Pedro Pascal's Response to Fantastic Four Haters Is Perfect

While most fans were thrilled about the rest of the lineup — Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm — the internet lost its mind over Pascal. Suddenly everyone had opinions: too old, not right, he needs to shave, blah blah blah. The usual social media meltdown.

And unlike most actors who wisely avoid doomscrolling, Pascal admitted in a Vanity Fair interview that yeah, he saw it all.

"I'm more aware of disgruntlement around my casting than anything I've ever done."

And that's saying something, considering this guy's been in Game of Thrones, The Mandalorian, and The Last of Us — three fandoms not exactly known for their chill.

Still, he's standing by the movie — and the work he, director Matt Shakman, and the cast put into it.

"I'm getting an inkling of excitement because it seems to reflect what our common goal was... which is all of our f***king hearts on a platter within this genre," he said. "You just never know if people are going to be disgusted by your heart or not."

(Note to Marvel PR: consider putting that quote on the poster.)

Set in an alternate timeline with heavy 1960s sci-fi vibes, Fantastic Four: First Steps drops the team into the MCU as global celebrities — just in time to go head-to-head with the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner) and her boss, Galactus, voiced by Ralph Ineson. So far, we've only heard his voice in the trailer — his full comic-book mask may or may not make the cut.

Also lurking in the cast is John Malkovich, playing someone Marvel still refuses to name, because mystery boxes never go out of style.

So yes, fans are still bickering about whether Pascal has the right jawline for Mr. Fantastic. But with this much talent involved — and Pascal clearly all-in — it's probably best to wait and see what hits the screen before calling for recasting.

July 25 is coming fast. Get your complaints in now.