In what can only be described as the most chaotic-yet-wholesome career decision ever, Pedro Pascal, a.k.a. the Internet’s favorite zaddy, is officially stretching himself (literally) into the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic in Fantastic Four: The First Steps. That’s right—Pedro’s going full science-daddy in spandex. You’re welcome, world.
But how did this all happen? Was it fate? Was it a vibe? Was it the power of Marvel’s unlimited money? Not quite. According to Pedro, it was… a lemonade stand.
Yes. A lemonade stand. A sugary citrus ambush that sealed his superhero fate faster than you can say, “Excuse me, do you accept Venmo?”
“It was a big strange thing that I hadn’t planned on happening,” Pedro told EW, probably while sipping a refreshing lemon-based beverage. “It changed the course of my life in a very sudden way, so I really had to process.”
And process he did—by taking a walk with his bestie. As one does when faced with life-changing decisions and potential contracts that require wearing spandex in public.
“While I was talking about it,” Pedro continued, “this tiny yet terrifyingly determined child starts aggressively trying to sell me lemonade. Like, dragon energy-level hustle.”
Pedro, being the softie we all know he is, handed over his change like a gentleman—only to realize the girl was none other than Matt Shakman’s daughter. Yes, Matt Shakman, director of Fantastic Four. Coincidence? The universe said, Nah.
> “Literally the Sunday after Matt and I met to discuss the project. I’m processing my feelings, sipping citrus, and suddenly—BOOM—it’s his kid with the entrepreneurial spirit of a young Jeff Bezos,” Pedro said, probably still dazed by the cosmic-level marketing play.
His friend took one look at the situation and dropped the mic:
> “I guess you’re doing it.”
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how lemonade became Marvel’s secret weapon in casting.
### “Scary? Yes. Stretchy? Also yes.”
Now, playing the brainiac with a rubber-band body isn’t exactly low-pressure. Pedro admitted that stepping into the role of Reed Richards felt like jumping into a group project where everyone already has a PhD in Nerd Expectations™.
“It was really intimidating,” Pedro confessed. “I’ve done some big stuff—Game of Thrones, Narcos, Star Wars, The Last of Us—but nothing prepares you for the kind of fans who know more about your character than you ever will.”
Fair. The Marvel fandom doesn’t play around. They will fact-check your soul.
> “You want to make people happy. You want to meet expectations, but you also want to bring your own flavor,” Pedro said, probably while imagining Reed Richards with a slight Chilean accent and a daddy vibe.
The actor emphasized how much he leaned on his castmates and crew, because even superheroes need emotional support snacks and pep talks.
Fantastic Four: The First Steps hits theaters July 25, so get ready for science, sass, stretchy limbs, and probably more citrus metaphors than anyone asked for. 🍋
