‘Lucifer’ Actor Nearly Transitioned to Marvel After Fantastic Hero Audition
Tom Ellis, known for his role in “Lucifer,” came close to joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as Mister Fantastic in “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.” His audition became a topic of interest among fans when the casting rumors swirled following Marvel Studios’ announcement of the film. Ultimately, Pedro Pascal was chosen for the character and will appear in multiple upcoming projects.
Audition Insights from Tom Ellis
In a recent interview with Square Mile, Ellis opened up about his audition experience. He cited his visual resemblance to the comic version of Reed Richards as a motivating factor.
Ellis remarked, “I had been waiting for the right thing, timing-wise and character-wise, to come along.” He commented on the casting process, stating that a select group auditioned for the role. Despite not landing the part, he expressed excitement about the film and Pascal’s portrayal.
Pedro Pascal Takes the Role
Pedro Pascal ultimately secured the role of Mister Fantastic after a competitive casting process. Ellis, along with other prominent names like Adam Driver and Dev Patel, was considered but did not make the final cut. Pascal’s upcoming projects include:
- Freaky Tales – 2025
- Materialist – 2025
- Eddington – 2025
- Avengers: Doomsday – 2026
- The Mandalorian & Grogu – 2026
Success of “The Fantastic Four: First Steps”
Released on July 25, 2025, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” has been a commercial success, grossing $521 million globally. This film marks a revival for the superhero team, following years of subpar adaptations.
The film, directed by Matt Shakman, has a runtime of 115 minutes and is currently available for rental and purchase. It is set to debut on Disney+ on November 5, 2025.
Future Prospects
The critical acclaim and audience engagement suggest a growing interest in the Fantastic Four, potentially establishing them as a cornerstone of the MCU. As Marvel continues to evolve, fans are eager to see how new characters and stories will integrate into the existing narrative.
