Pedro Pascal Takes the Lead in Marvel's 'Fantastic Four'

Pedro Pascal, known for his roles in 'The Mandalorian' and 'The Last of Us', stars as Reed Richards in Marvel's upcoming film 'Fantastic Four: A New Beginning', set to release on July 24. Reed, a genius scientist with the ability to stretch his body, leads a superhero team against a villain intent on destroying Earth. The film marks a significant return to family-centered storytelling in the Marvel universe, as it introduces the first superhero family. In a recently released 30-minute preview, the film emphasizes themes of family love, with Reed becoming increasingly protective after learning of his wife Susan's (played by Vanessa Kirby) pregnancy.

Despite some fans expressing concerns about Pascal's age for the role, his classic look and mustache align well with the film's retro 1960s New York setting. The 'Fantastic Four' aims to restore emotional depth to the Marvel franchise, which has faced criticism following the departures of iconic characters like Iron Man and Captain America. Pascal's portrayal of a father figure could serve as a new focal point for the series.

Born in Chile, family is a crucial theme for Pascal, whose parents fled to the U.S. to escape the Pinochet dictatorship when he was just nine months old. He first gained fame as Oberyn Martell in 'Game of Thrones', drawing inspiration from his father's Spanish-accented speech for his performance.

Though unmarried and without children, Pascal has earned the nickname 'Daddy' for his roles as devoted father figures in 'The Mandalorian' and 'The Last of Us'. His physicality and fashion sense have also led to him being referred to as a 'zaddy', a term for a sexy older man. Craig Mazin, the producer of 'The Last of Us', noted in an Esquire interview that Pascal embodies a nostalgic and harmless masculinity that resonates with audiences, tapping into their memories of father figures and the void left by their absence.