Casting the role of Johnny Storm aka Human Torch in the upcoming MCU Fantastic Four movie is something a lot of fans have their eyes on. With future MCU stars like Chris Evans and Michael B. Jordan having previously played the role, fans are hoping for an actor who can similarly stand out and give a fresh take.
While time will tell who will take the role, fans on Reddit have not been shy about suggesting their picks for who can best play the fiery Marvel hero. From some exciting trending actors to some unexpected choices, these are some of the favorite contenders for Johnny Storm.
Rudy Pankow
As with Tom Holland's acclaimed turn as Peter Parker aka Spider-Man, the MCU is not afraid to go after some younger and lesser-known actors to play their heroes. One such actor who could find his big breakthrough role in the MCU is Rudy Pankow.
Pankow is best-known for his role as JJ on the popular series Outer Banks and he also appeared in Holland's Uncharted as younger Sam Drake. Many fans see these roles as great indicators of what he could do as Human Torch. Redditor TheCreativeComicFan found that Pankow is "literally perfect for Johnny from looks to attitude."
John David Washington
It didn't take John David Washington long to become a big name in Hollywood with lead roles in projects like BlacKkKlansman and Tenet. It seems like only a matter of time before he signs on to a big superhero project and many fans would like to see him as Human Torch.
With his swagger in previous roles and his ability to play the action hero, it is not hard to see why he is a popular choice. Redditor ChrisHammer94 was assured that Washington "would actually be an incredible Johnny Storm."
Dacre Montgomery
Australian actor Dacre Montgomery has had a number of high-profile roles, first as one of the young heroes in Power Rangers movie and as the intimidating bad boy Billy in Stranger Things. Both those roles have helped convince fans that he is a great fit for Johnny Storm.
Johnny is a heroic young man but he also has a rebellious side which Montgomery can certainly pull off. Though Montgomery has been suggested for other Marvel heroes like Wolverine, Redditor ksa311 found he is "definitely best suited for Johnny Storm more than any other comic book movie role."
Dave Franco
With the ensemble nature of the Fantastic Four, the actor playing Johnny Storm should be comfortable being part of a cast while still being able to shine. This is one of the talents of Dave Franco who was recently a stand-out character in the series The Afterparty and was part of the action team in Michael Bay's 6 Underground.
Franco has a long history of comedic roles which is always a draw for the MCU and he can also have a bit of the bad boy quality. Redditor Clarky1736 admitted Franco wasn't an obvious choice but that "he would probably do well."
Zac Efron
Though he started out as one of the young stars of Disney's High School Musical, Zac Efron has come a long way since then. In a variety of roles, he has been funny, dramatic, and the hero on screen. It is not hard to see him stepping into a superhero role before long.
Efron has the charisma and young cockiness that is needed to bring Johnny Storm to like. Redditor ComicSportsNerd claimed Efron "was always the perfect Johnny" in their opinion.
Manny Jacinto
The MCU has often looked to sitcom stars when casting their superheroes, from Chris Pratt to Kumail Nanjiani. That makes the idea of casting Manny Jacinto all the more exciting thanks to his standout role as the hilariously dim-witted Jason in The Good Place.
Jacinto clearly has the comedic chops to pull off a Marvel hero and he will also be stepping into the summer blockbuster arena with a supporting role in Top Gun: Maverick. One Redditor expressed a lot of excitement about the casting as they felt Jacinto "would crush it as Johnny Storm."
Asa Butterfield
Fans might have first come aware of Asa Butterfield from his titular role in Martin Scorsese's Hugo. It was an impressive early performance from the actor who is likely best known for his lead role as Otis on the charming Netflix show Sex Education.
Though those roles don't exactly showcase Butterfield's ability to play the cocky hero type, he is clearly an actor of incredible talent who might bring a new take to the role of Johnny Storm. Redditor Anonymous_1-2-3-4-5 pointed out that Butterfield was almost cast as Spider-Man so Johnny Storm could be his second chance at joining the MCU.
Joe Keery
While Dacre Montgomery is one name being mentioned as a possible casting choice, his Stranger Things costar Joe Keery is also a favorite choice among fans. Keery rose to fame as Steve Harrington, one of the most popular characters in the Netflix series.
His performance as Steve really shows that Keery could nail the part of Johnny Storm as he has the arrogant hot-shot quality mixed with a goofy charm. One Redditor admitted to being completely sold on the idea and that they'd "really love to see this happen."
Taron Egerton
Following his star-making turn in the action franchise Kingsman, Taron Egerton has become a big name in Hollywood. With his acclaimed role as Elton John in Rocketman, Egerton proved he has a lot of talent even in his young career.
With the Kingsman franchise seemingly coming to an end, Egerton could be ready to step into the superhero world. Redditor Fl4cob had a lot of praise for the casting of Egerton, suggesting that he "has the perfect amount of range and energy for Johnny."
LaKeith Stanfield
Johnny Storm really has the potential to be the scene-stealing role in the Fantastic Four and the larger MCU overall. And few actors working today are as effective at stealing scenes in supporting roles as LaKeith Stanfield.
From his standout roles in movies like Get Out to his amazing role in Atalanta, Stanfield is one of the most exciting young actors working today. Redditor HelloImWernerHerzog was so taken by the idea that they simply made the plea "can someone please cast LaKeith Stanfield as Johnny Storm."