The Definitive List: Meet The All-Star Cast Of Marvel’s Fantastic Four: First Steps And Their Shocking MCU Roles

The long-awaited arrival of Marvel's First Family into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is finally here, and the casting is nothing short of sensational. As of today, December 15, 2025, Marvel Studios has officially unveiled the star-studded ensemble for The Fantastic Four: First Steps, a film set to kick off Phase Six of the MCU. This is not a drill: the main four heroes are played by some of the biggest names in television and film, and the supporting cast, including the villains, features equally surprising and critically acclaimed actors, guaranteeing a fresh, unique, and powerful take on the iconic comic book team.

The film, directed by Emmy-winner Matt Shakman (known for his work on WandaVision), is scheduled for release on July 25, 2025. Unlike previous iterations, this version seems to be leaning into a retro-futuristic aesthetic, promising a blend of classic comic book wonder and modern cinematic depth. The primary cast announcement, which broke the internet, confirmed an incredible mix of talent ready to inhabit the roles of Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm.

The Confirmed Fantastic Four: A New Generation of Heroes

The core of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's *Fantastic Four: First Steps* rests on the shoulders of four immensely talented actors. Their collective filmography promises a nuanced and compelling portrayal of the family dynamics and scientific genius that define the team.

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Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards / Mister Fantastic

• Full Name: José Pedro Balmaceda Pascal
• Date of Birth: April 2, 1975
• Place of Birth: Santiago, Chile
• Notable Roles: Oberyn Martell in *Game of Thrones*, Javier Peña in *Narcos*, Din Djarin in *The Mandalorian*, Joel Miller in *The Last of Us*.

Pedro Pascal steps into the role of Reed Richards, the brilliant scientist and patriarch of the team, also known as Mister Fantastic. Pascal's casting brings a level of global recognition and an innate, compelling charisma to the role. His experience playing complex, father-figure roles in prestige television, particularly in *The Mandalorian* and *The Last of Us*, suggests his Reed Richards will be a deeply empathetic, yet possibly emotionally distant, leader grappling with his incredible intellect and the responsibilities of his powers.

Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm / Invisible Woman

• Full Name: Vanessa Nuala Kirby
• Date of Birth: April 18, 1988 (or 1987)
• Place of Birth: Wimbledon, London, England
• Notable Roles: Princess Margaret in *The Crown*, White Widow in *Mission: Impossible – Fallout* and *Dead Reckoning Part One*, Martha Weiss in *Pieces of a Woman*, Empress Joséphine in *Napoleon*.

Vanessa Kirby takes on the role of Sue Storm, the Invisible Woman. Kirby is an Oscar-nominated actress known for her powerful, emotionally charged performances. Her portrayal of Princess Margaret in *The Crown* established her as a master of conveying inner turmoil and resilience. In the MCU, she is expected to be the emotional anchor of the team, the 'soul' that holds the family together, while also being a formidable hero capable of generating powerful force fields.

Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm / Human Torch

• Full Name: Joseph Quinn
• Date of Birth: January 26, 1994
• Place of Birth: London, England
• Notable Roles: Eddie Munson in *Stranger Things* Season 4, Arthur Havisham in *Dickensian*, Koner in *Game of Thrones*, T.J. in *Overlord*.

Joseph Quinn is cast as the fiery, hot-headed younger brother, Johnny Storm, the Human Torch. Quinn's breakout performance as Eddie Munson in *Stranger Things* made him a global phenomenon, demonstrating his ability to play charming, rebellious, and deeply loyal characters. His take on Johnny is anticipated to bring a youthful energy and a natural, sibling rivalry dynamic with Sue and Ben Grimm, perfectly capturing the character's famous catchphrase: "Flame On!"

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Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm / The Thing

• Full Name: Ebon Moss-Bachrach
• Date of Birth: March 19, 1977
• Place of Birth: Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
• Notable Roles: Richard 'Richie' Jerimovich in *The Bear*, David Lieberman in *The Punisher*, Desi Harperin in *Girls*.

Ebon Moss-Bachrach will portray Ben Grimm, the pilot and heart of the team, who transforms into the monstrous, rock-skinned hero, The Thing. Moss-Bachrach's Emmy-winning work in *The Bear* showcased his talent for playing complex characters with a gruff exterior hiding deep vulnerability. This emotional range is essential for The Thing, whose tragic transformation is central to the Fantastic Four's story. His performance is expected to capture the pathos of the character's famous lament: "It's Clobberin' Time!"

The Cosmic Threat: Villains and Supporting Cast Revealed

A major reveal that solidifies the film's scope is the confirmation of the primary antagonists. *Fantastic Four: First Steps* is not holding back, introducing some of the team's most formidable comic book foes right out of the gate, while also bringing in a surprising, fan-favorite hero.

Galactus and the Silver Surfer: A Cosmic Powerhouse

The cosmic scale of the MCU's Fantastic Four debut is immediately apparent with the confirmed casting of two major galactic entities. The primary threat the team will face is the Devourer of Worlds himself, Galactus.

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• Ralph Ineson as Galactus: Known for his deep, gravelly voice and imposing presence in films like *The Witch* and *Game of Thrones*, Ralph Ineson has been cast as the voice and likely the motion-capture performer for Galactus. His casting suggests a terrifying, natural-disaster-like portrayal of the supervillain, emphasizing his role as an unstoppable force of nature.
• Julia Garner as Silver Surfer (Shalla-Bal): In a major departure from previous film versions, Emmy-winner Julia Garner (known for *Ozark*) will play the Silver Surfer. However, she is specifically confirmed to be playing Shalla-Bal, a female version of the character from the comic books who is Norrin Radd’s lover and later becomes the Silver Surfer of her home planet Zenn-La. This fresh take on the Herald of Galactus adds a unique, female-led dynamic to the cosmic storyline.

The Earthbound Antagonist: Mole Man

Adding a classic, Earth-based villain to the mix is Paul Walter Hauser, who will portray the Mole Man.

• Paul Walter Hauser as Mole Man: Hauser, acclaimed for his roles in *Black Bird* and *Richard Jewell*, brings his signature blend of comedic timing and dramatic depth to Harvey Elder, the ruler of Subterranea. The inclusion of Mole Man, along with Galactus, suggests that the film will cover a wide range of threats, from the subterranean to the galactic, grounding the team's "first steps" in both classic and cosmic comic book lore.

The Topical Authority: Director, Future, and LSI Keywords

The choice of director and the film's title, *Fantastic Four: First Steps*, are critical to understanding the MCU's vision for the team. Director Matt Shakman, whose previous MCU success with *WandaVision* showcased his ability to blend character depth with mind-bending visuals, is perfectly suited to handle the Fantastic Four's blend of high-concept sci-fi and family drama.

The title itself, *First Steps*, hints that the film will not be a traditional origin story, but rather a debut that finds the team already possessing their powers, possibly setting up a larger narrative arc for the future. The presence of Galactus and the Silver Surfer suggests a massive, Phase Six-level threat, while the inclusion of Mole Man indicates that the film will also honor the team's earliest adventures.

While the main villain, Doctor Doom (Victor Von Doom), remains unconfirmed for *First Steps*, many sources suggest he is being saved for a later, more impactful appearance. The film's focus on the cosmic side, with Galactus and Shalla-Bal, allows the MCU to establish the team's place in the wider universe before introducing their personal arch-nemesis. The combination of established A-list talent and surprising, acclaimed character actors for the villains makes this casting one of the most exciting and talked-about announcements in the MCU's history.