Marvel’s Fantastic Four Faces Backlash: Pedro Pascal and Female Silver Surfer Spark Controversy

Marvel’s upcoming The Fantastic Four: First Steps, set to hit theaters on July 25, 2025, has ignited a firestorm of controversy even before its official release. With a leaked trailer circulating online and fans voicing their outrage across social media, the reboot is already facing an uphill battle. At the center of the storm are Pedro Pascal, cast as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, and Marvel’s bold decision to gender-swap the iconic Silver Surfer. Add to that the conspicuous absence of fan-favorite villain Doctor Doom, and it’s no wonder the internet is buzzing with heated reactions.

Pedro Pascal’s Reported Meltdown

Pedro Pascal, celebrated for his roles in The Last of Us and The Mandalorian, is reportedly reeling from the backlash. Social media posts on X suggest the actor has been vocal about his frustration, with some claiming he’s “slagging off the fanbase” for criticizing the film’s direction. While Pascal’s comments remain unverified, the sentiment on platforms like X paints a picture of an actor caught in the crossfire of fan expectations and Marvel’s creative choices. Posts like those from @NWFuzz and @JDEadonWriter express disappointment, with some fans even threatening to boycott the film, calling it a “woke” misstep.

This isn’t the first time Pascal has faced scrutiny for his involvement in The Fantastic Four. Reports of his casting leaked in November 2023, sparking early debates about his fit as the stretchy genius Reed Richards. Now, with the trailer leak amplifying tensions, Pascal’s reported outburst has only added fuel to the fire.

Why Fans Are Furious

The heart of the backlash lies in Marvel’s decision to cast Julia Garner as a female Silver Surfer, specifically Shalla-Bal, a character from the comics who is traditionally a love interest to Norrin Radd, the classic Silver Surfer. While Garner’s casting was revealed earlier this year, the leaked trailer’s glimpse of her metallic, surfboard-riding herald has reignited debates about Marvel’s approach to its source material. Fans on X, such as @Tony_Omega, have labeled the move as part of Disney’s “DEI hoorah,” accusing the studio of prioritizing identity politics over storytelling.

The gender swap isn’t the only issue. The absence of Doctor Doom, a cornerstone villain of the Fantastic Four mythos, has left fans baffled. Previous adaptations, like the 2005 and 2007 films, leaned heavily on Doom as the primary antagonist. However, First Steps shifts focus to Galactus (played by Ralph Ineson) and the Silver Surfer, with no clear indication of Doom’s involvement. With Robert Downey Jr. confirmed to play Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday (2026), fans expected at least a tease in First Steps. The lack of any hint in the leaked trailer has led to speculation that Marvel is saving Doom for later, but for many, this feels like a missed opportunity.

A “Woke” Agenda or Creative Evolution?

Marvel’s choice to set The Fantastic Four: First Steps in a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world was initially praised for its fresh take. Directed by Matt Shakman (WandaVision), the film stars Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing. The trailer’s aesthetic, complete with a 4:3 aspect ratio and nods to the Silver Age of comics, promised a bold departure from past adaptations. Yet, the gender-swapped Silver Surfer and the omission of Doctor Doom have some fans crying foul, accusing Marvel of straying too far from its roots.

The controversy echoes broader debates about the MCU’s direction. Phase 4 and 5 have faced criticism for uneven storytelling and perceived over-emphasis on diversity initiatives. Posts on X, like those from @RTarpley, warn that First Steps could be another nail in the coffin for Marvel’s legacy, with fans fearing the studio is “sabotaging” its own iconic characters.

Leaked Footage and Test Screenings

The leaked trailer, combined with reports of test screenings, has only deepened concerns. While the official teaser, released on February 4, 2025, garnered 202 million views in 24 hours, the leaked footage has drawn mixed reactions. Some praise the comic-accurate design of Galactus, a vast improvement over the 2007 film’s cosmic cloud. Others, however, feel the trailer prioritizes style over substance, with little focus on the team’s dynamic or the story’s stakes. Rumors of a lackluster ending and underdeveloped characters have further fueled skepticism about the film’s potential.

What’s Next for Marvel’s First Family?

With The Fantastic Four: First Steps kicking off Phase 6 of the MCU, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The film is poised to set the stage for Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, where the Fantastic Four will play a significant role. However, the current backlash suggests Marvel may need to address fan concerns to avoid alienating its core audience. Will Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards win over skeptics? Can Julia Garner’s Silver Surfer redefine the character for a new generation? And will Doctor Doom’s absence prove to be a strategic choice or a costly misstep?

As the July 25 release date approaches, The Fantastic Four: First Steps remains a lightning rod for debate. Whether it’s a bold new chapter or a stumble for Marvel’s First Family, one thing is clear: the fans will have the final say. Share your thoughts below—will you be watching, or is this reboot a hard pass?