Pedro Pascal Responds to Criticism Over Budget Marvel Role

Pedro Pascal has copped a fair bit of flak since stepping into the shoes of Reed Richards, also known as Mr. Fantastic, in The Fantastic Four: First Steps. The film’s reputation as one of Disney’s most budget-friendly Marvel projects has only added fuel to the fire, leaving many punters scratching their heads.

In a recent chat with Vanity Fair, Pascal didn’t shy away from the criticism.

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

He’s heard it all before: He’s too old. He’s not right. He needs to shave. The comments have been relentless, but Pascal seems to take it on the chin.

Vanessa Kirby, who plays Sue Storm alongside Pascal, was quick to back him up.

He doesn’t have much armour, so he shows himself to you straight away, and you trust that person because he’s revealing himself to you in this very brave way.

Those who’ve worked with Pascal rarely have a bad word to say about the bloke, and his performance in the film has been praised for doing justice to the character.

How The Fantastic Four Became a Bargain Marvel Flick

Freshly released production figures from the UK suggest The Fantastic Four: First Steps was made for less than any other Marvel film Disney’s shot in Britain over the last ten years. The film, set in a 1960s-inspired world with flying cars and retro skylines, might look like a big-budget affair, but the numbers tell a different story.

Filming at Pinewood Studios in the UK helped keep costs down, even as the production aimed for a visually ambitious result. The UK’s Audio-Visual Expenditure Credit, which reimburses up to 25.5% of qualifying local spend, played a big part in stretching the budget. To qualify, at least 10% of the core costs had to be spent locally.

According to the paperwork, this approach made the film far more cost-effective than previous Marvel productions shot in the UK, earning it a spot as one of Disney’s most economical MCU entries to date.

Pascal’s Enduring Friendship With Sarah Paulson

While Pascal’s professional life keeps him in the spotlight, it’s his personal connections that seem to keep him grounded. His friendship with Sarah Paulson goes back more than thirty years, to when they were both 18 and living in New York.

Although Pascal couldn’t make it to Paulson’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in December 2025, he made sure his presence was felt. Amanda Peet read out a heartfelt message from Pascal:

To Sarah, I’ll just say there is no me without you. Without you, I wouldn’t believe in the moon or the sun in the sky. You are the opening in the road. You are the decorated forest, and most importantly, you’re my friend, and I’m yours eternally.

Paulson recalled their early days, including seeing the film Fearless together, highlighting the depth of their bond.

Streaming Now and Audience Reactions

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is currently available to stream on Disney+, and viewers have been quick to share their thoughts on both the film and Pascal’s performance. Whether you reckon the casting was spot on or not, there’s no denying the film’s unique place in the Marvel line-up, both for its budget and the conversations it’s sparked among fans.