Lucifer's Tom Ellis: Near-Miss for Marvel's Mr. Fantastic

Tom Ellis, famously known as the charming devil from Lucifer, recently shared how close he came to stretching into the iconic role of Mr. Fantastic for Marvel's The Fantastic Four: First Steps, a part that ultimately went to the ever-busy Pedro Pascal. It's a "what if" scenario that has fans buzzing!

TL;DR

Tom Ellis, star of Lucifer, auditioned for the role of Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic) in Marvel's The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
He felt a strong personal connection to the character's look from the comics, but the coveted part went to Pedro Pascal.
The news has sparked a lively debate among fans, with many suggesting Ellis would have been a fantastic (pun intended!) choice for the leader of Marvel's First Family.

The Quest for Mr. Fantastic: How Tom Ellis Entered the Fray for Marvel's Iconic Role

Okay, Marvel fans, grab your popcorn because we've got some juicy casting news that's just dropped! Imagine this: the charming, witty, and devilishly handsome Tom Ellis, fresh off his incredible run as Lucifer Morningstar, almost suited up as the brilliant, stretchy scientist, Reed Richards. Yes, you read that right! Before Pedro Pascal officially snagged the role of Mr. Fantastic in the highly anticipated The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Ellis was among a select group of actors vying for the part.

The latest iteration of the Fantastic Four has been one of the most talked-about projects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) for ages. Fans have been eagerly speculating about who would play Marvel's First Family, and the role of Reed Richards, the team's intellectual powerhouse and leader, is arguably the most crucial. Names like Dev Patel, Matt Smith, and Adam Driver were all tossed around in the rumor mill, adding to the immense pressure and excitement surrounding the casting process.

Ellis recently opened up about his experience in an interview with Square Mile, giving us a fascinating peek behind the curtain of Hollywood auditions and the sometimes-heartbreaking reality of missing out on a dream role. It's not every day an actor gets a shot at a character as legendary as Mr. Fantastic, and Ellis's reflections show just how much it meant to him.

A Glimpse into the Audition Room: Ellis's Thoughts on Reed Richards and the Comic Book Look

Lucifer Star Tom Ellis Nearly Embodied Reed Richards in Marvel's Fantastic Four image 3

When you picture Reed Richards, you likely imagine a certain look, a certain demeanor – intelligent, perhaps a bit arrogant, and undeniably iconic. According to Tom Ellis, he saw a lot of himself in that image. "There was a select group of people that got asked to tape for Reed Richards," he revealed in the Square Mile interview. He'd been patiently waiting for a role that truly resonated, something that felt like the right fit both in terms of timing and character. And when the opportunity for Reed Richards came knocking, it seems to have hit all the right notes for him.

Ellis's connection to the character wasn't just about the prestige of joining the MCU; it was about a perceived physical resemblance. "I remember looking at the photo of Richards in the comics and going, 'this could be the one.' We look quite similar," he explained. This personal connection, envisioning himself in the role, likely fueled his passion during the audition process. It's a common sentiment for actors – that moment when a character just clicks and you feel like you were born to play them. For Ellis, Reed Richards was that moment.

"There was a select group of people that got asked to tape for Reed Richards. I had been waiting for the right thing, timing-wise and character-wise, to come along. And I remember looking at the photo of Richards in the comics and going, 'this could be the one.' We look quite similar."

— Tom Ellis, on auditioning for Reed Richards

From Lucifer to the Leader of Marvel's First Family? What Could Have Been in the MCU

It's easy to see why fans are now imagining a Tom Ellis-led Fantastic Four. His portrayal of Lucifer Morningstar showcased a perfect blend of charm, intellect, and a certain mischievous arrogance – qualities that could easily translate to Reed Richards, a character often depicted as brilliant but sometimes socially awkward or overconfident in his own genius. The idea of Ellis bringing that unique flair to the MCU's leading scientist is certainly intriguing, and many fans on social media have expressed their excitement (and slight disappointment) at the "what if" scenario.

Despite sending in what we can only assume was a fantastic audition tape, Ellis ultimately learned that the role went to Pedro Pascal. Taking the news in stride, Ellis, with characteristic good humor, joked, "I mean to be fair, he's not in much." He quickly followed up with praise for Pascal, adding, "He's great, though. He is great. I'm looking forward to seeing it. The trailer looks quite fun." It's clear there's no bad blood, just the natural ebb and flow of a highly competitive industry.

