This Flixtor film is intriguing because I feel like I’ve encountered numerous iterations of these characters already—Ioan Gruffudd, Miles Teller, and of course, John Krasinski have all portrayed Reed Richards during my lifetime. Therefore, it was challenging not to draw comparisons between this version and the others throughout.
In general, I’m not sure if this is my preferred version of the Fantastic Four. Perhaps it’s just nostalgia, but I always enjoyed the playful silliness of the 2000s adaptation featuring Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, and Chris Evans. Krasinski’s brief portrayal seemed warmer—more of a caring, intelligent presence. Marvel has consistently excelled with smart characters who offer something unique: Bruce Banner’s anxious brilliance, Tony Stark’s arrogant genius. I think I was hoping for something similar here.
Pedro Pascal’s portrayal doesn’t resonate with me. Maybe it’s due to Pedro Pascal fatigue—he’s everywhere, often in similar roles—but I found his Reed Richards somewhat lacking depth. I didn’t sense the warmth I typically associate with the character. He is supposed to be the smartest man alive, but beyond that, he is a father—the first father in Marvel Comics. That warmth was absent. Instead, it often felt like the film was trying to force him into that role, rather than him genuinely embodying it.