"Unfortunately, It Looks Like They’ve Gone In A Different Direction:" Doctor Who Star David Tennant Reveals His MCU Dream Role

Iconic actor David Tennant divulged which Marvel Cinematic Universe superhero he would want to play: Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic. Set to debut in The Fantastic Four: First Steps this summer, the role ultimately went to Pedro Pascal. Other stars include Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Joseph Quinn, Julia Gardner, Natasha Lyonne, Ralph Ineson, and John Malkovich. The events of the film see the titular team taking on the cosmic being, Galactus.
Despite not landing the part, Tennant doesn"t have any hard feelings towards Pascal. Speaking at MCM Comic Con (via The Hollywood Reporter), the Doctor Who star explained:
[indent] In terms of superheroes, I did slightly have my eye on Reed Richards, and unfortunately, it looks like they’ve gone in a different direction.
[/indent]Tennant then clarified: "Although if it has to be someone, I’m very happy for it to be Pedro Pascal, frankly." The interviewer later mentioned a viral clip that debated whether Pascal or Oscar Isaac was more of a "daddy." When asked if he or Pascal was "the bigger daddy," Tennant replied: "I mean it will definitely be him. He’s Mister Fantastic, so in every sense of the word, I think Pedro Pascal is great. I’m very, very pleased that he exists."
What David Tennant's Comments About Playing Reed Richards In The Fantastic Four Mean David Tennant Has Already Appeared In The MCU Close Tennant has played a number of memorable roles, but the most iconic one by far is the Doctor from Doctor Who. The actor starred on the hit show for three series and later reprised his role for the 50th and 60th-anniversary specials. Mentioning the Doctor is relevant because, like Reed, the character is known for his intelligence, moral fiber, leadership abilities, and unusual social skills. With the Doctor in mind, it"s not a stretch to see how Tennant could play Mr. Fantastic.

Related I’m Convinced I Know The Best Way For David Tennant’s Truly Terrifying Marvel Villain To Return In The MCU Without Undoing His 2015 Show Death Marvel Comics offers the perfect way for the MCU to reintroduce David Tennant’s Kilgrave without undermining his perfect death in Jessica Jones.
Posts Of note, however, the actor was already in the MCU. Tennant starred as the despicable villain Zebidiah Kilgrave/Purple Man in Jessica Jones season one. Prior to revealing his dream of playing Mr. Fantastic, he acknowledged his time on the series: "In terms of supervillains, I got the best one with Killgrave; I was quite pleased with that... Worked out quite nicely for me." Now that the entire Defenders saga is MCU canon, it would be unlikely for Tennant to take on another role in the franchise.
Our Take On David Tennant's Comments About Playing Reed Richards In The Fantastic Four David Tennant Would Have Been A Good Reed Richards

Given his talent and experience in similar roles, Tennant would have made a great Mr. Fantastic. That being said, it"s hard to imagine anyone else as Kilgrave in Jessica Jones. Additionally, Pascal is also a beloved actor with a lot to bring to the table. Tennant himself doesn"t begrudge Pascal getting the role, after all, so why should fans?
Either way, Jessica Jones" return to the MCU leaves a gap for Tennant to return, be it through resurrection or flashbacks. Meanwhile, Pascal"s Mr. Fantastic will hit the big screen in July, so both actors still have the opportunity to star in Marvel projects moving forward.

Marvel Cinematic Universe Created by Kevin Feige First Film Iron Man Upcoming Films Deadpool & Wolverine, Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts*, Blade (2025), The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Avengers: Doomsday (2026), Avengers: Secret Wars First TV Show Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
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