Friday, May 14, 2021

Finding the Perfect FANTASTIC FOUR for the Marvel Cinematic Universe

Marvel's First Family is coming back in a film directed by Spider-Man's Jon Watts.  There's been a lot of anticipation as to who will play Marvel's first family and many have gravitated to actors John Krasinski and Emily Blunt as Reed Richards and Sue Storm-Richards. While they're popular choices it seems many forget other actors exist and there are more than just those two fit for the roles. Suitably casting choices for Ben Grimm, Johnny Storm, and Doctor Doom are all as limited. To this end, I've put together a list of various actors for each of the five main characters Marvel fans are excited to see pop in the MCU: Reed Richards, Sue Richards, Johnny Storm, Ben Grimm, and Doctor Doom. So if you're interested in a few interesting choices for Marvel's first family and most dangerous villain then check this out. 

(Marvel's FANTASTIC FOUR comic title head, - Marvel Entertainment, Walt Disney Corporation)

*Disclaimer* The ages reflected in these Breakdowns represent what the actor’s age would be by the end of this month: May, of 2021.

*Disclaimer* For this only two very specific group of performers have been ruled out: Performers who have already played these characters and Performers who have played a role in an MCU Film. While I don’t believe I’ve used anyone who’s appeared in any of the MCU Disney + Series, I have used Actors who’ve appeared in the Netflix Marvel Series as well as Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., because frankly the canonicity of these shows are in question and highly suspect.


Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic [Height: 6’ 1”, Age: 30’s-40’s]: Dr. Reed Richards is a scientist and inventor, better known as Mister Fantastic, who has been considered the smartest man on Earth. He is a polymath with mastery of all the sciences including electrical, mechanical, aerospace engineering, electronics, chemistry, physics, biology and beyond. Richards was exposed to high levels of cosmic radiation along with his best friend Ben Grimm, then girlfriend Sue Storm and her younger brother Johnny Storm, during a trip to space in the stolen rocket, the Marvel-1. The radiation mutated him and his friends, allowing him to stretch and mold his body at will. Together they became the Fantastic Four, a team of adventurers who explored space, time and alternate dimensions and saved the world along the way from science-based threats.

                James Marsden [Height: 5’ 10”, Age: 47, Notable Works: X-Men (Franchise), Superman Returns, Sonic The Hedgehog]: A better actor than he’s ever been given credit for. He’s done some great action and comedic roles and has really shown he has the heart to play a character like Reed. He’s perfect for someone firmly established as a hero in the MCU and would bring a certain level of natural levity with his performance without ever undercutting the drama or action.

                Hugh Dancy [Height: 5’ 10”, Age: 45, Notable Works: King Arthur, Hannibal, Homeland]: One of my all-time favorite actors. He’s a masterful actor who’s done some stunning work and has really shown why he’s so perfect for the role in Hannibal. He’s good at playing characters with quirks and oddities and with a role that allows so much imagination and room to play with Dancy would have it made as an actor. He’s got the talent, look, and presence to be Reed Richards.

                Cillian Murphy [Height: 5’ 7”, Age: 45. Notable Works: The Dark Knight Trilogy, Inception, A Quiet Place Part II]: Often playing quiet and reserved characters, Cillian is a fantastic actor that stands out in a unique way, especially for a role like this. He’s got the presence of that intelligent demeanor and it would be wonderful to interject his reserved nature with a bit of comedy for his roles. He’s got all the talent to pull this role off iconically and would be perfect for Reed.

                Zachary Quinto [Height: 6’ 1”, Age: 43, Notable Works: Star Trek (Kelvin Trilogy), Hotel Artemis, Invincible]: So few times has an actor ever picked a character off from an actor who's been the only actor to ever have played that character and give a perfect performance in it. Zach has done that with Mr. Spock. Zachary is an intelligent actor, he has a lot of range to him. He's a smart actor that could really evolve into the type of character that Reed Richards is. He’s got a certain voice that just fits the Character’s scientific side to a “T”. He’s got the look and he’s as talented as an actor could possibly be and really fits the role. He’s unique as an actor for this role. He’s got a gravitas that makes him Reed Richards.

                James McAvoy [Height: 5’ 7”, Age: 42, Notable Works: X-Men (Franchise), IT: Chapter Two, His Dark Materials]: As an actor from his generation, James is unparalleled. He’s an actor of the caliber the like of Gary Oldman and has always, regardless the role, turned in stunning and perfect performances. He’s obviously fond of Marvel and working with them, despite being adjacent under Fox, but he’s a great actor that would no doubt step into the role and execute it to perfection without effort and would instantly be the only person anyone could see in the role.

                Brandon Routh [Height: 6’ 3”, Age: 41, Notable Works: Superman Returns, Arrowverse (Franchise), 400 Days]: Best known for being the George Lazenby of the Superman Franchise. I myself find him to be an wonderful actor. He's not really had the part that pushed him to his true limits. Playing Superman for him seems oddly natural. But when he's pushed he turns in great performance, he's not an actor putting his skills to the budget but to the heart of the project. After seeing his work as the Atom, it’s been made pretty clear he has the qualities to play a perfect Reed Richards. I believe it would be an incredible step up for him to play Reed and really delve into the character and make it his own.

