Key Highlights
- Tom Ellis auditioned for the role of Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic in ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’.
- Ellis was considered for the part due to his physical resemblance to the comic book version of Mister Fantastic.
- Pedro Pascal ultimately secured the role, but Ellis expressed admiration for his performance.
- The film grossed $521 million worldwide and received positive reviews from critics.
Tom Ellis: A Near Miss with Marvel’s Fantastic Four
In a recent interview, Tom Ellis, the star of ‘Lucifer’ and ‘Merlin’, revealed that he nearly joined the Marvel universe as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic in the film ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’. The actor, who has become synonymous with his portrayal of Lucifer Morningstar, expressed that he auditioned for the role after feeling a physical resemblance to the comic book version of Mister Fantastic.
According to Ellis, there was a select group of people who were asked to tape for the role of Reed Richards. He shared, “There was a select group of people that got asked to tape for Reed Richards,” and elaborated, “I had been waiting for the right thing, timing-wise and character-wise, to come along.” Ellis also admitted that his physical resemblance to the comic book version of Mister Fantastic made him feel like he could be a strong contender.
He quipped, “And I remember looking at the photo of Richards in the comics and going, ‘this could be the one.’ We look quite similar.”
Despite being seriously considered for the role, Ellis ultimately did not get it, as Pedro Pascal was cast instead. However, he expressed admiration for Pascal’s performance. “He’s great, though. He is great,” Ellis said, adding that he was looking forward to seeing the film and the trailer looked fun.
The Reception of ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’
While the role ultimately went to Pedro Pascal, ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ was well-received. The film featured Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn in leading roles alongside Pascal as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic. It grossed $521 million worldwide, making it a significant box office success.
Critics praised the performances, particularly that of Pedro Pascal.
The Times Entertainment wrote, “Pedro Pascal stands out as Reed Richards, portraying the duality of a brilliant scientific mind who views everything through a pragmatic lens. His internal conflict over his unborn child’s normalcy—constantly running scans and tests—is handled with finesse.” They also noted, “With enjoyable action sequences, sharp humour, and relatable characterisation balanced with stellar CGI and set pieces, this is a fantastic cinematic experience—one best enjoyed on the big screen.”
Ellis’ Recent Projects
While Ellis nearly missed out on playing Reed Richards in ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’, his recent projects have kept him busy. He recently starred in the series ‘Washington Black’, where he played a crucial role, and it is currently streaming on Hulu.
The eight-episode series features a star-studded cast including Ernest Kingsley Jr., Eddie Karanja, Rupert Graves, Iola Evans, Edward Bluemel, and Sharon Duncan-Brewster. Ellis’ performance in this project further cements his status as a versatile actor who can take on diverse roles across different genres.
Overall, Tom Ellis’ near miss with the role of Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic is an interesting insight into the competitive world of Hollywood auditions. While he did not get the part, his admiration for Pedro Pascal’s performance and his excitement for the film indicate a positive outlook on the project.
