Pedro Pascal has been imagined in a 1960s-inspired costume in new fan art ahead of his debut as Reed Richards' Mister Fantastic in Marvel Studios' The Fantastic Four. Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige confirmed the development of a Fantastic Four reboot in the MCU back in 2019, sparking speculation about the casting of the four titular superhero roles.
On Valentine's Day 2024, Marvel Studios officially announced the cast of The Fantastic Four, with Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm. The announcement hinted at a 1960s setting for the Phase 6 project, suggesting a nod to classic Marvel Comics costumes in the upcoming film.
A piece of fan art shared by Pvilly_Artist depicts Pedro Pascal's Reed Richards in a retro costume, featuring a sweater-style turtle-neck with the Fantastic Four's logo on the chest. This portrayal has helped alleviate some doubts about Pascal's suitability for the role of Mister Fantastic.
While the setting of The Fantastic Four has not been officially confirmed, clues from Marvel Studios' Valentine's Day poster for the project strongly suggest a 1960s backdrop. References to retro elements like the appearance of HERBIE, Ben Grimm's astronaut photograph, and the LIFE Magazine issue from December 1963 all point towards a period setting for the film.
The decision to set The Fantastic Four in the 1960s aligns with the team's original Marvel Comics debut in 1961, offering a return to their roots rather than a modernized adaptation. This approach aims to avoid the pitfalls of previous Fantastic Four movies and allows Marvel Studios to explore a unique period in the MCU's history while distinguishing the team from present-day superheroes.
The 1960s setting of The Fantastic Four promises to deliver a fresh take on Marvel's First Family, blending their classic origins with new adventures in the MCU. Fans eagerly anticipate how the iconic superhero team will be portrayed in this nostalgic era as they prepare to join the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe.