                Joseph Gordon-Levitt [Height: 5’ 9”, Age: 40, Notable Works: Inception, The Dark Knight Rises, Project Power]: Joseph Gordon-Levitt is an actor who has made his way around Hollywood dedicated to taking roles that he finds fulfilling or story-involved. In Looper he seriously makes you that he's a young Bruce Willis. In Inception you buy him as a genius who can understand the physics of a dream but purposefully turns a blind eye to his friend's problems. I'd certainly feel like He'd be a great Reed Richards, whether he made him seem like an older man or a gave an entirely new take on him.

                Eddie Redmayne [Height: 6’ 0”, Age: 39, Notable Works: The Theory of Everything, The Danish Girl, Fantastic Beats (Trilogy)]: Eddie has been given critical praise for his performance in the role of the Iconic Scientist Stephen Hawking. With such a warming and uplifting performance it would be absolutely easy to see him in the role of Mr. Fantastic. He's got the look and the talent to play the World's 2nd Smartest Man.

                John Behlmann [Height: 6’ 4”, Age: 39, Notable Works: Above All Things, Dead Sound, Riverdale]: This is likely an actor you wouldn’t see on the list but with a commanding self serious attitude and a good sense of comedic timing it would be hard not to think of Behlmann in such a role. He’s really got it all when it comes to casting Reed and would be a unique pluck that would become an icon in the role. He’s got all the talent for a role like this and would be the kind of actor that disappears into the role,

                Tom Pelphrey [Height: 6’ 2”, Age: 38, Notable Works: Banshee, Iron Fist, Mank]: While he was in Iron Fist, it seems the MCU is erasing that period from it’s history, which frees up Pelphrey. He’s a wonderful actor and I’m always stunned by what he can do as an actor and the range he carries in his roles. He’s played just about every type and has always stood out in his work. He’s got the voice, the presence, and the look for the role and would be the comic brought to life as Reed Richards.

                Andrew Garfield [Height: 5’ 10”, Age: 37, Notable Works: The Social Network, The Amazing Spider-Man (Duology), Hacksaw Ridge]: While he may be slated for an appearance in No Way Home (which isn’t confirmed) it’s another universe and it shouldn’t disqualify him from the role. He’s a great actor who has the ability to play that morally good person as well as the too-smart-for-his-own-good scientist who often overtalks and puts his foot in his mouth. Whether they’re aiming for an established or an Origin era Reed Richards, Garfield is the perfect actor for such a task and would stand out as a perfect Reed Richards.

                Adam Driver [Height: 6’ 2”, Age: 37, Notable Works: Star Wars (Sequel Trilogy), Marriage Story, The Report]: After seeing his stunning work in The Report, he’s just perfect. He’s got a sense of awareness with his roles and his characters gets him over-excited in his roles and seeing him bring that to Reed Richards would be refreshing and needed for this version to truly stand out and honor the role. He’s done such great work as an actor and can be taken seriously as a fighter, a team leader, a family man, and as an intelligent good guy. He’s just the perfect choice for the role.

                Ethan Peck [Height: 6’ 1”, Age: 35, Notable Works: In Time, The Honor List, Star Trek Discovery]: Ethan is an interesting and dynamic actor. He’s certainly picked up his grandfather’s talent as an actor. He has a unique way of displaying his character’s intelligence while still having a measure of likability. Putting him in a role that allows him to be intelligent, likable, and to dork it up a bit would really do a measure of good in showing just how good and immersive an actor he is. He’s got the presence, the charm, and the look to play a perfect Reed Richards.

                Oliver Jackson-Cohen [Height: 6’ 3”, Age: 34, Notable Works: The Raven, The Healer, The Invisible Man]: Originally the fan favorite for Moon Knight, Oliver has made quiet a splash in horror, most notably the Netflix series Haunting of Bly Manner. He’s shown himself to be a wonderful actor and has never really played a role like this. This is a role that would really show what he can do as an actor and show how good an actor he is. He’s certainly got he look for the character, and with his talent and eagerness to join the MCU, I’d say a perfect role for him would be Reed Richards.

                Nicholas Hoult [Height: 6’ 3”, Age: 31, Notable Works: X-Men (Franchise), Mad Max: Fury Road, Tolkien]: He’s utterly fantastic as an actor. If you look at his work as Beast you can already see he’s perfect for the role. He’s got the look, the talent, and the age to carry a franchise and play the perfect Reed Richards. He’s really the kind of actor Marvel should be hunting for in the role. Once fans would see him in the role, they would know what makes him so perfect for the character.

                Grant Gustin [Height: 6’ 0”, Age: 31, Notable Works: Glee, The Flash, Krystal]: Not the immediate choice many would go to. Grant as an actor has shown to be incredibly versatile and has worked well in the Comic Book Genre. He has the look for the character and the age to carry a franchise for a number of years. He’s shown he can be both intelligent and earnest, while also balancing action and comedy. There’s no doubt while he might seem an odd choice he would be a great Reed Richards.


