Original Fantastic Four Stars Would Love to Return for Marvel's Secret Wars

The OG Mr. Fantastic and The Thing, Ioan Gruffudd and Michael Chiklis, just spilled the tea at New York Comic Con, talking about their iconic roles and their absolute willingness to jump back into the MCU for Avengers: Secret Wars. Get ready for some serious nostalgia and behind-the-scenes struggles!

TL;DR

• Michael Chiklis (The Thing) and Ioan Gruffudd (Mr. Fantastic) are officially on board to reprise their roles for Avengers: Secret Wars.
• Chiklis shared harrowing details about the infamous Thing suit, which caused severe claustrophobia and almost made him quit.
• The panel highlighted their enduring bond, reflections on the films' legacy, and the growing fan appreciation for the original movies.

Back to the Baxter Building: A Fantastic Reunion at NYCC

New York Comic Con brought together a dynamic duo from the past: Ioan Gruffudd and Michael Chiklis, known to a generation of Marvel fans as Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic) and Ben Grimm (The Thing) from the 2005 and 2007 Fantastic Four films. During their "Back to the Baxter Building" panel, moderated by Ashley Robinson, they not only walked down memory lane but also dropped a bombshell that has fans buzzing: they’re totally in for Avengers: Secret Wars!

It’s been almost two decades since the first film, and while these movies might have had a mixed reception initially, they’ve certainly found a fond place in many hearts over the years. This panel wasn't just a trip down memory lane; it was a candid look at the challenges and triumphs of bringing Marvel's First Family to life long before the MCU as we know it even existed.

The Thing Suit Ordeal: How Michael Chiklis Almost Quit

Imagine wearing a costume so uncomfortable, so restrictive, that you nearly walk off set. That’s exactly what Michael Chiklis faced as The Thing. He kicked off the panel by detailing the grueling five-hour process it took for the costume team to transform him into the rocky hero. "The first one took five hours to get into," he explained, "I would show up at three in the morning and basically lay down and fall asleep while they worked on my face, and for an eight o’clock call."

But the time commitment was just the start. The suit itself was a nightmare of claustrophobia. Chiklis described it vividly: "Once they locked the Thing with the glue, I couldn’t get out of it. Once they glued the hands on, I’m trapped in this suit with no zipper." He elaborated on the physical toll, noting the thick latex chest didn't breathe at all, causing his body temperature to skyrocket and triggering panic. "I’m not claustrophobic at all. But in that situation, I was," he admitted.

"The first day that they put it on me, I spoke to my wife, 'I think I’m going to have to quit because I don’t know if I can do this, really.' And we called the psychiatrist, and I had to speak to the psychiatrist and say, 'I’ve never quit anything in my life. I don’t know if I can do this.' And she said, 'Okay, let me help you out.'"

– Michael Chiklis on his Thing suit experience

It got so bad that a psychiatrist had to intervene to help him cope. Even with professional help, Chiklis recounted two occasions where he "flipped out" and demanded to be let out, costing production valuable hours. While the second film's suit was "much better," the initial experience left a lasting impression. It's a powerful reminder of the hidden struggles actors sometimes face to bring beloved characters to life.

Ioan Gruffudd's Masterful American Accent & The Fantastic Chemistry

While Chiklis battled latex and claustrophobia, Ioan Gruffudd had his own unique challenge: perfecting Reed Richards' American accent. Hailing from Wales, Gruffudd shared that he grew up immersed in American culture, watching shows like Airwolf and The A-Team, which helped him develop a natural ear. Still, becoming Mr. Fantastic required dedicated work with a dialect coach.

"It’s important to find the character’s voice authentically," Gruffudd explained. He focused on ensuring the voice and accent married Reed’s intelligent, honorable persona. He even treated the NYCC crowd to a brief, spot-on "Reed voice," proclaiming, "I’m one of the greatest minds of the 21st century."

