It's no secret that the Fantastic Four have had their cinematic struggles. Marvel's First Family was initially scheduled to debut in a 1994 Roger Corman flick, but in an indicator of what was to come, things fell apart. The bootleg version that exists today is pitifully clumsy, poorly acted, and worst of all: comparable to the films that followed.
A goofy reboot in 2005 (and its 2007 sequel) struck big at the box office but stunk it up with fans. A second reboot in 2015 attempted to break the mold with a gritty, youthful take on the characters, only to rank among Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) would want their original team back on home turf.
To be clear, there has been no news regarding Marvel's acquisition of the FF rights. As of now, they remain with 20th Century Fox (despite avid petition). We're not even saying that the team should be rebooted again. This list is merely a "What If" scenario meant to offer three options for each role and inspire your own dreamcast lineups!
Here is Screen Rant's What If The Fantastic Four Was Cast In The MCU?
15. Reed Richards - John Krasinski
John Krasinksi has been in finalist for the role of Captain America in 2010. He lost out, funnily enough, to former Human Torch Chris Evans, but we feel his skills would actually be better served as resident egghead Mr. Fantastic. While Evans continues to be a definite Cap, Krasinski's quirky delivery and physical limberness (as seen in this clip from Spike's Lip Sync Battle) are a fantastic match for Reed.
Krasinski has spent the last few years in a transitional period, making the jump from TV to film with things like Away We Go (2009), Office headliner into the stars.
14. Reed Richards - Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Joseph Gordon-Levitt has become the movie star's groomsman. He's made a career out of playing second fiddle in blockbusters like fell through in 2015, forcing the screen favorite to continue his search for a signature role. Reed Richards could very well be that career-definer.
At 34 years-old, JGL is on the younger side, but a reboot that followed the precedent of a younger team could work perfectly. His natural inclination towards nerdiness, as seen in films like Snowden (2016), would bring a sweet nature to the stretchy superhero. As an added bonus, the actor's fanboy cred is already through the roof with the aforementioned titles (Inception, Dark Knight) under his belt. Gordon-Levitt is arguably the safest choice to play Reed, but that doesn't mean he couldn't also be the best.
13. Reed Richards - Glenn Howerton
This is the first choice on our list that will catch readers off guard, as Glenn Howerton is best known for writing, producing, and starring in the FXX series It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005-). In it, he plays Dennis Reynolds, the vain, often selfish, co-owner of Paddy's bar. It's far more cynical than anything in the MCU, but even hints of this persona could pose interesting options for a new Reed Richards.
In the 2015 version, Miles Teller attempted to bring more flaws to the Reed character -- a choice that was unique, albeit not fully executed. Howerton could bring similar imperfection to the role while providing a better balance. Given Fantastic Four’s history and their emphasis on science fiction, it would be an overall benefit to a franchise setting. He's definitely got the look, age range (40), and enunciated speaking voice to sell the egghead bit. Plus, if Howerton gets the role, we might get to see Danny DeVito pop up as the Moleman!
12. Sue Storm - Rosamund Pike
Rosamund Pike gave a tour-de-force performance in 2014's Gone Girl. As the title character, she played kind, intelligent, and unmistakably strong in the face of danger all at the same time. Granted, she created the danger as means for murder and blackmail, but that's neither nor there. The point is, Pike has serious range, and has somehow been overlooked as a household name, despite having an Academy Award nomination to her name. Sue Storm would be an opportune part to break into the big time.
In the past, Sue has been shown as the group stickler, staying behind in the 2015 reboot and (*sigh*) arguing over marriage plans in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007). An actress of Pike's talents, as seen in films like The Libertine (2004), An Education (2009), and Barney’s Version (2010), would do away with all this ridiculous filler. She could provide Sue with the kind of charismatic leadership that’s strong without being a buzzkill to her teammates. She could also for a legit scientist -- an attribute that mid-2000s Jessica Alba never really had.
11. Sue Storm - Carey Mulligan
Carey Mulligan, like Joseph Gordon-Levitt, is one project away from stardom. She's lent her talents to Thor).