Sue Richards/Invisible Woman [Height: 5’ 6”, Age: 30’s-40’s]: Dr. Susan "Sue" Richards (née Storm), aka the Invisible Woman, is an American superpowered adventurer. She was a college student before she was exposed to high levels of cosmic radiation when boyfriend and scientist, Dr. Reed Richards, took her with her younger brother, Johnny Storm and pilot Ben Grimm, into space in the stolen rocket Marvel-1. The radiation mutated her and her friends, turning her invisible and allowing her to create forcefields. Together they became the Fantastic Four, a team of adventurers who explored space, time and alternate dimensions and saved the world along the way from science-based threats.

                Rashida Jones [Height: 5’ 4”, Age: 45, Notable Works: The Office, Parks and Recreations, On the Rocks]: No doubt an odd and possibly controversial choice, Rashida Jones is a strong and fun actress. She’s got a lot of the energy I look for in casting Sue, and she has the comedic range and the emotional range to play such an emotionally demanding role. Seeing her do something different than she’s typically done and putting her in an action heavy role would be a great way to expose her range as an actress and put a spotlight on her talent.

                Michelle Monaghan [Height: 5’ 7”, Age: 45, Notable Works: Mission: Impossible (Franchise), Source Code, Saint Judy]: One of my favorite actresses and someone who should have been in the MCU a long time ago. She’s an actress that has every bit the warmth and charm that Sue has. She has that presence to her that would make her a natural glue holding the team together. Her work as an actress has really gone through many ranges, making her a true asset to the MCU.

                Jessica Chastain [Height: 5’ 4”, Age: 44, Notable Works: Molly’s Game, Sloane, X-Men: Dark Phoenix]: She’s a wonderful actress. She’s been wanted for a number of roles, and she’s open to doing a comic book movie only if she wasn’t the damsel in distress. I can’t blame her, she’s an actress she wants something to do. A role she’s perfect for is Sue, she’s very much intelligent and confident enough to really play this character. She was phenomenal in Interstellar and it absolutely convinced me she was perfect for Sue. Giving her a character that has such deep roots with the team and giving her something to do, she would be absolutely perfect.

                January Jones [Height: 5’ 6”, Age: 43, Notable Works: Mad Men, X-Men First Class, Spinning Out]: While many didn’t find her to be a good Emma Frost, she’s still a top caliber actress. She has a stunning string of great performances and has the look of the character. She’s got the presence to play the role and give it every bit the vim and vigor to be iconic in the role.  

                Rose Byrne [Height: 5’ 6”, Age: 41, Notable Works: Insidious (Franchise), X-Men (Franchise), Instant Family]: Rose is a terrific actress. Between her work in X-Men and Instant Family she’s shown to play intelligent and peaceful characters that can work in the constant moving family dynamic. She’s got the presence, talent, and look to play the role perfectly and she has the right appeal as an actress for such a role. There’s no doubt she’s perfect for the role.

                Rachel Nichols [Height: 5’ 10”, Age: 41, Notable Works: G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra, Titans, Breach]: A great actress that just hasn’t really been given her due. She’s got all the talent, look, and presence for such a role and she has the heart to really play the role and stand out as a face for the MCU, which is an important aspect for Sue. She’s a great actress who is primed and ready for such a part.

                Abbie Cornish [Height: 5’ 8”, Age: 38, Notable Works: Sucker Punch, Solace, Jack Ryan]: She’s one of few actresses who is just always great in whatever she does. She’s never a weak link and she’s always great in her work. After seeing her in Jack Ryan she really presented the presence and the attitude perfect for playing a character like Sue and there’s no doubt she would be as ideal for the role as the rest of the best MCU Casting.

                Maggie Grace [Height: 5’ 9”, Age: 37, Notable Works: Taken (Trilogy), Lockout, Fear the Walking Dead]: She's given consistently great performances, she's really came out of her shell.  I think she has a lot of potential. She has the look and could easily play a very Intelligent and scientific iteration of Sue as displayed like the Ultimate Fantastic Four version. There's no doubt she would play this role wonderfully.

                Felicity Jones [Height: 5’ 3”, Age: 37, Notable Works: The Amazing Spider-Man 2, The Theory of Everything, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story]: She’s a strong actress who was given a painful amount of nothing to do in Spider-Man, and her work in Rogue One gave her a lot to do and let her have fun. She’s shown to be a great actress and she’s got the ability to be more fun and in-line with what tone the MCU has shifted too. There’s no doubt she could play the comedic elements cool and keep up with the action while giving Sue all the heart in the world.

                Anna Kendrick [Height: 5’ 2”, Age: 35, Notable Works: Twilight (Franchise), Pitch Perfect (Trilogy), Stowaway]: Definitely one of those choices that stands out for such a role. She has every bit the heart and comedic element to play the role in a family driven Fantastic Four, and it would be exciting to see her break into action. She might be a hard sell for most but she’s perfect for Marvel and would flawlessly execute the role without question.

                Jessica McNamee [Height: 5’ 6”, Age: 34, Notable Works: The Vow, The Meg, Mortal Kombat]: She was good in Mortal Kombat and showed she can do both Comedy and Action. She’s proved herself to be a good actress and is a talent that can be nurtured into the role to be the perfect vision of the character. She has the look, the talent, and the physicality to take on such a role and would certainly continue the MCU tradition of being the character from the comics brought to life.

