Thunderbolts was a pleasant surprise for the scant few who actually saw it. The film, which in many ways acts as a sequel to 2021’s Black Widow and saw Marvel star Scarlett Johansson take a role behind the scenes as an executive producer.

But a recent interview with Johansson and Thunderbolts star David Harbour saw the actress reveal that she actually requested Marvel to remove her credit as executive producer. Speaking to InterviewMagazine.com over a Zoom call, the two A-listers discussed Harbour’s recent role in Thunderbolts, when the Red Guardian actor pointed out that Johansson had been an executive on the film, she revealed that she had had her name scrubbed from the credits.

“I asked to have my credit removed because I wasn’t involved,” the actress stated, to which Harbour joked, “You hated the movie that much?” Johansson denied the fact that she disliked the movie, but her choice to have her name scrubbed left fans with questions.

On X many speculated as to why she took her name off the film. One person “Of course because the film flopped.” Another asked “Why was her name there in the first place?”

Why was Scarlett Johansson involved in Thunderbolts?

After Black Widow’s release in 2021, Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige confirmed that Johansson would be producing an unnamed project. That project was Thunderbolts, of course. Although she wouldn’t be returning to act in front of the cameras, it was expected that she would be involved in some capacity, giving input and helping to shape the film that Thunderbolts would become.

While it’s not immediately clear why Johansson requested her name be taken off of the film’s credits, her claim that she wasn’t involved does suggest that she ended up not having much to do with the production of the film in the end. 

What did she have her producer credit removed?

According to Slashfilm.com, Johansson had quite a packed filming schedule, which likely interfered with her ability to give any meaningful input on the film. While Thunderbolts was in production, Johansson worked on two Wes Anderson films (Asteroid City and The Phoenician Scheme), she also worked on Fly Me to the Moon and Transformers One. Given how busy she likely was, it makes sense that she struggled to find the time to act as a producer for the Marvel movie.

It makes sense that Johansson would not want her name attached to a movie that she ended up not being involved with. Regardless of whether she thought it was good or not, it seems the actress simply didn’t want to take credit she felt wasn’t hers.

Veteran actor Al Pacino has revealed that he once turned down an opportunity to be part of the Star Wars franchise, citing his inability to understand the script as the primary reason for his decision. The acclaimed actor’s ission sheds light on a potentially different trajectory for both his career and the iconic space saga.

The Star Wars franchise, which began in 1977 with George Lucas at the helm, has grown to include 12 films and has featured prominent actors like Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford. The series has become one of Hollywood’s most successful franchises, spawning numerous spinoffs and generating billions in revenue. Its growth also opened doors for many actors who became central to its legacy, even though some major names, including those originally considered, never made it to the screen.

During a recent chat with Entertainment Weekly, Pacino recalled receiving the script while he was performing in a Broadway show. “So I loved their work, but I was doing a show on Broadway at the time, and they handed me this script, and I thought, I don’t understand. I must be out of space myself,” the actor explained. His confusion about the material led him to seek guidance from his friend and mentor, Charlie Loughton.

Star Wars’ continued success without Pacino’s involvement

The decision to decline the role came after both Pacino and Loughton struggled to comprehend the script’s content. “I said, ‘What do you make of this">Lucasfilm has already begun laying plans for post‑Skywalker projects. 

Pacino’s career has remained illustrious despite ing on the Star Wars opportunity. The actor has maintained a steady presence in Hollywood, with his latest project being The Ritual, directed by David Midell, which was released on June 6. The film sees him starring alongside Abigail Cowen, demonstrating his continued appeal in the industry.

This revelation s a growing list of “what if” moments in Hollywood history, where major actors have declined roles in successful franchises. However, Pacino’s honest explanation, “I can’t play something if I don’t speak the language,” reflects his commitment to only taking on roles he fully understands and can authentically portray.

Ana de Armas may be making the jump from spy thrillers to superhero spectacles as new reports suggest the actress is in discussions with Marvel Studios for a role in the Avengers: Doomsday. Industry scooper Daniel Richtman has reported that de Armas is currently in talks for an undisclosed role in the highly anticipated Marvel Cinematic Universe event film.

This potential casting represents a significant shift for de Armas, who has generally avoided major studio franchise projects throughout her career. Her most notable franchise appearance to date was a brief role in the James Bond film No Time to Die. The Cuban-Spanish actress has built her reputation on dramatic performances in films like Knives Out and Blonde, making this rumored Marvel involvement particularly noteworthy for both her career trajectory and the MCU’s expansion.

The potential casting adds to the growing speculation about a “well-known Marvel character” who is expected to play a significant role in both “Avengers: Doomsday” and its follow-up, “Avengers: Secret Wars.” While comic book fans initially theorized this character might be The Beyonder or Molecule Man, the possibility of De Armas’s involvement suggests the role could be a female hero or villain.

Marvel’s mysterious character could expand beyond Doomsday

Previous reports have indicated that Avengers: Doomsday will introduce a well-known Marvel character who will play a larger role in the subsequent Avengers: Secret Wars film. This character addition has led to widespread fan speculation about potential comic book figures making their MCU debut. Initially, many assumed this mystery character would be either The Beyonder or Molecule Man, both pivotal figures in the Secret Wars comic storyline.

