David Tennant, a fan favourite across sci-fi fandoms, has revealed that he had been quietly eyeing one of Marvel’s most iconic roles. Speaking at MCM Comic Con, the Doctor Who and Good Omens star admitted he was interested in playing Reed Richards — better known as Mister Fantastic — in the upcoming The Fantastic Four: First Steps. While the part ultimately went to Pedro Pascal, Tennant expressed no bitterness, only good-natured admiration.
"In terms of superheroes, I did slightly have my eye on Reed Richards," he said with a smile. "And unfortunately, it looks like they’ve gone in a different direction. Although if it has to be someone, I’m very happy for it to be Pedro Pascal."
Pascal will lead the ensemble as the elastic-brained Richards, alongside Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm. With Julia Garner joining as Silver Surfer and Ralph Ineson as Galactus, Fantastic Four: First Steps is shaping up to be a major cornerstone in the MCU’s new phase — and hits cinemas on July 25, 2025.
Tennant, of course, is no stranger to genre storytelling, having already made his mark in both the Whoniverse and the Marvel universe (as Kilgrave in Jessica Jones). And while this particular opportunity may have slipped past, fans can rest assured — if there’s another eccentric genius needed somewhere in the multiverse, David Tennant will likely be on the shortlist.
