David Tennant has revealed he had been eyeing up a starring role in Fantastic Four before it went to Pedro Pascal.
The Doctor Who legend, 54, is no stranger to saving the world – hey, the universe – as the titular Time Lord, which he has played up until 2023.
But, as the Scottish actor looks to the next phase of his career, he shared that he has been ready to swap the Tardis out for the lab after looking into playing superhero Reed Richards – an inventor with the power of elasticity.
‘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,’ the Genius Game host explained at MCM Comic Con in London.
He added: ‘Although if it has to be someone, I’m very happy for it to be Pedro Pascal.
Get personalised updates on Doctor Who
Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro’s TV Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we’ll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you.
He’s not giving up hope quite yet although he acknowledged it might take a while for the opportunity to arise again.
‘I would have quite liked to be Reed Richards. I’d quite like to be able to do all that,’ the star said while stretching his arm out, per Games Radar.
‘So I’ll stick with that even though it’s gone, even though it’s gonna be a while before there’s another go at that, I think, unfortunately,’ he concluded.
The Last of Us star, 50, eventually landed the gig to star as Mister Fantastic in The Fantastic Four: First Steps opposite Vanessa Kirby as Susan Storm. Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm.
Some fans have pointed out on Reddit that, given that David has previously appeared in the Marvel Universe as supervillain Kilgrave in the Jessica Jones series, it would have been difficult to re-appear in a different role anyway.
Although others have reflected that he could have made a magnificent go at playing the Maker – Reed Richards’ supervillain alter-ego.
Fans also shared their disappointment that we wouldn’t see David in the role, with Rocketeer1019 writing: ‘He would have been amazing, idk how they ignored this option.’
‘I like Pedro, but damn this could have been amazing casting,’ Binro_was_right echoed.
Both actors have built a huge fanbase over recent years, especially as vocal trans allies with David recently sharing his commitment to trans rights on ITV’s The Assembly and Pedro showing up to a premiere with the shirt ‘Protect The Dolls’.
Although David won’t be appearing in Fantastic Four – as far as we know – he does remain booked and busy including a final appearance in Amazon Prime’s Good Omens.
His game show with ITV, Genius Game, has underperformed with it being labelled the broadcaster’s ‘most expensive flop’ reportedly resulting in a schedule change after it failed to pull in huge viewing figures.
He is also set to star in Netflix’s adaptation of Richard Osman’s bestselling novel, The Thursday Murder Club, as Ian Ventham opposite Celia Imrie, Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan.
And, of course, there is the second season of Disney+’s The Rivals which garnered huge success.
Fantastic Four arrives in UK cinemas on July 25, 2025.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.