While Marvel Studios' Fantastic Four reboot has faced some setbacks, including the loss of original director Jon Watts and a release date delay, the movie is starting to take shape. Jeff Kaplan and Ian Springe are penning the screenplay, while WandaVision's Matt Shakman is now at the helm.
All signs point to Jon Krasinski not returning as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, meaning we have no idea who will play Marvel's First Family in the MCU.
With the team expected to be a huge part of this shared world moving forward, these have quickly become four of the most highly sought-after roles in Hollywood. Johnny Storm, a.k.a. the Human Torch, is among them and we may know of at least one actor who hopes to "Flame On!"
According to Jeff Sneider on The Hot Mic podcast, Austin Butler's (Elvis) agents have been "putting him up for Human Torch" in Fantastic Four. It sounds like casting has already begun, with Sneider adding that the X-Men and Fantastic Four are two franchises "all the actors in town want to be part of."
It's previously been reported that Diego Luna and Adam Driver are both being eyed to play Mister Fantastic, while Lily James and Jodie Comer's names have been linked to the Invisible Woman. Until now, we've heard very little about plans for the Human Torch (and absolutely nothing regarding The Thing), but here's hoping that changes as we head into 2023.
In terms of plot details, Doctor Doom, Galactus, and Silver Surfer are all rumoured to be part of the reboot, though it's arguably far too early to start getting excited about that when the script is still being written. Recently, Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania director said the concept art he's seen for Fantastic Four has left him convinced the movie will be "great."
Fantastic Four is set to be released in theaters on February 14, 2025.