                Emmy Rossum [Height: 5’ 8”, Age: 34, Notable Works: The Day After Tomorrow, Poseidon, Shameless]: A much stronger actress than many give her credit for, she’s done action and family heavy roles and has been a highlight in her work. She’s got a way of generating natural chemistry with anyone and still remains one of the most versatile performers working. Putting her in a role like Sue plays to a lot of her strengths and lets her explore family-comedy in a more natural way. She’s a great actress and has every bit the instinct and the heart for the role.

                Danielle Panabaker [Height: 5’ 6”, Age: 33, Notable Works: Sky High, The Flash, Christmas Joy]: I love Danielle as an actress. She’s got a knack for playing wonderful and easily likable but complex characters. She’s got the charm and the presence to present a sense of wisdom and compassion in her work that makes her a perfect candidate for Sue. She’s used to the environment of a Superhero world and putting her in the action gives her so much to do and lets her really get more in tune with her characters. She’s captured hearts since Sky High and there’d no doubt she would be a welcome force to join the Fantastic Four as the Invisible Woman.

                Emma Stone [Height: 5’ 6”, Age: 32, Notable Works: The Amazing Spider-Man (Duology), La La Land, Cruella]: She’s really the perfect actress for Marvel to go for. She’s an Oscar winning actress who’s worked with them before, though never in the MCU, and has the look and talent to play the character. She’s absolutely fantastic as an actress and would really stand out in the role. She’s got all the hallmarks to play a perfect Sue.

                Emma Roberts [Height: 5’ 2”, Age: 30, Notable Works: We’re the Millers, Nerve, The Hunt]: A great actress who’s really made a name for herself through comedies and indie films. She’s got the talent and the look for the role, standing out as a prime choice to really blossom the franchise for a number of years. There’s no doubt she could stand out as a face of the franchise, every bit on par with whoever is cast as the other members of the four.

                Sophie Turner [Height: 5’ 9”, Age: 25, Notable Works: Game of Thrones, X-Men (Franchise), Heavy]: A wonderful actress who was wildly underutilized in the X-Men Movies. She’s got great talent to her and is a perfect for a younger, franchise lasting team. She’s got the look, the tone, presence, and the talent to play the perfect Sue Storm-Richards.


Johnny Storm/The Human Torch [Height: 5’ 10”, Age: 20’s-40’s]: Jonathan "Johnny" Storm aka the Human Torch was an American superpowered adventurer. He was a high school student before he was exposed to high levels of cosmic radiation when sister Sue Storm's boyfriend and scientist; Dr. Reed Richards took them and pilot Ben Grimm, into space in the stolen rocket; Marvel-1. The radiation mutated him and his friends, turning his entire body into a fiery, plasma-like state. Together they became the Fantastic Four, a team of adventurers who explored space, time and alternate dimensions and saved the world along the way from science-based threats.

                Aaron Paul [Height: 5’ 8”, Age: 41, Notable Works: Breaking Bad (Franchise), Need for Speed, Westworld]: Not the immediate choice for Johnny, but standing with an already established Fantastic Four, Aaron Paul would be a dynamic choice for the team. He’s got the talent, the looks, and the presence for the character and would be outstanding in the role.

                Liam McIntyre [Height: 6’ 1”, Age: 39, Notable Works: Spartacus, The Flash, The Clearing]: An actor I’ve really become a fan of since Spartacus, while he’s played good guys and bad guys, he’s never played the kind of character that Johnny is. I think he has the talent in him to play a character that has a bit of a self-centered attitude but with a strong moral compass to him. He’s got the look down and would certainly stand perfectly along an established Reed, Sue, and Ben.

                Garrett Hedlund [Height: 6’ 3”, Age: 36, Notable Works: Four Brothers, TRON: Legacy, Triple Frontier]: While he’s grown as an actor, he’s played the quintessential Johnny Storm style character in TRON Legacy, and played it to perfection. If going for an already established Fantastic Four, it stands to reason an older more established Johnny would be on the team, which is the perfect spot for Hedlund.

                Chris Zylka [Height: 6’ 1”, Age: 36, Notable Works: The Amazing Spider-Man, The Leftovers, Dare Me]: A great actor in his own right, he’s got the look and presence for the character and has really grown into his roles. While it isn’t an entirely different role for him to play, there’s no doubt he would be able to put every bit of his heart and charisma in the role and come from it as true adaptation of Johnny.

                Chase Crawford [Height: 6’ 0”, Age: 35, Notable Works: The Covenant, Gossip Girl, The Boys]: After seeing his performance as the Deep in The Boys, Chase has shown he has the talent, attitude, and the self-centered cockiness of the character down pat. There’s no doubt his transition into playing Johnny would be seamless and a perfect role for Crawford.

                Sam Claflin [Height: 5’ 11”, Age: 34, Notable Works: The Hunger Games (Franchise), You Before Me, Adrift]: Sam is an awesome actor. I'm not sure what it is about him but he's got charisma and wonderful talent. He's a great actor, handsome and has the appeal to play an utterly perfect Human Torch. If you look at his work in the Hunger Games you would know he could effortlessly play this role to perfection.

                Spencer Treat Clark [Height: 6’ 0”, Age: 33, Notable Works: The Last House on the Left, Glass, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.]: A wildly underused and great actor. He’s got the look and the talent for the role and it would be fun to see him play a wildly different character. While he did appear on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. the canonicity of that show is up to debate and he wouldn’t be the first actor to be re-used from television to film.

