New developments have emerged for one of Marvel’s most prominent stars.
Marvel Studios closed out July by kicking off Phase Six of the Marvel Cinematic Universe with The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025). Directed by Matt Shakman, the reboot features Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing. Expectations were high for the team’s MCU debut.
The film wasted no time making an impact at the box office. The Fantastic Four: First Steps opened to an estimated $118 million domestically, crossing the $100 million threshold for the first time in 2025 for Marvel. Globally, its first weekend hit approximately $218 million, signaling strong early turnout for the studio’s reimagining of the iconic heroes.
But the momentum slowed quickly. In its second weekend, the film saw a sharp 66% domestic drop, taking in just under $40 million. Per Box Office Mojo, its global total currently stands at $385.1 million. The performance reflects a familiar challenge for Marvel—delivering a massive launch, then keeping audiences engaged beyond opening week. Whether this is a sign of broader superhero fatigue or simply the front-loaded nature of modern blockbuster releases remains to be seen as the film continues its run.
Marvel Update: Pedro Pascal Wraps on Avengers: Doomsday
Deadline reports that Pascal has completed filming his scenes for Avengers: Doomsday, as the actor’s name surfaces in connection to Behemoth!, a new project from Star Wars: Andor creator Tony Gilroy.
“Fantastic Four kicked off the next phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and Pascal recently wrapped production on the next Avengers movie, Avengers: Doomsday, which will premiere in 2026,” Deadline wrote. “Also in 2026, Pedro will reprise his role as Din Djarin in Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu.”
Avengers: Doomsday began principal photography in April 2025, so some of the ensemble wrapping early isn’t surprising. Still, Pascal’s early departure raises eyebrows, particularly among those expecting Reed Richards to lead the next Avengers roster.
The question of who will make up Earth-616’s Avengers lineup remains unresolved. Both Captain America: Brave New World and Thunderbolts* set the stage for competing alliances earlier this year, hinting at conflicts that could carry into future Phase Six entries.
Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has hinted that whatever team emerges in Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027) may not remain intact for long. Last month, Feige confirmed the MCU is heading for a reset—likely tied to the debut of Franklin Richards in The Fantastic Four: First Steps and the upcoming reality-shifting events of Secret Wars. After that, Feige says, the X-Men will headline the next chapter of the franchise.
Pascal remains a central figure for Disney, as noted by Deadline. His turn as Din Djarin in The Mandalorian and Grogu (2026) will bring Star Wars back to the big screen for the first time since 2019’s Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker. The Jon Favreau–directed project is expected to serve as a continuation of the hit Disney+ series, replacing a planned fourth season.
While audiences continue to embrace Pascal, his omnipresence is becoming a talking point. From The Last of Us to The Fantastic Four, Eddington, and The Materialists, the Game of Thrones alum has maintained a heavy on-screen presence.
Avengers: Doomsday will also see Robert Downey Jr. return as Victor Von Doom/Doctor Doom, alongside characters from across Marvel Studios and former 20th Century Studios properties.
More on The Fantastic Four: First Steps
“Set against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps introduces Marvel’s First Family—Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Johnny Storm/Human Torch and Ben Grimm/The Thing as they face their most daunting challenge yet,” the official synopsis states.
The film’s supporting cast includes Paul Walter Hauser as Harvey Elder/Mole Man, Natasha Lyonne as Rachel Rozman, Julia Garner as Shalla-Bal, and Ralph Ineson as Galactus.
How do you feel about this latest Avengers: Doomsday update? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
