GLADIATOR II Star Paul Mescal Reveals Whether There Was Any Truth To Those FANTASTIC FOUR Casting Rumors

GLADIATOR II Star Paul Mescal Reveals Whether There Was Any Truth To Those FANTASTIC FOUR Casting Rumors

For a time, it looked like Gladiator II star Paul Mescal might be cast as The Fantastic Four: First Steps' Human Torch. The actor has now weighed in on that and possible comic book movie roles in future.

By JoshWilding - Nov 25, 2024 08:11 AM EST
Filed Under: Fantastic Four

For a time, The Fantastic Four: First Steps casting rumours were seemingly never-ending. It reached a point where it became clear Marvel Studios was approaching a lot of names for the reboot, including Gladiator II star Paul Mescal.

Or did they? Despite numerous reports that Mescal was the frontrunner for the role of Johnny Storm/Human Torch, the Irish actor has now denied ever being approached to "Flame On!" in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. 

"No, no, no. No [Laughs]," he said when Josh Horowitz asked if there was any truth to the rumours. "I don't think it's...I don't think it's for me. It's not for me. I think...I wasn't brought up watching those films. I wasn't drawn to them."

"I was more of a Lord of the Rings guy in that sense," Mescal continued. "They weren't films I was drawn to."

A conversation may have been had at one point or another but Mescal has pretty much closed the door on ever playing a superhero with these remarks. It's not for everyone, of course, though two of his Gladiator II co-stars did jump at the chance to join The Fantastic Four: First Steps cast: Pedro Pascal and Joseph Quinn. 

Mescal's star is on the rise following a critically acclaimed turn in All of Us Strangers, and the Gladiator sequel was his first taste of big-budget filmmaking. So, while superheroes appear to be off the table, we could still see him in other high-profile projects. 

As for The Fantastic Four: First Steps, shooting either has or is about to wrap. A trailer could be released before 2024 ends, though Marvel Studios might choose to save that for Captain America: Brave New World next February. 

You can watch the full interview with Mescal in the player below. 

Set against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, Marvel Studios' The Fantastic Four: First Steps introduces Marvel’s First Family—Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) and Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) as they face their most daunting challenge yet.

Forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, they must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). And if Galactus’ plan to devour the entire planet and everyone on it weren’t bad enough, it suddenly gets very personal.

Paul Walter Hauser, John Malkovich, and Natasha Lyonne have been cast in mystery roles. 

Director Matt Shakman worked with both Avatar: The Way of Water co-writer Josh Friedman and WandaVision's Cam Squires on The Fantastic Four: First Steps' screenplay, with Eric Pearson (Black Widow) later coming on board for a final polish.

The movie is set to be released in theaters on July 25, 2025.

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GiverOfInfo
GiverOfInfo - 11/25/2024, 8:23 AM
We already saw a trailer for the new FF tho?
Shivermetimbers
Shivermetimbers - 11/25/2024, 8:41 AM
He was good in Gladiator but not even close to matching his predecessors (Russel crow) screen presence, gravitas, and charisma.
bobevanz
bobevanz - 11/25/2024, 8:45 AM
Gladiator 2 was ass
McMurdo
McMurdo - 11/25/2024, 12:36 PM
@bobevanz - I enjoyed it but it felt like Scott was going through the motions honestly. Bad CGI everywhere.
TheVisionary25
TheVisionary25 - 11/25/2024, 8:56 AM
Things could always change but it’s unfortunate that he atleast right now doesn’t seem interested in doing cbms…

Anyway , I could have seen him work as Johnny but I think Joseph Quinn is the better choice.

He did well with what he had ( for the most part) in Gladiator 2 which I liked overall but was it me or did it feel like his arc was kinda weak , like a lot was perhaps cut out?.
MisterBones
MisterBones - 11/25/2024, 9:28 AM
He was miscast in Gladiator. He was serviceable but in no way matched, not even a remotely closely, Crowe's strength of character.
HAUSMAN01
HAUSMAN01 - 11/25/2024, 10:20 AM
I can still seem him cast in a future MCU role such as User Comment Image Iceman, User Comment Image Ghost Rider,or RIck User Comment Image Jones or DC as User Comment Image Orion, Hourman User Comment Image (Richard Tyler),or Green Arrow
User Comment Image
NinnesMBC
NinnesMBC - 11/25/2024, 11:59 PM
That was honestly a very sincere, down to earth answer. I get what he means and it's okay.

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