The 'Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker' star is reportedly close to landing the lead role of Reed Richards in the upcoming film, which will be part of Marvel Cinematic Universe.
- Apr 20, 2023
AceShowbiz - Adam Driver will likely be the new Mister Fantastic. The long-gestating "Fantastic Four (2025)" reboot has reportedly made progress by nearing a deal with the 39-year-old actor to star in the film.
Bringing the scoop was reporter Daniel Richtman, who claimed that the "Girls" alum is currently in final talks to take the lead role of Reed Richards a.k.a. Mr. Fantastic. While there had been prior rumors that Driver was the frontrunner to play the superhero with super stretching abilities, Marvel will likely not make any official announcement of the cast until the San Diego Comic-Con in July.
Mr. Fantastic was previously portrayed by Ioan Gruffudd in "Fantastic Four" (2005) and its sequel "Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer" (2007), and Miles Teller in the 2015 tanked reboot, "The Fantastic Four".
In 2022's "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness", John Krasinski made a surprise appearance as Mister Fantastic. He once was also rumored to be among those considered to star in the new "Fantastic Four" reboot, but it seems that the studio will not follow through with the plans.
The upcoming reboot will be the first "Fantastic Four" movie set within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which is made possible after Disney acquired 21st Century Fox in 2017. The project experienced a setback after Jon Watts dropped out as director for the film in April 2022.
"Making three 'Spider-Man' films was an incredible and life changing experience for me," Watts said in a statement when announcing his withdrawal. "I'm eternally grateful to have been a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe for seven years. I'm hopeful we'll work together again and I can't wait to see the amazing vision for 'Fantastic Four' brought to life."
Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige responded to Watts decision, "Collaborating with Jon on the 'Spider-Man' films has been a true pleasure. We were looking forward to continuing our work with him to bring the Fantastic Four into the MCU but understand and are supportive of his reasons for stepping away. We are optimistic that we will have the opportunity to work together again at some point down the road."
The new "Fantastic Four" reboot is currently scheduled to be released on February 14, 2025 as part of Phase Six of the MCU.
