Thescreescore – Filming on Avengers: Doomsday, which began in April, has already seen one star from Fantastic Four: The First Steps complete their work. Pedro Pascal, portraying Reed Richards, has reportedly wrapped his scenes for the Marvel blockbuster, slated for a December 2026 release. This news, reported by Deadline and confirmed by thescreescore.com, comes as a surprise, given the anticipation surrounding the Fantastic Four’s MCU debut. The report further indicates Pascal is now in negotiations for a leading role in a new project with Andor showrunner Tony Gilroy, and is also committed to Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu in 2026.
This early departure raises questions about the extent of Reed Richards’ role in Avengers: Doomsday. While the Fantastic Four’s connection to the film’s primary antagonist, Victor von Doom (played by the returning Robert Downey Jr.), suggests significant involvement, Pascal’s finished filming might point to a more limited screen presence. This isn’t entirely unexpected, considering the massive ensemble cast, including returning X-Men and multiple Avengers teams, demanding screen time. The Russo brothers face a Herculean task balancing this cast, potentially exceeding the complexity of Infinity War and Endgame.
However, the limited screen time in Avengers: Doomsday might be strategic. The film is intended as a direct lead-in to 2027’s Avengers: Secret Wars, suggesting a potentially larger role for Reed Richards in the sequel. Given the Russo brothers’ proven ability to manage large ensembles, confidence remains in their vision. Furthermore, three other Fantastic Four members remain to carry the team’s presence in the film. The early completion of Pascal’s scenes doesn’t necessarily diminish the overall impact of Marvel’s First Family in the grand scheme of the MCU’s Phase 6.
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