All Roads Lead to Westeros: Pedro Pascal Isn't the Only 'Fantastic Four' Star from 'Game of Thrones'

A Star-Studded Cast Brings the Fantastic Four to Life

The classic HBO series has revealed itself to be a near-bottomless well of talent. This is especially evident in the latest Marvel Cinematic Universe adventure, The Fantastic Four: First Steps. The film seems poised for box office success, with critics drawing comparisons to Pixar's The Incredibles rather than some other recent superhero fare. A significant part of its appeal lies in the quality of its ensemble cast, which includes not only the titular four but also the villains and side characters that enrich Matt Shakman’s retro-future comic book tale.

Pedro Pascal Leads the Charge

At the helm of Marvel's "First Family" is Pedro Pascal, who plays Reed Richards, the scientific genius whose life is never complicated by a dropped item behind the couch. The Chilean-born actor has become a Hollywood star of the moment, wrapping up his role in The Last of Us, appearing in films like Materialists and Eddington, and returning to the Star Wars universe in The Mandalorian and Grogu next summer. His seeming overnight success can be traced back to season 4 of Game of Thrones, where he played the Dornish Prince Oberyn Martell, the "Red Viper," known for his dramatic and gruesome demise.

Joseph Quinn Joins the Cast

Another notable addition to the film is Joseph Quinn, who portrays the hot-headed Johnny Storm, also known as The Human Torch. Quinn has enjoyed a slew of high-profile credits recently, including the Navy SEAL drama Warfare, the Roman action picture Gladiator II (which costarred Pascal), A Quiet Place: Day One, and, perhaps most notably, Stranger Things. However, Quinn's journey into the world of Game of Thrones began earlier, in season 7, where he played one of two guards at Winterfell who doubted the return of Arya Stark. His amusing line, “Look, it's cold and we're busy, so y'know, best f--- off,” added a touch of humor during the series' big windup.

Ralph Ineson Voices the Villain

The primary villain in First Steps is Galactus, an insatiable planet-gobbler who brings destruction to all around him. The film's depiction of this interdimensional being is true to the original comic book, but with a unique twist—Galactus speaks in a booming, metallic voice with a threatening English accent. This chilling presence is brought to life by Ralph Ineson, who previously played Amycus Carrow in the final three Harry Potter films, the titular knight in The Green Knight, and was part of the military cleanup crew on Chernobyl. He has also lent his voice to popular video games like Diablo IV and Assassin's Creed IV. In Game of Thrones, Ineson portrayed Dagmer Cleftjaw, a rogue from the Iron Islands who urged Theon Greyjoy to attack Winterfell.

Mark Gatiss Adds a New Dimension

Another standout in the film is Mark Gatiss, who plays Ted Gilbert, a new character introduced to the Marvel canon. Gilbert serves as an Ed Sullivan-esque talk show host, offering a speed-of-sound introduction to the comic book family's lore. His role is cleverly bookended at the conclusion of the film. Gatiss, a British actor, writer, and producer, is known for his work on Sherlock, which he co-created with Steven Moffat, and for writing several episodes of Doctor Who. He also appeared in Wolf Hall as Bishop Stephen Gardiner. Like many others in the cast, Gatiss had a role in Game of Thrones as Tycho Nestoris, a representative from the Iron Bank of Braavos.

A Legacy of Talent

With such a diverse and talented cast, The Fantastic Four: First Steps promises to be a thrilling addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. From the dynamic performances of its leads to the memorable contributions of its supporting cast, the film is set to captivate audiences and continue the legacy of the iconic superhero team.