It seems Marvel Studios has faced a setback in the casting for Fantastic Four as a new rumor claims negotiations with both Adam Driver and Margot Robbie have fallen apart. The two were reportedly offered to portray Mr. Fantastic and Sue Storm in the Marvel Cinematic Universe starting off with a standalone origin flick to be directed by Matt Shakman.
MCU’s Fantastic Four has hit another roadblock with Marvel Studios’ rumored preferred choice to play Invisible Woman and Reed Richards backing out. Three separate insiders have confirmed their exit from negotiations but it may have opened the doors for Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning star Vanessa Kirby to get on board the Marvel’s first family project.
As insider KC Walsh noted, “Driver is out, heard Robbie is out, Diggs isn’t locked in yet.” Daveed, the Hamilton star is apparently still a contender for The Thing role. Above the Line’s Jeff Sneider also had the same info to share on his recent podcast with John Rocha.
Why did Adam Driver & Margot Robbie back out of Fantastic Four?
Scooper/film pundit Grace Randolph also responded to remind the reason behind their exit. The insider had claimed the issue behind the last-minute exits was due to the actors asking for “big paydays” which would have resulted in over $80 million in expenses for the casts alone. Sneider also backed this claim on the podcast to add that Driver “priced himself out” by trying to negotiate a higher pay.
Go back to my tweet from a couple of days ago, F4 cast is still influx, Driver is out, heard Robbie is out, Diggs isn’t locked in yet… https://t.co/wxzI5lYzbP
— KC Walsh (@TheComixKid) June 29, 2023
I told you about all the #FantasticFour being back in play on June 12th 😉#Marvel #MCU https://t.co/DPGCchPNZ7 pic.twitter.com/uAAdDaxuxg
— Grace Randolph (@GraceRandolph) June 30, 2023
Yes, I found out more recently that she likely landed Sue Storm
— Grace Randolph (@GraceRandolph) June 30, 2023
Sadly, Marvel’s first family casting continues to be dragged unlike DCU’s Superman: Legacy. Though it should be noted Grace stated “others are being considered again” in June so perhaps Jodie Comer and others could possibly be back on the shortlist for Sue Storm.
Marvel does not appear to be rushing the casting process since the studio has also backed out from making an SDCC appearance. It will be interesting to see the new faces the studio could consider for Reed Richards though the hope to see John Krasinski play the role has not died out yet. The feature is expected to introduce Doctor Doom though his role may not be as extensive as many hoped.
Fantastic Four will land in theaters on May 2, 2025.
