Pedro Pascal Fires Back at 'Fantastic Four' Casting Critics
Pedro Pascal is no stranger to fan opinions, but the reaction to his role as Reed Richards has been intense. The actor opens up about the constant criticism he faces, while new details emerge about the film's surprisingly low budget and his touching tribute to a lifelong friend.
Pedro Pascal has heard the noise surrounding his casting as Reed Richards in *The Fantastic Four: First Steps*. The actor acknowledged the widespread fan reaction in a recent interview, making it clear he's seen the online chatter.
“I’m more aware of disgruntlement around my casting than anything I’ve ever done,” Pascal admitted. The common criticisms flooding social media are pointed: “He’s too old. He’s not right. He needs to shave.”
A Co-Star's Staunch Defense
However, his co-star Vanessa Kirby, who plays Sue Storm, offered a powerful counterpoint to the online chatter. She praised Pascal's vulnerability and authenticity as an actor, suggesting it's what makes him perfect for the part.
“He doesn’t have much armor, so he shows himself to you straight away, and you trust that person because he’s revealing himself to you in this very brave way,” Kirby explained. Her sentiment echoes what many of Pascal's colleagues have said about working with him, highlighting his ability to bring depth and humanity to his roles.
Marvel's Most Frugal Film?
Adding another layer to the conversation, recent production filings from the U.K. indicate that *The Fantastic Four: First Steps* might be the most economically produced MCU movie filmed in Britain in the last ten years. The film, which captures a 1960s retro-futuristic aesthetic with classic flying cars and mid-century skylines, was shot at Pinewood Studios outside London.
By leveraging the U.K.'s Audio-Visual Expenditure Credit, which can reimburse up to 25.5% of qualifying local spending, the production managed to keep its budget in check. These documents show the movie was made for significantly less than other Marvel projects shot in the U.K., positioning it as one of Disney's most budget-conscious superhero films yet.
Pascal's Touching Tribute to a Lifelong Friend
While his professional choices stir up debate, Pascal's personal life reveals a much softer side, particularly his enduring bond with Sarah Paulson. Their friendship goes back over thirty years to 1993, when they were both 18-year-olds trying to make it in New York City.
Though the 50-year-old actor was unable to attend Paulson's Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony on December 2, 2025, he made sure his support was felt through a heartfelt written tribute read by Amanda Peet. “To Sarah, I’ll just say there is no me without you,” Pascal wrote. “Without you, I wouldn’t believe in the moon or the sun in the sky. You are the opening in the road. You are the decorated forest, and most importantly, you’re my friend, and I’m yours eternally.”
*The Fantastic Four: First Steps* is currently streaming on Disney+.