Sue Storm would allow Mulligan to make a seamless transition into the genre. Rarely frantic or abrasive onscreen, she could lend a subtle gravitas to Sue that quietly empowers the character. And while Mulligan has played ingenues in the past (The Great Gatsby), her ability to play strong-willed while complementing those around her would only elevate the team's overall chemistry. Picking her up would be a definite win for the MCU.
10. Sue Storm - Eliza Coupe
Here's another pick from out of left field, this time from the ABC comedy Happy Endings (2011-13). Eliza Coupe played Jane Kerkovich-Williams during the show’s brief tenure, drawing praise for her neurotic, perfectionist performance. Personality is clearly something she’s got plenty of, and we think dropping her into the MCU’s witty environment would be a smooth addition. Coupe’s ability to banter could play wonders if ever placed alongside guys like Tony Stark, Stephen Strange, or even Scott Lang. She’s definitely got no problem playing with the boys.
Elsewhere, her control freak persona in Happy Endings would go a long way in mediating between her brother Johnny and the team's fourth member, Ben Grimm, two heroes known for bumping heads. It’s something we haven’t gotten to see much of onscreen, but a proper handling of this responsibility could lead to some actual character depth. For those unsure of her dramatic chops, Coupe has shown off her range with a recurring role on the ABC thriller Quantico.
9. Johnny Storm - Sam Claflin
This one writes itself. As Finnick, the smug spear-wielder in Catching Fire to put the moves on Katniss, he plays it with such smug delight it's almost irritating. Claflin keeps things balanced, however, and his bits of comion throughout the film eventually win us over. He plays Finnick as someone who fully enjoys his privileges, but is still attuned to helping others.
All these things would make for a definitive Johnny Storm. Claflin’s acting quirks play right into the character’s wheelhouse, while his chiseled physique and youthful look do the comic artwork justice. Besides, given his work in The Hunger Games and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2014), it’s high time this 30-year-old land a bigger franchise part. The only needed change would be swapping Finnick’s silver suit for a royal blue.
8. Johnny Storm - Rami Malek
Rami Malek has seen a steady rise in Hollywood, from Mr. Robot, where he’s earned a Critics’ Choice Award and a Primetime Emmy for his portrayal of the troubled hacker Elliot Anderson. Malek plays the role with crippling social anxiety and a distrust of the government -- not exactly the type of free spirit intended for Johnny Storm.
That being said, Malek could pose an eccentric take on the Fantastic Four’s resident hothead. His ability to make characters naturally complex (no doubt aided by his haunting eyes) would provide Johnny with newfound depth, while allowing Malek to bring more swagger to a role than we’ve ever seen before. And let’s be honest; with Bohemian Rhapsody set for 2017, this guy is about to be a star. Marvel should snatch him up while they can.
7. Johnny Storm - Damon Wayans, Jr.
Regardless of your feelings on whether or not the younger Storm sibling needs to be portrayed by a blond-haired white guy, it's hard to deny that Damon Wayans Jr. would be a natural fit for the character. The television star of shows like The Underground (2006), Happy Endings (2011-13) and New Girl (2011-16) would bring a comedic energy to Johnny Storm that could balance out the team’s nerdier tendencies.
Wayans has done cocky before (particularly on New Girl), and he carries the same likable goofiness that made his dad a star in On Living Color. His casting is probably the most “out there” of our listed entries, but at the same time, it’s something that could shake this dormant franchise awake. In any event, he's a much better fit for this than his uncle Marlon was for Robin the Boy Wonder, a role he was heavily considered for back when Tim Burton and Joel Schumacher were at the helm of the much worse than Chris O'Donnell, right?
6. Ben Grimm - Vin Diesel
While he may be the voice (or sentence) of Groot in Fast & Furious star as a prime candidate. Grimm is characterized by his no-nonsense attitude, gruff speaking voice, and street smarts. If one takes away the part about being mutated into a rock monster, these attributes apply perfectly to Diesel’s movie star image.
Diesel is also a veteran when it comes to franchises, having starred in XxX saga. His box office appeal is undeniable, and casting him in such a crowd-pleasing role would only elevate the chances of a Fantastic Four reboot's success. Besides, with a voice that sounds like gravel, it seems fitting he would play a hero who turns into rock.