Are we finally about to learn which actors will be suiting-up as Marvel's First Family in the upcoming Fantastic Four reboot?
Fans have been waiting years (literally) to find out who will play the heroic quartet in the team's MCU debut, and while this isn't the first time we've heard that the cast was a "lock," a new rumor is claiming that the main role have now been finalized.
According to Daniel Richtman, the "deals are closed" for the four main parts of Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Ben Grimm and Johnny Storm, with an official announcement imminent.
The scooper doesn't mention any names, but the only actor to be reported on by the trades so far is Pedro Pascal, who is believed to have signed on to play Richards, aka Mr. Fantastic. The Game of Thrones alum will most likely be joined by Vanessa Kirby (Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning) as Sue Storm, aka the Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn (Stranger Things) as Johnny Storm, aka the Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Punisher, The Bear) as Ben Grimm, aka the Thing.
We're sure a lot of you will be rolling your eyes at yet another rumor relating to this movie, but with shooting reportedly scheduled to commence between July and August, the studio is going to have to start making some decisions when it comes to these roles, so this time an announced really should be right around the corner.
As for the other major characters, there have been rumors that both Cillian Murphy (Oppenheimer) and Mads Mikkelsen (Rogue One) are top picks to play Doctor Doom, but other actors are sure to be in contention.
The team's most prolific foe is not expected to have a significant role in the reboot (in fact, he may only show up in the post-credits scene), but the villain could well emerge as the new big bad of the Marvel Cinematic Universe - especially after the recent news that Marvel has decided to part ways with Kang actor Jonathan Majors.
Several well-placed sources have claimed that Doom will be one of the main villains of Avengers: Secret Wars.
Javier Bardem is said to be the top choice for Galactus, but his schedule may prevent him from signing on. The Eater of Worlds' herald is believed to be Silver Surfer, but a female take on the character. A recent rumor claimed that Anya Taylor-Joy is being eyed for that role.
Matt Shakman will direct FF from a script by Jeff Kaplan and Ian Springer. Plot details are still under wraps.