The Marvel Cinematic Universe has long been a juggernaut in Hollywood, delivering blockbuster after blockbuster. However, the upcoming release of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, set to hit theaters on July 25, 2025, has sparked a firestorm of controversy that could jeopardize not only this highly anticipated reboot but also Disney’s broader empire, including The Mandalorian. At the heart of this storm are Pedro Pascal, the charismatic star playing Reed Richards, and Rachel Zegler, whose off-screen friendship and controversial actions have ignited debates across social media and industry circles. What are the secrets behind Hollywood’s handling of this superhero saga, and could Pascal’s outspoken support for Zegler truly be “destroying Disney”?

The Fantastic Four franchise has had a rocky history. The 2005 and 2007 films, while moderately successful, failed to capture the hearts of fans, and the 2015 reboot was a critical and commercial disaster. With The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Marvel aims to finally get it right, introducing a retro-futuristic take on the beloved comic book quartet. Pedro Pascal, fresh off his roles in The Last of Us and Gladiator II, leads the cast as Reed Richards, alongside Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm. Early buzz suggested this could be a triumphant return for Marvel’s first family, with critics praising the film’s fresh approach and stellar ensemble. Yet, behind the scenes, a series of missteps by its stars threatens to derail the project before it even lands in theaters.

Rachel Zegler, though not part of the Fantastic Four cast, has become a lightning rod for controversy in Hollywood. Her starring role in Disney’s live-action Snow White, released earlier in 2025, was met with scathing criticism and abysmal box office numbers, grossing just $143.1 million against a $350 million budget. Zegler’s comments disparaging the original 1937 animated film as “outdated” and her outspoken political remarks, including pro-Palestinian posts, alienated a significant portion of Disney’s audience. The fallout was severe, with some fans and industry insiders dubbing it “ZeglerGate.” Despite this, Pedro Pascal publicly supported Zegler, posting on Instagram Stories on March 31, 2025, with a photo of the 23-year-old actress captioned simply, “@rachelzegler #icon.” This move sparked immediate backlash, with social media users questioning Pascal’s judgment. One X user, @ArmoredRoar6, wrote, “Lol. Icon? No, how bout ‘fired,’ how bout ‘blacklisted,’ how bout failure, moron, imbecile. Call her what she is, not what your deluded Hollywood echo chamber wishes she was.” Another, @LanSharty, warned, “Pedro’s mouth is gonna tank the Fantastic Four.”

Pascal’s support for Zegler isn’t just a casual endorsement. The two share a close friendship, with Zegler affectionately calling Pascal “Dad” in interviews. In a July 2025 conversation with Hits Radio UK, Zegler explained, “One thing about my daddy Pedro, he goes to bat for me in a way that I love so dearly.” She highlighted how Pascal attended the opening night of her West End revival of Evita, giving her a standing ovation after every number. This heartwarming bond, while endearing to some, has fueled speculation that Pascal’s loyalty to Zegler could drag him into her controversies. Fans on X have drawn parallels, with @R2cb noting, “Why do these actors keep sabotaging their next projects?” The fear is that Pascal’s association with Zegler, combined with his own history of polarizing statements, could alienate audiences and harm The Fantastic Four.

Pascal himself is no stranger to controversy. His political activism, including wearing a “Protect the Dolls” T-shirt supporting the trans community at the Thunderbolts premiere in April 2025, has drawn both praise and criticism. Some fans admire his openness, with one Reddit user in the marvelstudios subreddit commenting, “I love the guy, I would watch him in everything.” Others, however, see his actions as provocative, especially after he called for a boycott of the Harry Potter franchise in response to J.K. Rowling’s comments on biological sex. An X post from @mynerdyhome on March 31, 2025, pointed out the perceived double standard: “Of course, Pedro Pascal stands with Rachel Zegler. This is the guy who compared Trump supporters to Nazis, and Disney did NOTHING. Meanwhile, Gina Carano was fired.” Carano, Pascal’s former Mandalorian co-star, was dismissed in 2021 for controversial posts, and Pascal’s silence on her situation has further fueled accusations of selective advocacy.

The Fantastic Four cast hasn’t helped matters. Vanessa Kirby and Pascal were criticized for laughing at the “outdated” portrayals in classic Fantastic Four comics, with Kirby revealing in a June 2025 interview that they shared a chuckle over Sue Storm’s depiction. This echoed Zegler’s dismissal of Snow White‘s source material, prompting an opinion piece on That Park Place to lament, “Disney clearly learns nothing from Rachel Zegler disaster.” Joseph Quinn also stirred the pot by calling his character, Johnny Storm, “sexist” in a press interview, promising a more “enlightened” version. These comments have raised concerns among fans already skeptical of Hollywood’s track record with beloved properties. The casting of a female Silver Surfer further fueled debates, with some seeing it as a bold choice and others as a betrayal of the comics.

Disney now faces a delicate balancing act. The Fantastic Four: First Steps is a critical piece of the MCU’s Phase Five, following the underwhelming performance of Captain America: Brave New World and Thunderbolts. Reports of emergency reshoots, as highlighted in a May 2025 YouTube video, suggest the studio is scrambling to address fan concerns. Meanwhile, Pascal’s role in The Mandalorian and the upcoming Mandalorian and Grogu film, slated for 2026, ties his star power to another Disney cornerstone. A flop in either franchise could have ripple effects across the company’s portfolio. Industry analyst Marvin Montanaro, Editor-in-Chief of That Park Place, warned, “When the movie stars make headlines for the wrong reasons, everyone pays the price.”

Despite the controversies, there are reasons for optimism. Early reviews for The Fantastic Four: First Steps have been largely positive, with critics praising its retro aesthetic and the chemistry among the cast. Vanessa Kirby told Vanity Fair, “Pedro’s immense vulnerability is what bonded us on set. He doesn’t have much armor, so he shows himself to you straight away.” This authenticity could translate to a compelling Reed Richards, provided audiences can look past the off-screen drama. Pascal himself remains unfazed, telling Metro at the film’s UK premiere, “I’m not aware of any misconceptions. If it’s all positive, then they’re all right!”

The question now is whether Disney can navigate this PR minefield. Zegler’s Snow White serves as a cautionary tale: a talented actress whose public persona alienated audiences, leading to a historic flop. Pascal, with his undeniable charisma and versatility, has the potential to rise above the fray, but his vocal support for Zegler and his own polarizing actions could prove costly. As Hollywood holds its breath, the fate of The Fantastic Four and The Mandalorian hangs in the balance. Will Pascal’s star power and the film’s quality overcome the backlash, or will this be another case of Hollywood’s self-inflicted wounds? Only time—and ticket sales—will tell.