Jamie Bell and Kate Mara discuss the possibility of reprising their respective roles from 2015’s Fantastic Four in the Marvel Studios multiverse
In a recent interview with Variety, Jamie Bell and Kate Mara shared their thoughts on a potential return to their Fantastic Four rolesstriking a humorous note about his experience on the 2015 version, considered one of the most notorious stumbles in superhero cinema.
An encounter with the past and the future
Jamie Bell, who played The Thing, commented with a mix of sarcasm and hope: “To me it doesn’t feel like a reboot because, in order to reboot, it first has to have been something… Unfortunately, our movie doesn’t exist in any particular canon.His statement not only reflects a criticism of the previous failed attempt, but also a curious openness towards what Marvel Studios is preparing.
Kate Mara, the Sue Storm of that version, was excited about the upcoming reboot: “We are excited, it’s a great cast“This enthusiasm contrasts with the pessimism surrounding the film’s reception, where studio interference and poor execution resulted in both a critical and commercial failure, amassing just $167.9 million worldwide and a 9% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Marvel Studios’ Vision
Marvel’s new proposal to revive the Fantastic Four has Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn and Ebon Moss-Bachrach in the main rolespromising a fresh and hopefully more accurate vision. With recent additions to the cast including Paul Walter Hauser, John Malkovich and Natasha Lyonne in mysterious roles, and Ralph Ineson as the villain Galactus, the project appears to be in good hands.
The idea that Bell and Mara could reintegrate into the Marvel universe via the Multiverse was suggested during the interview. Bell teased: “Maybe we can try to enter through some door of the multiverse. But when they see us, they will probably close the door quickly.“This mix of humor and self-criticism highlights the actors’ willingness to confront their cinematic past and perhaps redeem it in future projects.
Looking to the future
As the premiere approaches, on July 25, 2025, both Fans and critics alike are waiting to see how this new iteration will handle the legacy and expectations.With Matt Shakman directing and Josh Friedman and Cam Squires writing the script, and a final polish by Eric Pearson, anticipation is high.
The future of the Fantastic Four in the cinema seems to be, this time, in safe hands with a clear vision.Bell and Mara, despite the scars left by their previous experience, seem ready to give these iconic characters a second chance, perhaps with a better result than their first failed attempt.
Other actors who could return
The history of the Fantastic Four in the cinema has seen multiple interpretations of its characters, with actors who have left their mark on different generations. Before Jamie Bell and Kate Mara, other actors also gave life to these heroes and could be considered for a return in the vast Multiverse of the MCU.
Chris Evansbefore becoming world famous as Captain America, played Johnny Storm, the Human Torch, in the 2005 and 2007 versions. His charismatic performance could be an interesting comeback, creating a bridge between their roles at Marvel and generating excitement among fans.
Jessica Albawho played Sue Storm in the same versions, is another candidate who could return. Her evolution as an actress and businesswoman since then could provide a new depth to the character in a possible special appearance.
Ioan Gruffuddthe Reed Richards of that time, and Michael Chikliswho played Ben Grimm, are also prominent figures who could re-explore their roles, especially in a context where the lines between different iterations and universes intersect. This possibility opens the door to complex and exciting narrativesoffering Fantastic Four fans an amalgamation of the old and the new.
