The 2005 film Fantastic Four, which introduced a new generation to Marvel’s First Family, remains a pivotal moment in superhero cinema, not least for launching the careers of its main ensemble into the stratosphere. Two decades later, the cast members are still incredibly active, with a slate of major projects, television series, and business ventures dominating the entertainment landscape in late 2024 and heading into 2025.
This deep dive reveals exactly what the stars of the original *Fantastic Four*—from the future Captain America to the Invisible Woman—have been doing, highlighting their freshest, most unique, and most buzzworthy new roles. The evolution of these actors, from their time as Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm, is a fascinating look at lasting Hollywood careers.
Fantastic Four (2005) Main Cast: Where Are They Now?
The core cast of the 2005 superhero film has since branched out into major blockbusters, prestige television, and even entrepreneurship. Here is a complete profile of the main actors and their characters:
- Chris Evans (Johnny Storm / The Human Torch): The cocky, high-flying younger brother of Sue Storm, who can generate and control fire. Evans's career exploded after this role, leading to the MCU's Captain America.
- Jessica Alba (Susan "Sue" Storm / The Invisible Woman): The brilliant scientist and Reed Richards's love interest, capable of turning invisible and generating powerful force fields. Alba has since become a successful entrepreneur and actress.
- Ioan Gruffudd (Reed Richards / Mister Fantastic): The genius scientist and leader of the group, who gains the ability to stretch his body to impossible lengths. Gruffudd has focused heavily on complex television roles.
- Michael Chiklis (Ben Grimm / The Thing): The pilot and Reed's best friend, whose body mutates into a massive, rock-covered creature. Chiklis has maintained a strong presence in television dramas.
- Julian McMahon (Victor Von Doom / Doctor Doom): The ruthless, wealthy industrialist and rival to Reed Richards who becomes the team's metallic-armored nemesis. McMahon is a veteran of both film and television.
- Kerry Washington (Alicia Masters): The blind sculptor who forms a deep, meaningful connection with Ben Grimm (The Thing). Washington is now a highly respected actress, producer, and director.
Chris Evans: From Human Torch to High-Concept Thrillers (and a Marvel Return?)
Chris Evans’s tenure as Johnny Storm, the hot-headed Human Torch, was merely a prelude to his global fame as Steve Rogers, Captain America. Yet, even after "retiring" the shield, Evans's career trajectory in 2024 and 2025 is defined by high-profile, diverse projects, proving his versatility beyond the superhero genre.
His latest roles focus heavily on the action and comedy genres. He is set to star in the holiday-themed action-comedy film Red One, scheduled for release in 2024, alongside Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Looking ahead to 2025, Evans is attached to the film Materialists, a romantic comedy that signals a shift back toward character-driven pieces.
The most intriguing news for Marvel fans is the strong rumor of his return to the MCU. Reports suggest Chris Evans will appear in Avengers: Doomsday, marking a major comeback for the beloved actor after *Avengers: Endgame*. Additionally, he is set to star in the long-awaited adaptation of Jekyll, a modern take on the classic tale, further diversifying his filmography.
Jessica Alba: From Invisible Woman to Action Star and Business Mogul
Jessica Alba’s portrayal of Sue Storm, the Invisible Woman, cemented her status as a global star. Today, her career is a powerful blend of acting and her massive success as the founder of The Honest Company, a consumer goods empire. Her acting career saw a resurgence in 2024 with a major Netflix project.
In 2024, Alba starred in the Netflix action thriller Trigger Warning, ending a five-year hiatus from film. She took on the lead role in the film, which she also executive-produced, showcasing her commitment to roles with substance and action.
Her upcoming slate continues this trend. Alba is set to star in the spy thriller The Mark, directed by Justin Jam, a project that is already generating significant buzz. She is also moving into drama with Flash Before the Bang, a project announced in 2023 that sees her move away from her typical action-packed titles to a more character-focused role. Her ability to balance a multi-billion dollar business with demanding film roles makes her one of the most successful and versatile members of the *Fantastic Four* cast.
Ioan Gruffudd and Michael Chiklis: Television Veterans with New Roles
Ioan Gruffudd and Michael Chiklis, who played Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic) and Ben Grimm (The Thing), respectively, have found their greatest success in the world of television, and their 2024-2025 projects continue that legacy.
Ioan Gruffudd: The Constant Professional
Ioan Gruffudd has maintained a steady career, balancing film and prestige television. He is well-known for his lead roles in TV series like *Forever*, *Liar*, and the Australian hit *Harrow*. As of 2025, Gruffudd continues to thrive professionally, with steady acting projects on his schedule, reinforcing his reputation as a reliable and versatile actor in both the UK and US markets. His focus on complex, character-driven serial dramas differentiates his post-*Fantastic Four* career path.
Michael Chiklis: From The Shield to Hotel Cocaine
Michael Chiklis, already a household name from his Emmy-winning role in *The Shield*, has continued to dominate television. In 2024, Chiklis starred in the new thriller series *Hotel Cocaine*, playing a character named Agent Zulia. The show is set in the epicenter of the Miami cocaine scene in the 1970s and '80s.
On the film side, Chiklis has a major release coming in March 2025 with the film The Senior, based on a true story about Mike Flynt. Furthermore, Chiklis has been gracious about the new generation of Marvel actors, publicly giving his endorsement to the cast of the upcoming MCU film, *The Fantastic Four: First Steps*, demonstrating his respect for the legacy of the character.
Julian McMahon and Kerry Washington: Supporting Cast, Leading Careers
The careers of the supporting cast are equally impressive, showcasing significant topical authority in their respective fields.
- Julian McMahon (Doctor Doom): After his memorable turn as the villainous Doctor Doom and a successful run on *Nip/Tuck*, McMahon was the star of the CBS series *FBI: Most Wanted*, playing team leader Jess LaCroix. In 2025, McMahon was on the red carpet at SXSW to promote his new film, The Surfer, confirming his active status in the indie film circuit alongside his television work.
- Kerry Washington (Alicia Masters): Kerry Washington's career has flourished, particularly with her iconic role in *Scandal*. In 2024, she starred in and executive-produced the Netflix WWII drama The Six Triple Eight, about a Black female mail battalion. This project highlights her commitment to telling important historical stories. Washington is also attached to the new action film Shadow Force, which premiered at the 2025 Atlanta Film Festival, further solidifying her status as a powerful actor, producer, and director.
The entire ensemble of the Fantastic Four (2005) cast has demonstrated remarkable career longevity. They have successfully transitioned from a 2000s superhero franchise to a diverse array of modern, high-demand projects, ensuring their relevance to a new generation of film and television enthusiasts.
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