In a recent promotional interview for Marvel Studios’ Fantastic Four: First Steps, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, the actor portraying Ben Grimm, aka The Thing, delivered a striking response that has sparked widespread conversation. When asked what he would do if he could borrow his character’s superhuman powers for a day, Moss-Bachrach didn’t hesitate. “There’s a handful of fascists that I would just throw into outer space,” he declared, prompting a high-five from co-star Pedro Pascal and igniting a viral moment across social media platforms. This candid remark, delivered with a blend of humor and conviction, has resonated with fans and critics alike, while also stirring debate about its underlying implications.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps, released on July 25, 2025, marks the beginning of Phase Six of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Set in a retro-futuristic 1960s world, the film follows the superhero team—Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm (Moss-Bachrach)—as they confront the cosmic threat of Galactus, a planet-devouring entity. The film’s stellar cast, including Julia Garner, Natasha Lyonne, and Ralph Ineson, has been praised for its chemistry and performances, with critics noting the movie’s “wide-eyed idealism” despite mixed reviews. But it was Moss-Bachrach’s interview comment, made during a lighthearted IMDb Q&A session, that stole the spotlight and turned a promotional moment into a cultural talking point.

The Thing, Moss-Bachrach’s character, is a fan-favorite Marvel hero known for his rock-like exterior, superhuman strength, and deep sense of loyalty. Created by comic legends Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, Ben Grimm embodies a working-class, gruff yet kindhearted spirit. Kirby, who fought Nazis during World War II and was known for his staunch anti-fascist stance, infused The Thing with his own personality traits—scrappy, stubborn, and fiercely protective. Moss-Bachrach’s statement aligns closely with this legacy, reflecting the character’s moral compass. “Ebon Moss-Bachrach was asked what he’d do if he had The Thing’s powers and he gave the most Ben Grimm answer possible,” one X user wrote, capturing the sentiment of fans who see the response as true to the character’s roots.

The remark’s viral spread was amplified by its timing. In an era where political polarization runs high, the term “fascist” carries significant weight, often used to critique authoritarian ideologies or figures. While Moss-Bachrach didn’t name specific individuals, social media speculation has linked his comment to broader political tensions, particularly in the United States. Some interpreted it as a jab at right-wing figures, while others saw it as a playful nod to The Thing’s no-nonsense attitude. The high-five from Pedro Pascal, who has previously criticized political figures like Donald Trump, added fuel to the speculation, with outlets like The Independent noting that “many on social media have interpreted the remark as a dig at the US right.”

What makes Moss-Bachrach’s statement compelling is its blend of humor and defiance, a tone that resonates with audiences craving authenticity from public figures. The actor, best known for his Emmy-winning role as Richie in The Bear and his performance in Girls, isn’t a frequent commentator on political issues. However, his personal background adds depth to his words. Moss-Bachrach’s father was born in Germany to Jewish-American parents, giving the actor a familial connection to the fight against oppression. In Fantastic Four: First Steps, Ben Grimm’s Jewish identity is subtly highlighted in a scene where he visits a synagogue to meet a character played by Natasha Lyonne, who is also Jewish. This context lends weight to Moss-Bachrach’s comment, framing it as more than just a quip but a reflection of deeply held values.

The interview itself was a lively affair, with the Fantastic Four cast displaying camaraderie that has endeared them to fans. When asked the same question about borrowing their characters’ powers, Vanessa Kirby joked about using Sue Storm’s invisibility to skip airport lines, while Joseph Quinn envisioned a family vacation powered by Johnny Storm’s fiery abilities. Moss-Bachrach’s response stood out for its boldness, earning a cheer from Pascal and laughter from the group. “Always knew he was a good’un,” another X user posted, reflecting the enthusiasm of fans who appreciated his unfiltered approach. The clip, shared widely across platforms, has garnered millions of views, with reactions ranging from admiration to criticism.

Critics of the comment, such as Blaze Media, called it a “ridiculous response” that risks alienating fans, while others, like We Got This Covered, praised it as a fitting tribute to Jack Kirby’s anti-fascist legacy. Kirby, who once threatened to confront American Nazis upset over Captain America’s depiction of punching Hitler, would likely have approved of Moss-Bachrach’s sentiment. “Kirby was a proud and active anti-fascist for his entire career,” noted We Got This Covered, highlighting how Kirby’s experiences shaped characters like The Thing. The outlet went on to say, “Seems to me like blasting a few fascists into outer space is just about the most Ben Grimm answer possible.”

The controversy surrounding Moss-Bachrach’s remark underscores a broader tension in Hollywood, where celebrity political statements often spark polarized reactions. Some X users celebrated the comment as a bold stand against hate, with one writing, “Make being a good person who yeets fascists into space great again.” Others, however, viewed it as a reckless generalization, with one commenter on a Substack post labeling it “cringe” and accusing Moss-Bachrach of “sucking up to the powers that be.” Despite the divide, the actor’s reticence to engage further in political discourse—he rarely posts about such topics on social media—suggests the comment was more impulsive than calculated.

For fans of Fantastic Four, the incident has only heightened interest in Moss-Bachrach’s portrayal of The Thing. His preparation for the role, which involved motion-capture technology and guidance from Mark Ruffalo (who plays the Hulk), has been widely discussed. On Jimmy Kimmel Live, Moss-Bachrach shared that he slipped The Thing’s iconic catchphrase, “It’s clobberin’ time,” into the film multiple times, delighting comic book enthusiasts. Ruffalo, a veteran of motion-capture roles, sent Moss-Bachrach a “very long, thorough text” to demystify the process, a gesture the actor described as generous. This behind-the-scenes insight, coupled with his viral interview moment, has positioned Moss-Bachrach as a standout in the MCU’s latest chapter.

The film itself has been a commercial success, grossing $227 million worldwide and earning a sequel greenlight. Critics, including The Independent’s Clarisse Loughrey, have praised the cast’s chemistry, noting that “all the ingredients are perfectly lined up” for a vibrant reboot. Moss-Bachrach’s comment, while polarizing, has added a layer of intrigue to the film’s narrative, inviting audiences to consider the moral complexities of superhero power in a real-world context. As one Reddit user put it, “The Thing remembers,” referencing the character’s enduring sense of justice.

Ultimately, Moss-Bachrach’s statement is a testament to the enduring relevance of Fantastic Four’s themes—family, heroism, and standing against tyranny. Whether interpreted as a playful jest or a pointed critique, it has sparked a conversation that transcends the film itself, reminding us of the power of words in shaping public discourse. As fans flock to theaters to see The Thing in action, they’ll likely carry Moss-Bachrach’s words with them, wondering just who he’d send soaring into the cosmos—and why.