The “Fantastic Four” reboot’s casting situation just got weird. But first, a history lesson.
In the 2005 “Fantastic Four” film, Chris Evans starred as Johnny Storm, the Human Torch. That role paved the way for his turn as Steve Rogers in the “Captain America” and “Avengers” movies, leaving some fans deeply confused as to how Evans could play both superheroes at once.
Of course, Evans’ role as Rogers meant his days as Storm were over. Indeed, they were already long behind him at that point. And now, we’re on the cusp of a brand new group of actors for the “Fantastic Four” reboot, due in theaters next year. Evans is succeeded by Michael B. Jordan as the new Human Torch, with other members of Marvel’s First Family including Kate Mara as Sue Storm, Miles Teller as Reed Richards and Jamie Bell as The Thing.
Beyond that foursome, “Fantastic Four” already has a villain: Toby Kebbell, of the upcoming “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes,” as the new Doctor Doom. And now, it appears he’s not the only force of terror in the new “Fantastic Four” film.
Enter the Mole Man.
Heat Vision reports that Tim Blake Nelson is joining “Fantastic Four” as Harvey Elder, described as “an eccentric and socially awkward scientist.” In the comics, Elder becomes the Mole Man, one of the more famous “Fantastic Four” villains — and one of the biggest practical jokes in comics.
Nelson is a fine actor and a welcome addition to the “Fantastic Four” reboot, except for one little issue — he’s already been a would-be villain in a Marvel movie, having played Samuel Sterns, alias The Leader, in “The Incredible Hulk.”
So, what gives? You think just because Evans can get away with hopping from “Fantastic Four” to Marvel Studios, that it works the other way around now? I call shenanigans — and perhaps I’m the only one calling shenanigans, because I’m also the only one who wanted to see Nelson back in full Leader mode at some point down the line. Now, if he’s making his bed with “Fantastic Four,” Nelson likely won’t return to the Marvel Studios fold, assuming Marvel wants to use the Leader at any point. Then again, “Hulk” has plenty of recasting issues of its own.
I don’t know, guys. Does this casting news bother you too, or am I just making a mountain out of a — drumroll please — molehill?
And my work here is done.
“Fantastic Four” hits theaters on June 19, 2015.
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