                Alden Ehrenreich [Height: 5’ 9”, Age: 31, Notable Works: Beautiful Creatures, Solo: A Star Wars Story, Brave New World]: He’s a charming and charismatic actor. Solo wasn’t kind to him, but he captured the charm and the energy of Han pretty well. I think if he brought that energy to Johnny he would stand out as a pitch perfect adaptation of the comic character. He’s got that ability to play a man-child with a sense of arrogance and creativity that would play perfectly well for the classic Johnny Storm. I dare say he’s perfect for the role and would bring the appropriate levity and charm as the Human Torch.

                Jack Lowden [Height: 6’ 1”, Age: 30, Notable Works: Dunkirk, Fighting With My Family, Capone]: An actor that has been making a name for himself. He’s a strong actor who’s done wonderful work in Dunkirk and in Fighting with my Family. He’s shown to have the perfect qualities for a role like Johnny would be a perfect MCU Human Torch.

                Lucas Till [Height: 5’ 10”, Age: 30, Notable Works: X-Men (Franchise), Monster Trucks, MacGuyver]: Between his work in the X-Men movies and MacGuyver, he’s shown to be a perfect actor for Johnny. He’s got the attitude, the look, and the presence and would no doubt own the role without question.

                Jack Quaid [Height: 6’ 1”, Age: 29, Notable Works: The Hunger Games (Franchise), Logan Lucky, The Boys]: After proving to be suitably charming as Hughie in the Boys, Jack has shown to be an extremely capable and transformative actor. He’s given some wonderful performances, especially in his appearance in Logan Lucky. He’s a good enough actor that he would disappear into the role without question.

                Alexander Ludwig [Height: 6’ 2”, Age: 29, Notable Works: Race to Witch Mountain, The Hunger Games, Vikings]: An actor who’s really proven his metal on Vikings, he’s a striking actor who’s got every bit the cocky-attitude and charisma needed to play a great Johnny Storm and there’s no doubt he would stand out wonderfully in the role.

                Cole Sprouse [Height: 5’ 11”, Age: 28, Notable Works: Riverdale, Five Feet Apart, Borrasca]: Originally a Disney Channel star, Cole has really come into his own as an actor. He gives decent and layered performances and would be able to pull off something like Johnny Storm without reaching too far into a corny or cheesy performance, like he might be expected too.

                Ross Lynch [Height: 6’ 0”, Age: 25, Notable Works: Austin & Ally, My Friend Dahmer, The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina]: A surprising choice for the role, but since his work in My Friend Dahmer he has shown to be a serious actor. He’s had a pretty good performance on Sabrina, and he’s really shown he’s the typical Johnny Storm like character, making him a shoe in for the role.

                Tye Sheridan [Height: 5’ 7”, Age: 24, Notable Works: X-Men (Franchise), Ready Player One, The Night Clerk]: While he didn’t get many moments to shine as Cyclopes, his later work in Ready Player One showed just how compelling and likeable an actor Tye is. He’s got a style to his performances that makes him a strong contender for a character like Johnny, and there’s no doubt he would crush the role.

                Nolan Gould [Height: 5’ 10”, Age: 22, Notable Works: Modern Family, Field of Lost Shoes, Yes]: A surprising actor, Nolan has made a career playing lovable, goofy, and a prankster. While he’s not really thought of for superhero roles, he’s a compelling actor and is actually perfect for a role like Johnny. Nolan has a lot to show as an actor and he fits as Johnny Storm.


Ben Grimm/The Thing [Height: 6’ 0”, Age: 30’s-40’s]: Ben Grimm was an astronaut and former USAF test pilot. Grimm was exposed to high levels of cosmic radiation when his best friend, scientist Dr. Reed Richards took him and his friends Sue Storm and her younger brother Johnny Storm, into space in the stolen rocket; Marvel-1. The radiation mutated him and his friends, turning him into a super-strong rock like monster with a "Heart of Gold". Together they became the Fantastic Four, a team of adventurers who explored space, time and alternate dimensions and saved the world along the way from science-based threats.

                Dwayne Johnson [Height: 6’ 5”, Age: 49, Notable Works: Grid Iron Gang, Rampage, Black Adam (Forthcoming)]: This is seriously probably the best possible comic book role for him. I think he would be perfect as Ben Grimm. He is a great actor and would nail the line "It's Clobberin Time" whether he would go green screen or rubber suit He has the perfect built stature and would be a great actor to stand as a role model for kids who would certainly look up to Ben and sharing interest in his characterization and despite shortcomings ability to choose the high road.

                David Denman [Height: 6’ 4”, Age: 47, Notable Works: The Office, Logan Lucky, Brightburn]: He’s an actor that has the perfect look and presence for such a role. He’s great in comedic and serious roles and really knows how to put heart into his characters. He’s got the talent to carry such a role and a great voice to balance between the Down-to-Earth nature of Ben and the classic gruff and grumpy Bad-Attitude Ben.

