Pedro Pascal is set to take on the iconic role of Reed Richards, also known as Mister Fantastic, in the upcoming film The Fantastic Four: First Steps, which is scheduled to hit theaters on July 25, 2025. In a recent interview, Pascal emphasized the cerebral nature of his character, stating, "With Reed, his body may stretch, but this is a brain character." He elaborated on his approach to the role, likening Reed's brilliance to that of an octopus, saying, "I thought of the brilliance of an octopus. Not in any literal physical translated way, but I put it into my subconscious. Yeah. That’s the biggest character secret reveal that I’ve given to you."
Pascal's portrayal of Reed Richards marks a departure from his previous role as Din Djarin in The Mandalorian, where he noted the physical demands were shared among several performers. He explained, "With Din Djarin, there’s so much physical authorship that is a collective effort, with my work, Brendan Wayne’s work, Latif Crowder’s work, other bodies that have stepped into the armor, but primarily, those two guys and myself. With Reed, that, for me, was a brand new kind of experience to author something that is very, very familiar to the world."
The film The Fantastic Four: First Steps is generating considerable buzz, especially with the challenges of adapting Mister Fantastic's stretching abilities to live-action. Critics have speculated on how the filmmakers will portray these powers without them appearing overly silly. The first trailer for the film teased Pascal's stretching abilities, showing him in a brief, slow-motion shot that left fans wanting more. As one commentator quipped, “Show us a good long reel of Pedro Pascal with bendy noodle arms and a long floppy torso and legs that stretch all the way across the room.”
In addition to Pascal, the film features a star-studded cast including Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Ralph Ineson, Julia Garner, Paul Walter Hauser, John Malkovich, Natasha Lyonne, and Sarah Niles. The film, directed by Matt Shakman, promises a fresh take on the beloved superhero team as they face off against formidable foes like Galactus and the Silver Surfer.
Pascal's busy schedule doesn’t stop with The Fantastic Four: First Steps. He is also set to appear in two other films this summer. The romantic drama Materialists, which opens on June 13, 2025, sees him play Henry Castillo, a businessman who finds himself in a complicated love triangle with a matchmaker played by Dakota Johnson and her ex-boyfriend, portrayed by Chris Evans. The film's premise revolves around the messiness of love and career ambitions.
Following that, Pascal will star in the Western black comedy Eddington, releasing on July 18, 2025. In this film, he plays Ted Garcia, the mayor of a small town grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside Joaquin Phoenix. The story highlights the tensions that arise in the community as the sheriff challenges the mayor's authority over mask mandates, leading to a standoff.
Moreover, Pascal's influence extends beyond the big screen. He recently starred in a viral AirPods 4 commercial directed by Spike Jonze, which features him navigating a colorful dreamscape after using Active Noise Cancellation to cope with a breakup. The commercial has garnered over 40 million views on YouTube and sparked a TikTok dance trend, showcasing Pascal's infectious charm and versatility.
Since gaining widespread recognition as the “internet’s daddy” in 2023 for his role in The Last of Us, where he plays Joel, Pascal has solidified his status as a Hollywood A-lister. His recent press appearances and upcoming releases reflect his growing prominence in the industry. The second season premiere of The Last of Us drew 5.3 million viewers, marking a 13% increase from the series premiere, further illustrating Pascal's appeal.
Attending the recent Star Wars Celebration in Tokyo, Pascal discussed his role in the upcoming film The Mandalorian & Grogu, which is set for theatrical release on May 22, 2026. He described the film as “one of the greatest adventure movies in the canon of all cinema,” amplifying fans' excitement for the return of the beloved franchise.
As Pascal gears up for a blockbuster summer, fans can expect to see him showcase his range across various genres. Whether it’s through the intellectual challenges of Reed Richards, the romantic entanglements in Materialists, or the comedic undertones of Eddington, Pascal's performances are anticipated to resonate with audiences.
Ultimately, with his unique ability to captivate viewers and bring depth to his characters, Pedro Pascal is poised to have one of his best years yet. As he navigates the complexities of his roles, fans eagerly await the chance to see him stretch his talents in The Fantastic Four: First Steps and beyond.
