This Fantastic Four casting rumor is igniting serious debate among Marvel fans

Joseph Quinn
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Two things are dominating the internet right now: ‘90s europop and Fantastic Four casting rumors. Seeing as how my knowledge of the former extends only to Aqua, let’s focus on Marvel’s First Family getting their flame on with some big-name actors – even if the speculation has already divided the internet.

While this is still a Mr. Fantastic-style stretch – and not confirmed as of writing – Jeff Sneider has reported that Vanessa Kirby has been cast as Sue Storm and Joseph Quinn (AKA Eddie Munson from Stranger Things season 4) will play The Human Torch. Additionally, The Bear actor Ebon Moss-Bachrach is also rumored to have been cast – but not as The Thing.

While we’re not getting any official confirmation on the reports during the actors’ strike, those on social media have spoken out on the news with their usual intensity.

"So perfect," one says of Vanessa Kirby being linked to the role of Sue Storm. "She’s a great actress and I could really see her becoming a big face in the MCU." Another added, "Vanessa Kirby would be so good as Sue Storm."

Joseph Quinn, meanwhile, is a little more out of left field. While there is a general backlash surrounding the potential casting, fans have defended the rumor in their droves.

"[Tom] Hiddleston and [Chris] Hemsworth were considered 'terrible casting.' Look at them now," one wrote, referring to the infamous 'unknown' tag slapped on the Loki and Thor actors when they first joined the MCU.

Another commented, "Soooooo why are people mad about this casting? I thought people loved him in Stranger Things but now the world is over according to people in the comment section because of this? How about wait until oh I don't know, a trailer or until the movie is officially released."

Some have, rightly, focused on the person behind the rumor. A fan remarked, "Joseph Quinn also doesn’t deserve this hatred because if you actually met the guy, you would know that he’s one of the nicest and sweetest people you could ever meet. He’s also more than Eddie from Stranger Things." Another said, "Anyone that is upset about the possibility of Joseph Quinn being cast as Johnny Storm, please get a life."

Others disagreed, saying, "Jack Quaid would have been better" (Quaid has strenuously denied any links to Fantastic Four) and that they do not see Quinn as Johnny "at all."

Fantastic Four, directed by Matt Shakman, is set for cinemas on May 2, 2025. For more from the MCU, check out our guide to Marvel Phase 5 as well as a look at how to watch the Marvel movies in order.

Bradley Russell

I'm the Senior Entertainment Writer here at GamesRadar+, focusing on news, features, and interviews with some of the biggest names in film and TV. On-site, you'll find me marveling at Marvel and providing analysis and room temperature takes on the newest films, Star Wars and, of course, anime. Outside of GR, I love getting lost in a good 100-hour JRPG, Warzone, and kicking back on the (virtual) field with Football Manager. My work has also been featured in OPM, FourFourTwo, and Game Revolution.

Read more
Fantastic Four: promotional art for the new Marvel movie, The Fantastic Four First Steps
Fantastic Four: release date, cast, director, and everything else we know
The Fantastic Four: First Steps trailer
One moment in the Fantastic Four trailer may have accidentally spoiled a major Marvel rumor that won't go away: Sue Storm is pregnant
The Fantastic Four: First Steps cast assemble
The Fantastic Four: First Steps trailer introduces Marvel's first family, big bad Galactus, and John Malkovich's deep-cut comics character to the MCU
The Fantastic Four: First Steps cast assemble
Pedro Pascal talks about unusual fashion inspiration for Fantastic Four suit as he describes the experience as "humbling"
The Fantastic Four: First Steps cast assemble
Fantastic Four star says the Marvel movie "will go down in history" for rejuvenating the MCU, "in the same way the Guardians of the Galaxy and Black Panther hit"
Ben Grimm/The Thing in the first teaser trailer for Fantastic Four: First Steps
Marvel fans are divided over our first look at The Thing in the Fantastic Four: First Steps trailer
Latest in Marvel Movies
Chris Hemsworth's name on the back of a director's chair
Marvel's Avengers: Doomsday cast reveal live blog
The Fantastic Four: First Steps cast assemble
Fantastic Four star says the Marvel movie "will go down in history" for rejuvenating the MCU, "in the same way the Guardians of the Galaxy and Black Panther hit"
Wanda in Doctor Strange
Scarlet Witch star Elizabeth Olsen is one of the first Marvel actors to say she's not in the next pair of Avengers movies
Ant-Man and the Wasp Quantumania
Paul Rudd is still thinking about that one Thanos and Ant-Man fan theory: "I often wonder, though, could he really have stopped Thanos in that way?"
She-Hulk on Disney Plus
Tatiana Maslany canceled a Comic Con appearance due to "filming commitments", and it could mean She-Hulk is in the next Avengers movie
Charlie Cox in Daredevil
Daredevil star Charlie Cox says keeping his Spider-Man: No Way Home cameo a secret for two years was a "nightmare"
Latest in News
Schedule 1
Schedule 1 is Steam's latest viral hit – an open-world drug dealing simulator with 98% positive reviews, co-op, and a free sample to get you started
Kingdom Come Deliverance 2
Reclaiming their crown, pacifist Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 player beats the whole RPG as "Merciful Henry": 1,741 strikes blocked, 472 knockouts, and zero kills
Somehow this keeps happening: Another game with a Persona 5 collab is going under, and this time it's JRPG comrade War of the Visions: Final Fantasy Brave Exvius
Lies of P art showing P walking in a snowy forest
Lies of P director loves FromSoftware and respects the Soulslike tag, but says "I'm really serious, I'm not lying, I'm very truthful, our focus is to create our own style of game"
Tony Dalton as Jack Duquesne
Daredevil: Born Again fans are loving the MCU cameos in this week's episodes – especially the Hawkeye reunion
Naoe and Yasuke walk in the sunset in a screenshot from Assassin's Creed Shadows
Following Assassin's Creed Shadows controversy, Baldur's Gate 3 publishing director says "every big AAA game could be better," but players shouldn't be mad "just because some dude told you to"