                Ethan Suplee [Height: 6’ 1”, Age: 45, Notable Works: Remember the Titans, My Name is Earl, Gossamer Folds]: He’s a such an underrated actor. He’s done amazing work as a loveable goof and has been criminally under used. He’s gotten himself in superheroic shape and has really evolved actor. He’s got all the perfect qualities for the role and it is time his weight wasn’t the reason he was hired for a role, as an actor he’s perfect for the role. No doubt, he would be the perfect as Ben Grimm.

                Joe Manganiello [Height: 6’ 5”, Age: 44, Notable Works: Spider-Man, True Blood, Zack Snyder’s Justice League]: I think Joe is an actor who's got the qualities to play a hero. I think it would be privilege for him to be Ben and for him to be seen as Ben. He'd be able to all dimensions to the character Joe is incredibly talented. He's a strong actor who's got the talents to really carry the emotional drama behind the character and carry his "chip-on-a-shoulder" attitude, but also shine in the character's heroic aspects as well as delivering his famed line. He's an actor who would sell the Ever-Lovin Blue Eyed Thing!

                Jensen Ackles [Height: 6’ 1”, Age: 43, Notable Works: Smallville, Supernatural, The Boys (Season 3)]: One of few actors who’s been sought after by Marvel and has yet to work with them. He’s a strong actor and has a properly gruff voice and charismatic. He’s an actor who build a natural chemistry with his co-stars and would certainly be able to take the role and run with it. There’s no doubt he would be fantastic as Ben Grimm.

                Pablo Schreiber [Height: 6’ 5”, Age: 43, Notable Works: 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi, Den of Thieves, Halo (Forthcoming)]: He might have expressed interest in playing Wolverine, but if there’s a role perfectly suited for Schreiber, it has to be Ben Grimm. He’s got the right voice and presence for such a role. He’s a great actor and would stand out fantastically as Ben Grimm.

                Channing Tatum [Height: 6’ 1”, Age: 41, Notable Works: G.I. Joe (Duology), Jump Street (Duology), Logan Lucky]: He’s a much better actor than he’s been given credit for. He’s given some great and heartwarming roles and he’s absolutely fantastic in comedic roles. He’s got the perfect qualities to play Ben, he’s great in action, has a very notable voice, and is a great comedic actor. He’s one of few actors who would actually be perfect as Ben Grimm.

                Chris Pine [Height: 6’ 0”, Age: 40, Notable Works: Star Trek (Kelvin Trilogy), Wonder Woman (Franchise), Outlaw King]: This isn’t the typical role you would see Pine cast in. Often considered the pretty boy he’s shown some real talent in his roles and would be a real force as Ben Grimm. He’s such a strong and wonderful actor, seeing him in a role so different to the typical roles he’s cast in would be absolutely powerful as Ben Grimm

                Jay Ryan [Height: 6’ 1”, Age: 39, Notable Works: Beauty and the Beast, Mary Kills People, IT: Chapter Two]: Through his performance as Ben Hanscom he’s already shown all the right qualities to play a great Ben Grimm. He’s an actor with some presence to him that really got that down to earth presence and comedic tone to him to do the role justice. He’s got the talent, the look, and the voice to be a perfect Ben Grimm.

                Boyd Holbrook [Height: 6’ 2”, Age: 39, Notable Works: Logan, The Predator, The Fugitive]: Not the typical choice for the role, Boyd has become one of my favorite actors. He’s given his roles a sense of grit and charm that makes him stand out regardless the movie around him, which is impressive considering the movie around him in Logan. There’s no doubt while he might seem an odd choice at first he would be dynamic in the role and would stand out perfectly as Ben Grimm.

                Josh Lawson [Height: 6’ 2”, Age: 39, Notable Works: The Little Death, House of Lies, Mortal Kombat]: He truly wowed audiences as Kano, providing great comedic relief and a fun performance. He would be a perfect source of levity in the role and as an actor would certainly be able to keep up with anyone else cast as the other members of the Fantastic Four.

                Jared Padalecki [Height: 6’ 4”, Age: 38, Notable Works: House of Wax, Supernatural, Walker]: Jared is a strong performer. He's done some really wonderful work, he's got a strong voice, height, and the skills to perform a loving brother figure. He would certainly be a great actor to play such a Dynamic take on Ben Grimm. He could certainly harness a very deep, and powerful delivery of "It's Clobberin' Time!"

                Alan Ritchson [Height: 6’ 2”, Age: 38, Notable Works: Smallville, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Duology), Titans]: He was actually great as Raphael in Ninja Turtles, he had the appropriate size of the character and a great attitude for the Thing. He’s got all the right qualities to play a role like Ben and make it a perfect adaptation of the character, he’s perfectly suited for the role.

                Lou Ferrigno Jr. [Height: 6’ 2”, Age: 36, Notable Works: S.W.A.T., Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Stargirl]: I find it providence that my choice for the Thing, is the son of the Incredible Hulk, Lou Ferrigno. Lou Jr has become quite the actor; He’s starting to really become a name in television and proving that he’s a very capable and interesting actor. He’s had a guest spot on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (but whether that matters or not, Marvel isn’t a stranger to pulling from earlier shows to cast future films or shows.) I actually find him to be a charming actor who has the charisma and heart to play Ben Grimm. He’s a strong actor, down to earth personality, and a charming personality, all the hallmarks for playing the ever lovin’ blue eyed Thing.

