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Pedro Pascal’s upcoming debut as Reed Richards in The Fantastic Four: First Steps marks a significant new chapter in his already diverse career — and he’s bringing his signature depth and creativity to the role. In his interview with ComicBook, Pascal emphasized that, despite the physicality of Mr. Fantastic’s powers, it’s the character’s intellect that drew him in most. Calling Reed “a brain character,” he even revealed a unique personal touch: channeling the “brilliance of an octopus” into his performance — not literally, but subconsciously.
Pascal’s comparison highlights his thoughtful approach. Just as octopuses are known for their intelligence and problem-solving skills, Reed Richards is often considered one of the smartest characters in the Marvel universe. It’s a subtle, symbolic connection that speaks to how Pascal internalizes roles beyond surface traits.
This marks Pascal’s first time portraying a character directly lifted from classic comic book lore, and it’s clearly a different challenge from his previous roles in The Mandalorian or The Last of Us. Those characters often relied on physicality or emotional vulnerability, while Reed Richards requires a cerebral intensity — something Pascal seems eager to tap into.
The recently released teaser for The Fantastic Four: First Steps also hints at high stakes, with Reed’s scientific work potentially triggering Galactus’s interest in Earth — a classic Marvel setup that blends cosmic spectacle with deeply personal stakes.