The Reigning Mr. Fantastic: Pedro Pascal Takes the Helm of the Fantastic Four

So, the stretchy scientific shoes ultimately went to Pedro Pascal, and honestly, can anyone deny that he's a powerhouse choice? Pascal has become a bona fide superstar, dominating screens large and small with unforgettable roles like Din Djarin in The Mandalorian and Joel Miller in The Last of Us. His casting as Reed Richards was met with widespread excitement, and for good reason.

Pascal himself views this role as a monumental achievement in his already impressive career. Reflecting on his journey through massive franchises like Game of Thrones, Star Wars, and the gaming world of The Last of Us, he described stepping into the MCU as "the kind of crown, top of the mountain." He emphasized the importance of anchoring himself to the partnership with his colleagues and the original authorship of the Fantastic Four story under "basically the best in the business" as an "antidote to the fear and to the pressure." It's a big role, and Pascal is clearly approaching it with both humility and immense dedication.

His performance as Reed Richards has already garnered significant praise from fans and critics alike since the movie's release, proving why he was the studio's ultimate choice. Pascal brings a unique blend of intensity and vulnerability to his characters, which will undoubtedly add fascinating layers to the brilliant but often flawed Mr. Fantastic.

Navigating the Hollywood Hustle: Ellis and Pascal Reflect on Their Journeys and "What If-ness"

The acting world is full of these near-misses, these "what if" moments that shape careers. Tom Ellis's candidness about the Reed Richards audition offers a valuable insight into the mindset of working actors. Even after achieving success with a hit show like Lucifer, the pursuit of compelling roles remains a core drive. "We live for the 'what if-ness' of it," Ellis stated, reflecting on the constant possibility and uncertainty of the industry. "We're all in this industry because we all dreamt about doing it one day. I think we're still all dreamers, and the people who say they're not are either too cynical or they shouldn't be doing it anymore."

This sentiment resonates deeply with anyone chasing a dream. It's the hope of that next perfect role, that next big project, that keeps actors going, even when a highly anticipated part slips through their fingers. Both Ellis and Pascal embody this "dreamer" spirit, continuously pushing their craft and taking on diverse, challenging characters.

Beyond the MCU: Catching Up With Tom Ellis and Pedro Pascal's Other Exciting Projects

Even though Tom Ellis didn't get to stretch into a superhero suit this time, he's far from slowing down! He was recently part of the star-studded ensemble cast in Netflix's crime mystery, The Thursday Murder Club, where he shared the screen with legends like Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan. He's also been busy with two Hulu shows, Washington Black and Tell Me Lies, showcasing his versatility across different genres. And, of course, for many, he'll always be best known for bringing the devilish charm to Lucifer, which, after a successful run on Fox, found a new life and even bigger audience on Netflix.

Pedro Pascal, on the other hand, is practically Hollywood's busiest man, with a calendar packed full of exciting projects. Besides his starring role in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, he's been working on a slate of other high-profile movies, including Materialists, Eddington, The Wild Robot, and the highly anticipated Gladiator 2. On the TV front, fans are eagerly awaiting The Last of Us season 2. Looking ahead, Pascal is also set to appear in Avengers: Doomsday and The Mandalorian & Grogu, both predicted to be massive box office hits in 2026. It's safe to say we'll be seeing a lot of him in the coming years!

Your Guide to Watching The Fantastic Four: First Steps Right Now

So, if all this talk about Reed Richards has you ready to see Pedro Pascal in action, you're in luck! The Fantastic Four: First Steps is now available for you to watch from the comfort of your own home. You can grab your copy on Digital, Blu-ray, and 4K UHD platforms. And for those of you who prefer streaming, keep an eye out, because a Disney+ release is expected very soon! This is your chance to see Pascal's highly praised portrayal of Mr. Fantastic and decide for yourself if he truly earned that "crown, top of the mountain" feeling.

Whether you're a long-time Fantastic Four fan, an admirer of Tom Ellis's work, or just curious about what the latest MCU entry brings, this film promises to be an exciting ride. It’s always fascinating to hear about the actors who almost landed these iconic roles, adding another layer to the rich tapestry of cinematic history. And who knows? Maybe we’ll see Tom Ellis in the MCU in a different capacity someday!

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About The Fantastic Four and Tom Ellis Answered

When was The Fantastic Four: First Steps released?

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is currently available on Digital, Blu-ray, and 4K UHD. A release on Disney+ is expected soon.

Who plays Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic) in The Fantastic Four: First Steps?

Pedro Pascal, known for his roles in The Mandalorian and The Last of Us, plays Reed Richards, also known as Mr. Fantastic.

Is Tom Ellis in any upcoming Marvel projects?

While Tom Ellis auditioned for Reed Richards, he was not cast in The Fantastic Four: First Steps. There are currently no official announcements of him joining any other upcoming Marvel projects, but never say never!