                Josh Helman [Height: 6’ 2”, Age: 35, Notable Works: Mad Max: Fury Road, My Name is Lenny, X-Men (Franchise)]: He’s got the look and the presence on screen to play someone you wouldn’t want to fight, and while he’s better known for villains, as an actor he’s got the chops and charisma to play a fun and lovable character. Seeing him step into a role like Ben would be a change for Helman that would really let him shine and show just how different he can be with his roles.

                Liam Hemsworth [Height: 6’ 3”, Age: 31, Notable Works: The Hunger Games (Franchise), Independence Day: Resurgence, Most Dangerous Game]: He’s a good actor that hasn’t really seen the popularity of his brother. He’s a very talented actor who’s got the size and voice for a younger but still intimidating take on Ben Grimm.


Victor Von Doom/Doctor Doom [Height: 6’ 2” (Normal), 6’ 7” (Armored), Age: 30’s-40’s]: Dr. Victor Von Doom, Ph.D aka Doctor Doom is a Latverian politician who serves as the Monarch and Supreme Leader for the Kingdom of Latveria. He was scarred from an accident and wears an iron mask and armor to hide his true face. He is considered one of the most brilliant minds and scientists on the planet Earth. He is also a sorcerer with skills in magic matching the most powerful beings in the Universe, making him a potential candidate for Sorcerer Supreme. He hopes to bring order and betterment to humanity through world conquest. Unequalled in ability, ego, and will power, he has come into conflict with both superhumans and cosmic beings. He is best known as the rival of Reed Richards and arch-enemy of the Fantastic Four.

                Ewan McGregor [Height: 5’ 10”, Age: 50, Notable Works: Trainspotting, Star Wars (Franchise), Doctor Sleep]: Ewan is one of few actor that when cast in a role gives it a sense of wonder and intrigue by fans. He’s a naturally gifted and dynamic actor that’s never played a role with such gravity as Doctor Doom. While it would be quite a turn for Ewan, he is such a talented actor that there would be no trouble envisioning him taking the role and becoming as iconic in the role as Brolin’s Thanos or Hiddleston’s Loki.

                Thomas Wlaschiha [Height: 6’ 0”, Age: 47, Notable Works: Crossing Lines, Game of Thrones, Rose Island]: An actor with an unsettling voice and a cold steely stare. He has an element about him that gives him this Brad Douriff vibe to him. He’s a strong actor that can really string together this sense of otherworldy intimidation through his work on Game of Thrones. He would be wonderful in the role with every sense of intimidation, intellect, and fear driving it.

                Antony Starr [Height: 5’ 11”, Age: 45, Notable Works: Banshee, American Gothic, The Boys]: Through his natural New Zealand accent, his eerie and crazed demeanor as Homelander, few actors stand out so naturally for a role like Antony Starr. He's a remarkable actor who has an intimidating presence, an ability to switch from calm and loving to feared and crazed at the drop of a hat. He's got such a presence to his performances that can gravitate a few different wheelhouses of emotions and energies that really help Antony stand out. He's got the look, the presence, and the overall talent to place the perfect Doctor Doom. regardless of any other choice for the Fantastic Four, Antony stands out as a perfect choice for Doom against all possible castings, as being one of the most intriguing and show stopping actors. There's no doubt opposite any actor as Reed Richards or Actress as Sue Storm, Antony could raise them up and give them a memorable and iconic chemistry between what would be his Doctor Doom and their respective characters.

                Alexander Skarsgård [Height: 6’ 4”, Age: 44, Notable Works: True Blood, The Legend of Tarzan, The Stand]: Through his performance as Randall Flagg you see Skarsgård in a way you’ve never seen before. He plays such an interesting and cunning villain that it stand among his best performances. He took a role with such a heavy emphasis on manipulation and whit and added his own brand of intimidation and cunning to it that makes him an actor who would certainly be able to stand out as an iconic Doctor Doom.

                Orlando Bloom [Height: 5’ 11”, Age: 44, Notable Works: The Lord of the Rings (Franchise), Pirates of the Caribbean (Franchise), Carnival Row]: Few actors are as naturally charming and charismatic as Bloom. He’s a highly underrated actor who’s always been top of the heap in terms of acting. He’s been given little notoriety for his performances, but he remains one of my favorite actors and if nothing else he could bring all the whit and charm to a role like Doom to make the character stand out, as Doom always should.

                Matthias Schoenaerts[Height: 6’ 2”, Age: 43, Notable Works: The Danish Girl, Red Sparrow, The Old Guard]: Through great performances in Red Sparrow and the Old Guard, he has shown to be an exceptional actor. He’s given some contemplative and heart wrenching performances that really makes him among the best actors working today. Putting him in a role like Doom is opening up the MCU for something magical and inventive in a performance. He’s got all the talent for the role and the ability to make it dynamic.

                Matthew Goode [Height: 6’ 2”, Age: 43, Notable Works: Watchmen, The Imitation Game, The Duke]: Best known to fans as having played Ozymandias. Matt has proven himself a capable actor, talented with Physicality, Intelligence, and wearing a costume. He knows the traits of Superhero Movie, Story, Action, and Costumes. Matt is an actor who can really delve into character and transform himself. I believe he works well as Dr. Doom based on his performance as Ozymandias. In that role he spoke with an accent, so we get the idea he can do accents, he displays an intelligent dominance as well as physical all the while practically planning the entire set of events throughout the movie. The biggest part of all, you bought that he did do it. Some even could go as far as saying they believe in his vision. Matthew could very well be an amazing Dr. Doom.

