THE FANTASTIC 4 Star Joseph Quinn on Exploring Human Torch's Dynamic with The Thing in The Film's Movie's 1960s Setting
The Fantastic 4 star Joseph Quinn recently opened up about taking on the role of Johnny Storm aka The Human Torch in Marvel’s highly anticipated film.
In the interview with Men’s Health, he talks about his physical training, the character’s relationship with The Thing, the film’s 1960s setting, and more.
When specifically talking about his training and physical appearance for the film, he said: "I’ve been training for a little while now. We’ve got another few weeks, and I’ve got a wonderful trainer named Tim who’s brilliant, and is making me do all the things I don’t want to do.
He added: "We’re not going for anything too enormous, physically, he just needs to look the part, and slowly, slowly, we’re getting there."
When asked about reaching out to talk to Chris Evans and Michael B. Jordan about the character because they both played Johnny Storm, he said, "I haven’t gotten in touch with them - maybe I should. It’s important to claim these opportunities as your own.
“I think they both did incredible jobs, and I’m definitely aware of how much this role means to a lot of people, and how successful they were in portraying him."
He continued: "I think it’s important to come at this with reverence for the people that have played it before, but an intention to make it one’s own."
Quinn went on to talk about his co-star Ebon Moss-Bachrach, who plays The Thing, saying: "He’s an inherently funny man. We will have a period of rehearsals, and that will be an opportunity for us all to work on the specific dynamics between the four and beyond."
He then teases the relationship between The Human Torch and The Thing, saying: "I’m very excited at the prospect of working with Ebon. I think he’s amazing, and will definitely bring something very unique to his role; the dynamic is the thing that is the most important aspect of these four characters.
“I couldn’t think of another three actors that could being as much vigor and life to these other characters, and I’ll do my best to do the same."
The actor then talked about the teaser image that was released for the movie and the 1960s setting, saying: "It was great! It was a really lovely way to announce it - it was very sweet, and people responded well to it.
“It’s a little surreal, obviously. I’d be remiss to not acknowledge the fact that this stuff is something that people feel very strongly about."
He continued: "People care about these characters, and what heroism means to people, and that it can provide some light in dark times, and examples as well of how to conduct oneself, without trying to get too lofty. It’s a responsibility that I’m taking very seriously, and we all are. And we’re also going to have a lot of fun with it."
The movie stars Pedro Pascal (The Last of Us) as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby (Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning) as Sue Storm, aka the Invisible Woman; Joseph Quinn (Stranger Things) as Johnny Storm, aka the Human Torch; and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Punisher, The Bear) as Ben Grimm, aka the Thing.
Paul Walter Houser also recently was cast in the project in an unknown role, Natasha Lyonne, and Julia Garner (Ozark, Inventing Anna) will take on the role of Shalla-Bal, who is an incarnation of Silver Surfer. Ralph Ineson will play Galactus.
The screenplay comes from Josh Friedman, who was brought in to rewrite the script originally written by Jeff Kaplan and Ian Springer.
The Fantastic Four is set to be released in theaters on July 25, 2025.