Why Adam Driver As Reed Richards Would Be Great For MCU Phase 6

Adam Driver would be an excellent choice to play Reed Richards in the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Fantastic 4 movie in Phase 6. Disney's acquisition of 20th Century Fox a few years ago created new possibilities for the MCU, such as introducing the Fantastic Four. Marvel Studios eventually confirmed that the team is coming to the franchise as part of Phase 6. Fantastic 4 will be directed by WandaVision's Matt Shakman and release in theaters in February 2025. However, questions have continued to swirl about who will play the main characters, with Reed Richards fan-casts regularly trending online.

There have been plenty of actors suggested to play Reed Richards in the MCU. Considering how prominent of a role Mister Fantastic should play in the conclusion of the Multiverse Saga, as well as beyond in the MCU's future, getting the right actor attached to the role is a necessity for Marvel Studios. That is why the Fantastic 4 casting process has lasted for quite some time, allowing fan-favorite choices like Diego Luna, Penn Badgley, William Jackson Harper, and others to continue and gain momentum. However, it is possible that Adam Driver could be the MCU's Reed Richards, and he'd make for a great casting choice.

Adam Driver Is Rumored To Play Reed Richards In Marvel's Fantastic Four

Adam Driver as Kylo Ren and Fantastic Four Reed Richards

Adam Driver has long been linked to Fantastic 4 due to the popularity of fan-casting him as Doctor Doom. It appears that Marvel Studios might have other plans in mind for Driver's involvement in the film. There have been escalating rumors that Adam Driver was high on Marvel's list to play Mister Fantastic. These rumors have not been confirmed by Marvel or Disney, Hollywood trades, or more reputable sources. However, scooper Daniel RPK has said Adam Driver is in "final talks" to land the lead role, while The Direct previously mentioned that he was Marvel's top choice to play Reed Richards in the MCU.

The idea of Adam Driver playing Reed Richards in Phase 6 would come at a fascinating point in his career. After becoming a much more recognizable star through his role as villain Kylo Ren in Disney's Star Wars sequel trilogy, he has established a reputation as being one of the best actors working in Hollywood. He's earned two Oscar nominations with roles in BlacKkKlansman and Marriage Story. His work after Star Wars has seen him work singularly on non-franchise movies. While some have worked, House of Gucci and White Noise were prestige projects that landed negative reviews. 2023's movie 65 then gave Driver the worst reviews of his career.

Adam Driver's perception might lead most to think that he does not want to get involved in another major franchise, especially one with a commitment potentially as long as the MCU. However, Fantastic 4 could be the type of franchise that he needs to regain some of his box office appeal. This not only benefits Adam Driver's career by having him potentially become the phase of the MCU, but his increased profile could then be used to help make other projects happen - such as his rumored involvement in Heat 2.

Why Adam Driver Is The Perfect Pick To Play MCU's Reed Richards

If Marvel Studios does cast Adam Driver as Reed Richards for the MCU, he could prove to be the perfect pick. Mister Fantastic could be a complicated character to get right, especially when taking the MCU's usual framework into account. Reed Richards is the smartest man in any room he walks into. He also needs to be arrogant but a bit awkward, somewhat charming but also cold, and viewed as someone who is a natural leader. The likelihood that Fantastic 4 will lean into sci-fi comedy territory means that the actor needs to be comfortable with humor. Furthermore, the MCU's Reed Richards actor must be believable as a father figure.

Adam Driver's movie roles prove that he has everything it takes to bring these various sides of Reed Richards to the screen. He has shown his quirky humor through roles in Logan Lucky or the hit series Girls. He is convincing as a potential genius and paranoid father in White Noise, which are both qualities that would be paramount to Reed Richards' MCU personality. Meanwhile, his Oscar-nominated role in Marriage Story showed the range he could bring to Reed as a husband. With a filmography this diverse and impressive, his current standing in Hollywood means Adam Driver is exactly the type of actor Marvel needs for Reed Richards.

Driver is also the perfect age to play Mister Fantastic in Phase 6 but also beyond. He will be 40 when Fantastic 4 begins production. That makes him young enough to still play Reed Richards for several more years, but it also ensures that the character does have some life experience. Since the character's stretchy powers are at the core of his abilities, it is also not a role that would necessarily demand an exhaustive physical toll for Adam Driver as he ages.

Who Will Play The Other Members Of Marvel's Fantastic Four?

Adam Driver playing Reed Richards in Phase 6 would only answer a portion of the questions surrounding Fantastic 4's cast. There is also the need for them to cast Sue Storm a.k.a. Invisible Woman, Johnny Storm a.k.a. Human Torch, and Ben Grimm a.k.a. The Thing. There are similarly only rumors to go on about who will play the other Fantastic Four members. Reports have suggested that Marvel Studios wants a Dakota Johnson-type for Sue Storm. Killing Eve's Jodie Comer is viewed as a popular suggestion for who could play the MCU's Invisible Woman, which could make the film a The Last Duel reunion between her and Driver.

Casting Human Torch in the MCU is another role that has brought plenty of rumors and fan-casts. There has been some discussion that Austin Butler wants to play Johnny Storm after his Oscar-nominated turn in Elvis. Dacre Montgomery (Stranger Things), Zac Efron (Baywatch), and Chase Stokes (Outer Banks) have been popular suggestions too. As for the MCU's Ben Grimm casting, finding a Jewish actor to play the character is reportedly what Marvel Studios wants. That could make the fan-favorite choice of Seth Rogen as The Thing possible after years of fan campaigns.

Why John Krasinski Isn't Playing The MCU's Reed Richards

john krasinski reed richards in doctor strange 2

Whoever plays Reed Richards in Phase 6 will not be the first one to do so in the MCU, as John Krasinski played Mister Fantastic in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. The former The Office star became the internet's top choice to play Reed Richards for years, and his appearance in Phase 4 through the multiverse was initially viewed as a sign of what was to come. It has since become clear that neither Marvel Studios nor John Krasinski intended for this partnership to continue in a major way. Doctor Strange 2's reshoots allowed Marvel to bring the fan-casting to life and give viewers a glimpse of Krasinski's Reed Richards casting.

While Marvel Studios could have decided to bring John Krasinski back as Mister Fantastic after Doctor Strange 2, that became less likely after the film's release. The cameo became a contentious discussion point around the movie, as many criticized the way the movie handled the brilliant character. Even though Earth-838's Reed Richards died, the multiverse would have allowed Krasinski to return for Fantastic 4 if that is what he and Marvel wanted. Ultimately, it appears that a decision was made to let this cameo be a one-off appearance and have the MCU cast a new Reed Richards actor for Fantastic 4, whether its Adam Driver or someone else.