Pedro Pascal Confirmed Integral Role in Avengers Doomsday

Pedro Pascal will play Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic in the upcoming Marvel film Avengers: Doomsday, but he is not expected to be the central lead of the new Avengers team. While Pascal's character will have an integral role alongside stars like Chris Hemsworth, Vanessa Kirby, and Anthony Mackie, recent clarifications from Pascal suggest that Reed Richards will not be the leader of the Avengers, contrary to earlier comments by Fantastic Four director Matt Shakman. The film boasts a large ensemble cast, including returning X-Men characters and MCU veterans, with Robert Downey Jr. making a notable return as the villain Doctor Doom, a role that marks his first time playing a villain in the MCU. Pascal has affectionately referred to Downey Jr. as "Daddy Doomsday," highlighting the actor's significant presence and impact. Avengers: Doomsday, directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, is slated for release on December 18, 2026, and is expected to be a major event in Marvel's cinematic future. The movie will serve as the fifth Avengers installment and lead into Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027.