While Marvel Studios' Fantastic Four is still some time away from going into production, the team showed its first signs of life in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. This came through with one of the biggest casting reveals in MCU history as John Krasinski became the franchise’s first version of Reed Richards in grand fashion.
Coming in as part of Earth-838’s Illuminati, Krasinski only had a few minutes on screen as the “smartest man alive,” but he made the most of it with his portrayal of the Fantastic Four’s leading hero in the MCU. With both Krasinski and fans having wanted him in this role since Marvel Studios took over the rights for Marvel’s First Family, his introduction instantly became one of Doctor Strange 2’s most memorable moments.
Due to the intense secrecy surrounding the MCU's 28th film, particularly with a reveal as big as the Illuminati, Krasinski had to remain extra silent about his casting since he came on set with Benedict Cumberbatch and Elizabeth Olsen. Now, nearly two full weeks after Dr. Strange 2's impressive box office debut, the megastar has finally taken to social media to address his casting for the first time.
John Krasinski Jokes About MCU Debut
Marvel Studios rookie John Krasinksi took to Twitter to joke about his appearance as Reed Richards in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
The actor noted how he had just gotten home and wanted a movie to watch, playing coy by asking his followers for any suggestions for what to see:
"Alright! Just wrapped! Finally back in town and headed straight out to the movies!… anything I need to see?"
One fan recommended Doctor Strange 2, to which Krasinski slyly replied "Fantastic," tying back to his casting as Mr. Fantastic in the sequel.
Doctor Strange 2 Star Joins in the Twitter Fun
Ever since John Krasinski reportedly first had a meeting with Marvel Studios two years ago, the anticipation of seeing him make his MCU debut has grown exponentially. Now that it's actually come to fruition, even Krasinski himself is enjoying the discourse behind him playing a character that fans have wanted to see under Marvel Studios for such a long time.
On top of Krasinski actually joining the franchise for the first time, it's also the first time that a character this big formerly under 20th Century Fox has officially been utilized in an MCU story, alongside Patrick Stewart's Charles Xavier. While Krasinksi is ever the jokester, as seen from his years playing Jim Halpert on The Office, Reed Richards' MCU debut marks a turning point for the franchise as it expands further than ever.
The big question now is whether Krasinski will have the opportunity to play the Earth-616 version of Reed when Fantastic Four officially goes into production, which is hopefully in the foreseeable future. After fans got a taste of what he could bring to the role, the chance to see him do more with it in a full-fledged movie is too good to pass up.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is now playing in theaters worldwide.
