RUMOR: Paul Mescal Offered Human Torch Role In ‘Fantastic Four’

Is Paul Mescal joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe?

Paul Mescal Johnny Storm Human Torch Fantastic Four Marvel

Irish actor Paul Mescal, best known for his breakout role in the critically-acclaimed BBC and Hulu series Normal People, is rumored to have been offered the role of Johnny Storm in Marvel’s Fantastic Four reboot. The rumor originates from Hollywood insider Daniel Richtman, who has a reputation for accurate information on the entertainment industry.

If the rumor is true, Paul Mescal would be stepping into the role of Johnny Storm, also known as the Human Torch, one of the four members of the Fantastic Four. Johnny is the brother of Sue Storm, who goes by the Invisible Woman, and possesses the ability to engulf his body in flames and fly at superhuman speeds.

While the rumors about Paul Mescal potentially joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe are exciting, the actor is currently focused on another project. He is set to star in the upcoming Gladiator sequel, which is currently in pre-production. The original film, released in 2000, starred Russell Crowe and was a massive critical and commercial success, winning five Oscars, including Best Picture.

The Fantastic Four characters were created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, with the team making its first comic book appearance in 1961. The previous Fantastic Four movies, while popular, were not well-received by fans or critics, and Marvel Studios has an opportunity to right the wrongs of the past and deliver a feature that is true to the spirit of the comics.

What we know about the Fantastic Four movie

The Fantastic Four reboot is expected to be a fresh take on the classic Marvel characters, with a new cast. Matt Shakman is directing the movie from a screenplay by Josh Friedman. It is currently scheduled to hit theaters in 2025.

John Krasinski played the Earth-838 variant of Reed Richards in Sam Raimi’s Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, but his future as the character is currently in doubt. Krasinski’s wife Emily Blunt has said that she’s hopeful we’ll see the actor back as Richards for Fantastic Four.

Fantastic Four opens on February 14, 2025.  Stay tuned for all the latest news regarding the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more content!

Michael Bezanidis

Michael Bezanidis

Michael is the Managing Editor of Heroic Hollywood. When he's not playing video games, he's usually writing about film and television.