Redeeming a Key MCU Mistake Through the Fantastic Four Reboot

One film from Phase 4 of the MCU featured a significant character mistake, but The Fantastic Four may be able to rectify it. The official casting of Marvel's first family has been announced, with Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm. Despite the anticipation surrounding these characters, Reed Richards has already made an appearance in Phase 4, as a member of the Illuminati in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

John Krasinski portrayed Reed in the film, a fan-casting choice that came to fruition, albeit with a twist by the Scarlet Witch. However, this portrayal contained a crucial mistake concerning the character, one that needs to be addressed by the MCU's Fantastic Four to ensure Pascal's portrayal is well-received.

Doctor Strange 2 Didn't Let Reed Richards Live Up To His Reputation As the Smartest Man Alive

Reed Richards teleporting into an Illuminati meeting in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness - Doctor Strange 2 Didn't Let Reed Richards Live Up To His Reputation As the Smartest Man Alive

In Multiverse of Madness, Doctor Strange faces off against the Illuminati, a group of powerful heroes from different universes. The team includes Captain Carter, Maria Rambeau's Captain Marvel, Black Bolt, Mordo, Professor X, and Reed Richards. When Mordo presents Reed, he hails him as "the smartest man alive," a title commonly associated with the character in the comics. However, this declaration is proven wrong during a critical moment involving the Scarlet Witch.

Black Bolt emerges as the key figure capable of stopping Scarlet Witch with his destructive voice. Yet, Reed mistakenly reveals Black Bolt's weakness, leading to his immediate demise when Scarlet Witch quickly seizes the opportunity. This fatal error by Reed ultimately results in the rest of the Illuminati falling victim to Wanda's powers. The supposedly brilliant Reed Richards makes a grave error that goes against his character, proving that intelligence alone does not guarantee success in the face of danger.

The Fantastic Four Needs To Portray Reed Richards As 'The Smartest Man Alive'

Ebon Moss-Bachrach's Ben Grimm, Joseph Quinn's Johnny Storm, Vanessa Kirby's Sue Storm, Pedro Pascal's Reed Richards in MCU The Fantastic Four poster - The Fantastic Four Needs To Portray Reed Richards As 'The Smartest Man Alive'

Reed's intelligence is a vital aspect of his character in the Fantastic Four. As a brilliant scientist and the group's leader, his strategic thinking and scientific prowess must be highlighted in the MCU. The addition of another genius inventor like Reed is crucial for the Avengers to replace the gap left by Tony Stark. The MCU is searching for new central characters, and Mr. Fantastic has the potential to be one of them, given the right portrayal.

Crafting highly intelligent characters can pose a challenge, but the MCU has successfully done so with characters like Stark and Doctor Strange. Now, they have the opportunity to do it once more with Mister Fantastic. Audiences will witness if this iteration of Reed lives up to his name when The Fantastic Four premieres on July 25, 2025.

Editor's P/S:

The article highlights a crucial error in the portrayal of Reed Richards in "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness," where he fails to live up to his reputation as "the smartest man alive." The author argues that the upcoming "Fantastic Four" film has the opportunity to rectify this mistake by showcasing Reed's intelligence and strategic thinking as the group's leader. I agree with this sentiment as Reed Richards' intelligence is a defining characteristic that sets him apart from other superheroes. By accurately portraying his brilliance, the MCU can create a compelling and well-received character for audiences.

Furthermore, the article suggests that Reed Richards could fill the void left by Tony Stark as a central character in the MCU. With Tony's absence, the Avengers need another genius inventor to provide strategic guidance and technological advancements. If the "Fantastic Four" film successfully portrays Reed's intelligence and leadership abilities, he has the potential to become a pivotal figure in the MCU, shaping the future of the Avengers and the overall narrative of the franchise.