvel universe. The highlight? Their reactions to Sue Storm's striking Malice skin, which has become a fan favorite since its release in January 2025.
During a lively segment with popular streamer Loserfruit, Vanessa Kirby, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach—who portray the new MCU iteration of Marvel's First Family—were introduced to their in-game avatars. The cast, largely unfamiliar with gaming, were shown various character skins, but it was the Malice outfit for Invisible Woman that truly stole the show. For those not in the know, the Malice skin is known for its bold, edgy design, showcasing a daring look that has captivated many players.
As the skin was revealed, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach were visibly stunned, falling silent as they took in the striking appearance. Vanessa Kirby, however, was quick to embrace the moment, snapping her fingers and declaring, "Thank you. This is my favourite bit of her as well. Watch out for the sequel. You better watch it." Her playful tease hinted at the possibility of exploring Sue Storm's darker alter ego in future Marvel Cinematic Universe storylines—a notion Kirby had previously expressed interest in during an appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast.
Pascal chimed in with good humor, adding, "Costume designer, take note," eliciting laughter from the group. This exchange not only highlighted the cast's camaraderie but also underscored how the realms of gaming and cinema are increasingly intertwined within the Marvel franchise.
Following their reactions, the cast took to the controllers themselves, attempting to master their characters in Marvel Rivals. The results were, well, entertaining. Pedro Pascal's efforts as Reed Richards, aka Mister Fantastic, were particularly memorable. Despite getting in close melee range of the training bot, Pascal struggled with the controls, missing all his punches in the practice range. His difficulty maneuvering the camera to aim attacks added to the challenge, though he did eventually land a few ultimate moves.
Among the group, Joseph Quinn, who plays Johnny Storm (the Human Torch), adapted the quickest, followed closely by Vanessa Kirby. Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Pascal found the learning curve steeper, yet Pascal managed to secure the only kill in an actual match, proving that persistence pays off. Reflecting on the experience, Pascal joked about quitting acting to pursue gaming full-time—a sentiment sure to delight fans hoping to see him in the digital arena.
The timing of this gaming debut coincides with the theatrical release of Fantastic Four: First Steps, which marks the MCU's first outing for the team since Disney's acquisition of Fox in 2019. Directed by Matt Shankman, the film has been well received and, as of July 25, 2025, has grossed an estimated $106.2 million worldwide, according to Deadline.
This playful intersection of film promotion and gaming culture offers fans a fresh way to engage with their favorite superheroes. It also spotlights the growing trend of actors embracing video game adaptations of their characters, blurring the lines between on-screen performances and interactive experiences.
While Marvel has yet to confirm any plans to bring Malice into the cinematic fold, moments like these keep the conversation alive and the anticipation high. For now, the Fantastic Four cast's spirited reactions and gaming attempts provide a delightful glimpse into their off-screen personalities and the evolving landscape of superhero storytelling.
As the Marvel universe continues to expand across multiple platforms, fans can look forward to more such crossovers, where movies, games, and other media converge to create a richer, more immersive experience. Whether it's through a bold new skin in a game or a hint at darker story arcs on the big screen, the Fantastic Four are proving that their first steps in the MCU are just the beginning.
