Tom Ellis on Auditioning for Reed Richards in MCU

Lucifer star Tom Ellis recently revealed he was a contender for the coveted role of Reed Richards in Marvel's The Fantastic Four: First Steps, and he's totally cool about how it went down.

TL;DR

Tom Ellis (from Lucifer fame) auditioned for the role of Reed Richards, also known as Mr. Fantastic, in Marvel's The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
The highly sought-after role ultimately went to the incredibly busy Pedro Pascal, known for his work in The Last of Us and The Mandalorian.
Ellis shared his positive, philosophical outlook on the acting industry and the excitement of "what-if" scenarios, even when roles don't pan out.

Unpacking the Buzz: Tom Ellis's Near Miss as Marvel's Mr. Fantastic

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Imagine a world where the charming devil himself, Tom Ellis, stretched into the role of Reed Richards, leader of Marvel's First Family. Well, it turns out that scenario was closer to reality than many fans knew! The actor, beloved for his six-season run as Lucifer Morningstar, recently dropped the exciting news that he was in the running for the highly anticipated role of Mr. Fantastic in the MCU's The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

While Pedro Pascal ultimately secured the part, Ellis's revelation has certainly sparked a fresh wave of "what if" discussions across the internet. It's not everyday an actor from one major comic book universe (DC's The Sandman, via Lucifer) comes so close to leaping into another (Marvel's cinematic powerhouse)!

The Casting Call: How Tom Ellis Saw Himself as Reed Richards

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In a recent chat with Square Mile, Ellis opened up about the audition process for the brilliant scientist. He wasn't just casually considered; he was part of an exclusive group asked to submit audition tapes for the role. And for Ellis, this wasn't just another try-out; it felt different.

"There was a select group of people that got asked to tape for Reed Richards," Ellis shared. "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."

That personal connection to the character's visual, especially for a role as iconic as Reed Richards, clearly resonated with Ellis, making the opportunity even more significant for him.

"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 (via Square Mile)

A Smooth Transition: Pedro Pascal Takes the Helm with Ellis's Blessing

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Despite Ellis's strong interest and perceived physical resemblance to the comic book character, the role of Reed Richards in director Matt Shakman's The Fantastic Four: First Steps ultimately went to the incredibly in-demand Pedro Pascal. Pascal, a fan favorite from shows like The Last of Us and The Mandalorian, officially stepped into the shoes previously cameo-worn by John Krasinski in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

Ellis, ever the good sport, took the news in stride, even cracking a joke about Pascal's jam-packed schedule. "I mean to be fair, he's not in much," Ellis quipped, likely referring to how busy Pascal has been with a string of high-profile projects. He quickly added, "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 respect for a fellow actor.

Pascal, for his part, has expressed immense gratitude for landing such a monumental role, describing it as "the crown at the top of the mountain" in his career, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with colleagues and the creative team.

From Lucifer to the Leader: Why Fans Are Hypothesizing a Different Reed Richards

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While Pascal's portrayal of Reed Richards in The Fantastic Four: First Steps has garnered discussion among fans and critics, Ellis's revelation has certainly opened the door to a lively "what if" debate. Some fans have taken to social media, imagining Ellis in the role and pointing out several compelling reasons why he might have been an excellent fit for Mr. Fantastic.

A Striking Visual Match: Many argue that Ellis, with his distinct look and ability to grow a cropped beard, more closely resembles the classic 1960s and 70s Reed Richards from the comics than Pascal's iteration.
Master of Flawed Characters: Ellis's most iconic role as Lucifer Morningstar showcased his knack for playing complex, deeply flawed anti-heroes with undeniable charm. Reed Richards, despite his genius, often exhibits a certain arrogance and can be emotionally distant, traits Ellis has proven he can portray with depth.
Commanding Screen Presence: From his time as the Lord of Hell, Ellis has demonstrated an ability to command a room, captivating audiences without uttering a single word. This natural authority and charisma would suit Reed Richards' intellectual gravitas perfectly.
Adding Arrogant Depth: Some viewers felt that Pascal's Reed Richards lacked a certain "arrogant depth" that is inherent to the comic book character. Ellis, with his experience playing Lucifer, could have brought that subtle hint of pride and self-importance that Reed sometimes possesses, adding another layer to the character's genius.

This isn't to diminish Pascal's performance but rather to highlight the fascinating possibilities and the rich discussions that arise when a beloved actor like Ellis reveals a near-miss with an iconic character.

Life After Auditions: Tom Ellis's Continued Hollywood Adventures

Even though the Reed Richards role wasn't in the cards, Tom Ellis has hardly been idle. Since wrapping up Lucifer, which was famously rescued by Netflix after its initial run on Fox, he's continued to build an impressive resume. He recently joined the star-studded cast of Netflix's crime mystery The Thursday Murder Club, working alongside legends like Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan.

Additionally, Ellis has graced the small screen in a couple of recent Hulu shows: the historical drama Washington Black and the romantic drama Tell Me Lies. His consistent work across various genres proves his versatility and continued demand in Hollywood, whether he's playing the literal devil or a sophisticated mystery solver.

The Future of Marvel's First Family in the MCU

For those eager to catch The Fantastic Four: First Steps, the film was released last July and has already made a splash, reportedly earning $522 million at the box office. It's currently available on Digital, Blu-ray, and 4K UHD, with a Disney+ streaming release expected soon, allowing everyone to see Pedro Pascal's take on Mr. Fantastic.

And don't worry, this isn't the last we'll see of Pascal's Reed Richards and the rest of the Fantastic Four. Marvel Studios has big plans for them, with confirmed appearances in upcoming blockbusters like Avengers: Doomsday and a strong likelihood of them playing a crucial role in Avengers: Secret Wars, which is set to conclude the Multiverse Saga.

It's an exciting time for Marvel fans, and while Tom Ellis might not be stretching across the MCU as Mr. Fantastic, his candidness about the audition process reminds us of the countless "what-if" moments that shape our favorite cinematic universes. It's all part of the magic of Hollywood!

Frequently Asked Questions About The Fantastic Four: First Steps When was The Fantastic Four: First Steps released? The Fantastic Four: First Steps was released in July 2025. Who plays Reed Richards in The Fantastic Four: First Steps? Pedro Pascal plays the role of Reed Richards, also known as Mr. Fantastic, in the film. Where can I watch The Fantastic Four: First Steps? The movie is available on Digital, Blu-ray, and 4K UHD. A release on Disney+ is expected soon. Will Pedro Pascal's Reed Richards appear in other MCU movies? Yes, Pedro Pascal's Reed Richards and other Fantastic Four members are set to appear in future MCU films, including Avengers: Doomsday and likely Avengers: Secret Wars. Sources