The rumor mill has been generating some buzz on social media amid new reports that Penn Badgley will potentially play Reed Richards in the next Fantastic Four movie. While there have been two prior Fantastic Four films that were followed by a reboot that totally tanked, there are plans to reimagine the superhero foursome once again for a new movie set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Matt Shakman (WandaVision) is currently in talks to direct the feature film which is set to hit theaters on Nov. 8, 2024.
As of now, no names have been officially announced for the cast of the new Fantastic Four movie. The process is said to be underway, according to the rumor mill. Per The Direct, former Birth.Movies.Death editor-in-chief Devin Faraci claimed on the Marvelvision Podcast that Badgley has had discussions with Marvel Studios about playing Reed Richards. Faraci said he had been personally rooting for John David Washington to get the role but that Badgley is at the top of the list.
"I've long been stumping for a Black Reed Richards. I think John David Washington would be an incredible Reed Richards, I mean I've been stumping for this forever, and I'm not going to get it. I'm not going to get a Black Reed either. [Reed Richards] is going to be very traditional, is my guess... The guys that [Marvel Studios] been talking to about it are all white guys. That guy [Penn Badgley] from the show You, who probably has the role already, frankly, he's a white guy. They're going with the standard... And he's terrific, by the way, that's a good choice. But, they're going very classical."
Jon Watts, who previously directed the Spider-Man movies in the MCU, was set to direct the Fantastic Four film before later stepping down. Word of Shakman coming on to replace him had just broken in recent days. It would make sense for there to be some ongoing discussions with potential cast members at this time as well with production moving forward for the film's planned 2024 release date. Officially, the movie will be the first film set in Phase Six of the MCU.
Doctor Strange 2's Reed Richards Was a Variant
Of course, it's worth noting that there was just recently another Reed Richards that was featured in the MCU. John Krasinski, who had long been a fan favorite to play the part, appeared in the role in the film Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. This was explained away as a variant Reed Richards, so even if Krasinski played the stretchy superhero in the movie, that doesn't mean he was also set to play the character in the MCU's Fantastic Four film. Some fans thought that might still end up happening, but if the rumors are true, Penn Badgley could be the one filling that spot.
In any case, we'll have to wait and see what happens as no official casting announcements have yet been made. The Fantastic Four film hits theaters on Nov. 8, 2024.