Reed Richards Won’t Be the Center of AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY, But He’s Still Key to the Story
As The Fantastic Four: First Steps launches Phase 6 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, many fans assumed Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards would become one of its central figures. But according to a recent Variety report, Avengers: Doomsday may not spotlight him as heavily as expected.
While Pascal’s Mister Fantastic is described as having an “integral role” in the upcoming ensemble film, the report clarifies that “Pascal is not the centerpiece” of Doomsday. That might surprise those who saw First Steps and its high-stakes post-credits scene, which teases Doctor Doom’s interest in young Franklin Richards, Reed and Sue Storm’s super powerful son.
That moment seemed to set the stage for a major multiversal conflict, one where Reed would naturally take the lead to save his son. But it sounds like that story might play out alongside a much broader narrative.
Pascal’s co-stars Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach weren’t mentioned in the report, so the scope of their roles in Doomsday remains unclear. What is clear is that Doomsday won’t be centered around just one team.
In addition to the Fantastic Four, the film will bring together the New Avengers, Sam Wilson’s team, and a version of the X-Men featuring legacy actors from the Fox universe. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has also teased even more surprise casting announcements on the horizon, adding to an already massive ensemble.
The article that revealed Pascal’s status also touched on broader casting strategies and actor compensation, noting that Marvel icons like Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Hemsworth “won’t be working at a discount” to return.
Without an established Avengers roster since Endgame, Doomsday is shaping up to be more of a crossover epic than a character-driven core story. Unlike Endgame, which focused tightly on the original six Avengers, this new chapter will have to split time among multiple major groups.
With the script still being adjusted and some actors unsure whether their roles are even finalized, this is very much a story still in flux.
Even so, don’t count out Reed and his team. While they may not anchor the entire film, the Fantastic Four’s journey will remain essential to the larger multiversal narrative.