                Rami Malek [Height: 5’ 7”, Age: 40, Notable Works: Mr. Robot, Bohemian Rhapsody, No Time To Die]: Malek has proven he’s one of the most capable and interesting actors of the last generation. His work is wonderful and he transformative in his work. His role in No Time to Die looks appropriately ominous and frightening, putting him in a role like Doom is something that Malek could really build upon and create something revolutionary with for a Marvel villain, finally being able to bring a sense of menace that doesn’t necessarily need sympathy to stand out.

                Michiel Huisman [Height: 6’ 1”, Age: 39, Notable Works: The Age of Adeline, Game of Thrones, The Haunting of Hill House]: An actor of Charisma and heart. He’s perfect to enter the Marvel Mold to create something unique with Doctor Doom. He’s an actor who’s done some wonderful action and has delivered really heartbreaking performances which could certainly inspire a sense of love for the character from the audience. He would be a unique and interesting actor to take on the role and no doubt he would be a stand out in the role.

                Clive Standen [Height: 6’ 2”, Age: 39, Notable Works: Vikings, Taken, Vault]: An actor with a cold and demanding stare. For justification of why he would make a great Doom, look no further than his performance of Rolo on Vikings. Seeing him tackle the role with inspirational charisma and a violent sense of heroism to such a villainous role would make him and the character stand out among the Marvel villains.

                Pilou Asbæk [Height: 6’ 0”, Age: 39, Notable Works: Game of Thrones, Ghost in the Shell, Outside the Wire]: An actor of strength, cunning, and menace. He’s wonderful at portraying strong and intimidating villains and has the appropriate presence to draw in the self-centered energy of Doctor Doom. He has the ability to play someone like Doom, who sees themselves with a higher purpose.

                Dan Stevens [Height: 6’ 0”, Age: 38, Notable Works: Beauty and the Beast, Legion, The Call of the Wild]: He’s one of those perfect actors, someone you can see in 50 different roles and know he is perfect for them all. He’s got that sense of menace and vanity to him that’s very important in a good portrayal of Doctor Doom. Getting an actor like Dan Stevens in the role would be a massive step in the right direction in bringing Doctor Doom to the MCU.

                Henry Cavill [Height: 6’ 1”, Age: 38, Notable Works: DCEU (Franchise), Mission: Impossible – Fallout, The Witcher]: After seeing him in Mission: Impossible and Witcher, he's show he can be intimidating, cruel, and smart. He's a wonderful actor and if you want to being Henry into the MCU you need to give him a proper character, someone he can develop and evolve as well as someone who's going to be some sort of Mainstay. It's no secret Fans are dying for a proper Doctor Doom in film, and if the rumors of him being the next big bad of the MCU, well I can think of no one better. Interweaving Henry as Doom through a series of Fantastic Four, Avengers, Doctor Strange, and Solo films could take Doctor Doom to heights befitting his iconic Status.

                Domhnall Gleeson [Height: 6’ 1”, Age: 38, Notable Works: Dredd, Ex Machina, Star Wars (Sequel Trilogy)]: There are two actors who were truly robbed of an opportunity to show what they can bring, John Boyega and Domhnall Gleeson. Gleeson is a wonderful actor who has put a lot of energy and menace into the role of Hux. It was unfortunate to see the character do nothing over three movies when Gleeson had put so much work into the role. He’s a fantastic actor who can certainly take that work from Hux and put it in a role like Doom to give the character his appropriate self-centered menace and make him feel like something more than a cartoon. He is a great actor and would be a strong asset playing Doctor Doom.

                Harry Lloyd [Height: 5’ 11”, Age: 37, Notable Works: Game of Thrones, Legion, Brave New World]: One look at his role in Brave New World and instantly I got the feeling of Victor Von Doom. He is a wonderful actor, he has an edge to play a villain and a sense of regality that makes him a perfect fit for the role. He’s got the presence on screen to stand out and be a perfect Doctor Doom.

                Gaspard Ulliel [Height: 5’ 10”, Age: 36, Notable Works: Hannibal Rising, Saint Laurent, Sibyl]: Gaspard is one of the best actors I’ve seen. He’s given such complex and strong roles and brings heart to his work. He brings such a wonderful menace to his villainous roles. His work is subtle and unnerving, he has such a talent for the nuance and mannerisms of his characters that it immediately enables him to stand out in his performances. He has become a big name in French Cinema, but his early work as Hannibal Lecter continues to stand out to me. He’s got the presence and menace, he’s talented and interesting, he’s an actor who stands out in his performances. He’s a wonderful actor who would be iconic to the role, the way he could inhabit Doctor Doom could be just as definitive as Robert Downey Jr as Iron Man, Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, or Tom Hiddleston as Loki. Gaspard is perfect for Doctor Doom.


(FANTASTIC FOUR by Bryan Hitch - Marvel Comics/Walt Disney Corporation)

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