Both actors fondly recalled the strong bond formed during filming and global promotions. "When you’re immersed in something like that for almost six months, and then you travel the world promoting it, you do become a family," Gruffudd said. This camaraderie clearly shines through, even years later, underscoring the "blood, sweat and tears" that went into making the films.

Will We See the Original Fantastic Four in Avengers: Secret Wars?

Now for the question on every Marvel fan's mind: could these original Fantastic Four stars make a comeback in the sprawling Multiverse Saga? With Avengers: Secret Wars slated for December 17, 2027, the multiverse concept opens the door wide for familiar faces from past Marvel iterations. We've already seen Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield in Spider-Man: No Way Home, Hugh Jackman returning for Deadpool & Wolverine, and Chris Evans's brief, fiery cameo as a Human Torch variant.

When asked about reprising their roles, both Gruffudd and Chiklis gave an enthusiastic "Absolutely!" Chiklis even channeled his inner Ben Grimm, declaring, "It's clobberin' time!" to thunderous applause. The sentiment for their return is certainly strong, especially as nostalgia for their films grows.

However, the article notes that any cameo in Secret Wars should serve a strong narrative purpose, not just be fan service. While Chris Evans's Human Torch met a rather "grisly end" in Deadpool & Wolverine, there's always the possibility of other variants or even his Captain America character crossing paths with his original Fantastic Four teammates. The potential for a multi-versal team-up with the new MCU Fantastic Four (from The Fantastic Four: First Steps, due next year) is definitely an exciting prospect!

Reflecting on a Superhero Legacy and the Art of Acting

Beyond the suit struggles and comeback hopes, the panel offered a thoughtful reflection on the unique challenges and rewards of an acting career, especially in a world where "everybody who has thumbs and an opinion" can share their thoughts online. Chiklis admitted that negative criticisms could be "incredibly hurtful," requiring actors to develop a "Teflon skin." Yet, he emphasized the need to shed that defense when the camera rolls, remaining "an available, open vessel."

Gruffudd echoed this, highlighting the continuous learning process for actors. He noted that he watches his own performances to learn and grow, often realizing he needs to "trust myself more" and not "force it." Their candidness about the emotional toll and personal growth gained from their experiences offered a valuable peek behind the superhero curtain.

In lighter moments, Chiklis shared a relatable story of his mother accidentally throwing out his valuable comic book collection, including a copy of Fantastic Four #1! Both also revealed their dream roles: Chiklis yearns to play Richard III, while Gruffudd dreams of being a Western hero. These insights remind us that behind the rock-hard exterior and stretchy powers are genuine artists who bring their whole selves to every role.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About the Fantastic Four's Future

When is Avengers: Secret Wars coming out? Avengers: Secret Wars is currently scheduled for release on December 17, 2027. Will the original Fantastic Four cast actually return to the MCU? While Michael Chiklis and Ioan Gruffudd have expressed absolute willingness, their return is not officially confirmed by Marvel Studios. The multiverse storyline does make it a strong possibility for Avengers: Secret Wars. Who are the current actors cast in the new MCU Fantastic Four movie? The article mentions "the current Fantastic Four team to be present in both that upcoming Marvel movie and next year’s Avengers: Doomsday," but does not list specific names. Details for the new cast are generally revealed closer to the film's release. Where can I watch the original 2005 Fantastic Four and 2007 Rise of the Silver Surfer movies? Streaming availability often changes, but these films are typically available on platforms that carry 20th Century Fox/Marvel titles, such as Disney+ or through digital rental/purchase services.

Sources:

• Original ‘Fantastic Four’ Stars Ioan Gruffudd and Michael Chiklis Would ‘Absolutely’ Return as Mr. Fantastic and Thing in ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ (Oct 9, 2025)
• Original Fantastic Four Star Michael Chiklis Nearly Quit Playing the Thing Because of the Suit (Oct 9, 2025)
• Original Fantastic Four Stars Open to MCU Return for Secret Wars (Oct 9, 2025)