Jamie Bell and Kate Mara discuss the possibility of reprising their roles from 2015’s Fantastic Four in the Marvel Studios Multiverse
In an interview with Variety, Jamie Bell and Kate Mara shared their visions of returning to their Fantastic Four roles, reminiscing about their comedy in the 2015 version. Superheroes.
Connecting with the past and the future
Jamie Bell, who plays The Thing, commented with a mix of sarcasm and hope: “I don’t think it’s a reboot because there had to be something first for a reboot… Unfortunately, our movie doesn’t work. It’s in any particular canon. His statement is just a critique of a past failed attempt.” Rather, it shows the curiosity that Marvel Studios is preparing.
That version’s Hurricane Kate Mara was excited about the upcoming reboot: “We’re so excited, it’s a great cast. This enthusiasm contrasted with the pessimism surrounding the film’s reception, where studio interference and poor execution led to both critical and commercial failures, grossing just $167.9 million worldwide and a 9% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The vision of Marvel Studios
Marvel’s new proposal to revive the Fantastic Four includes Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn and Ebon Moss-Bachrach in the lead roles, promising a refreshed and more authentic look. With recent additions to the cast including Paul Walter Hauser, John Malkovich and Natasha Lyonne in mysterious roles and Ralph Ineson as the villainous Galactus, the project seems to be in good hands.
During the interview, it was suggested that Belle and Mara might merge into the Marvel Universe in the Multiverse. Bell joked: “Maybe we’ll try to get in the multi-version door. But when they see us, they may close the door quickly. This sense of humor and self-criticism highlights the actors’ willingness to confront their cinematic past and perhaps redeem it in future projects.
Look forward
As its premiere on July 25, 2025 approaches, fans and critics alike are waiting to see how this new iteration handles its legacy and expectations. With guidance from Matt Shakman and screenwriters like Josh Friedman and Cam Squires, and Eric Pearson’s final polish, excitement is high.
The future of the Fantastic Four in cinema seems to be in safe hands and a clear vision at this point. Bell and Mara, though scarred by their past experiences, seem ready to give these iconic characters a second chance, perhaps even better than their failed first attempt.
Other actors who can return
The Fantastic Four story in cinema has seen many interpretations of their characters by actors who have left their mark on different generations. Before Jamie Bell and Kate Mara, other actors could also bring these heroes to life and return to the wider MCU Multiverse.
Before Chris Evans became famous as Captain America, he played Johnny Storm in the 2005 and 2007 versions.
Jessica Alba, who played Sue Storm in similar versions, is another possible candidate to return. Since then, her evolution as an actress and businesswoman can bring new depth to the character in a guest appearance.
Ioan Gruffudd, the Reed Richards of that era, and Michael Chiklis, played by Ben Grimm, are notable figures able to 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 narratives, offering Fantastic Four fans a fusion of old and new.