However, the potential involvement of de Armas opens up new possibilities for this mysterious role. The character could easily be a female hero or villain from Marvel’s extensive roster, rather than the male comic book figures fans initially expected. This would align with Marvel’s continued efforts to diversify their character lineup and provide significant roles for established actresses.

The strategic importance of this casting extends beyond Doomsday itself. If de Armas is indeed being considered for the mystery character role, her involvement would likely continue into Secret Wars, making her a key player in the next phase of Marvel’s multiverse saga. This would represent a major commitment from both the actress and the studio, potentially spanning multiple years and films.

Avengers: Doomsday is already shaping up to be a significant event in the MCU timeline. The film will mark the return of Robert Downey Jr. to the Marvel universe, though this time he will portray the villainous Doctor Doom rather than his iconic Tony Stark character. The Russo Brothers are returning to direct after their successful run with previous Avengers films, including Infinity War and Endgame.

The film is scheduled for release on May 1, 2026, followed by Avengers: Secret Wars on May 7, 2027. Both projects represent Marvel’s ambitious plans for their multiverse storyline, bringing together characters from across different dimensions and timelines. If the de Armas casting rumors prove accurate, fans may have to wait until the film’s release to discover the full extent of her involvement, as Marvel has historically maintained strict secrecy around surprise character reveals.

Tom Cruise has added another achievement to his impressive career by securing a Guinness World Record for his death-defying stunt in “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.” The actor, who has been portraying secret agent Ethan Hunt since 1996, performed the most burning parachute jumps by an individual in the film’s latest installment.

According to Hindustan Times, the record-breaking feat involved Cruise jumping from a helicopter 16 times while wearing a fuel-soaked parachute that was deliberately set on fire. The stunts were performed in Drakensberg, South Africa, where Cruise and his team spent weeks preparing for the dangerous sequence.

During the behind-the-scenes preparation, Cruise emphasized safety while discussing the stunt with his crew. “We’re gonna be real smart. I’m not saying be risky. We don’t take risks… obviously,” the actor stated, highlighting the careful planning behind these dangerous-looking sequences.

Multiple takes required extensive preparation and special equipment

The stunt required Cruise to ascend more than 75,000 feet in a helicopter before executing the jump with the flaming parachute. Each jump involved cutting himself free from the burning chute and deploying a backup parachute. In several takes, Cruise carried an additional 50-pound Snorri camera rig attached to his body to capture close-up shots of the fiery stunt.

Craig Glenday, Guinness World Records editor-in-chief, praised Cruise’s commitment to authenticity, stating that the actor doesn’t just play action heroes but is one himself. Glenday attributed Cruise’s success to his focus on authenticity and his continuous efforts to push the boundaries of what a leading man can accomplish in action films.

“Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” directed by Christopher McQuarrie, serves as a continuation of the story from “Dead Reckoning,” where Hunt battles against an AI program called The Entity. The film features returning cast Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, Vanessa Kirby, and Hayley Atwell, among others.

The franchise welcomes several newcomers in this installment, including Hannah Waddingham from “Ted Lasso,” Nick Offerman, Lucy Tulugarjuk, Katy O’Brian, Tramell Tillman, and Stephen Oyoung. The film, which promises to be a dramatic conclusion to the long-running series, was released in theaters on May 23, marking the end of an era that spans eight movies.

Black Panther director Ryan Coogler has officially confirmed that Denzel Washington will the cast of Black Panther 3, following Washington’s earlier revelation about his involvement in November 2024.

According to People, the confirmation came during Coogler’s recent appearance on the 7pm in Brooklyn podcast with host Carmelo Anthony, where the director discussed his long-standing desire to work with the Training Day star.

“Denzel is family at this point…I’ve been trying to work with him since day one,” Coogler said during the podcast. “I think he’s the greatest living actor, and in of what he means to our culture, forget about it. I’ve been talking to him about this for a long time.”

Washington’s projects and retirement plans revealed

The 70-year-old Washington had previously disclosed on Australian Today that Coogler was writing a specific part for him in the next Black Panther film. The actor also shared his plans to appear in Othello and King Lear before retiring from acting, expressing his desire to work with only the best filmmakers at this stage of his career.

Coogler itted being caught off guard by Washington’s public disclosure of their discussions but confirmed the truth behind the statement. The director has long ired Washington’s work, particularly his collaborations with Spike Lee, expressing excitement about their project together, Highest 2 Lowest, scheduled for release in August 2025.

The Black Panther franchise has seen significant success since its debut in January 2018, with the original film starring the late Chadwick Boseman, followed by Black Panther 2 in November 2022. The third installment is currently scheduled for release in February 2028, according to IMDb.

Meanwhile, Coogler’s latest directorial venture, Sinners, recently hit theaters, featuring his frequent collaborator Michael B. Jordan alongside Hailee Steinfeld and Miles Caton. The film tells the story of twin brothers facing evil upon returning to their hometown. Coogler shared an emotional moment about showing the film to his mentor Spike Lee, describing the experience as “surreal.”

We could be seeing Sadie Sink take the place of Zendaya in Spider-Man: Brand New Day as the Stranger Things star is rumored to be ing the MCU as a multiverse variant of none other than Gwen Stacy.

It’s been a tough few years for MCU Spider-Man fans. Can you believe it’s been nearly four whole years since we last saw Tom Holland’s web-slinging hero on the big screen? How the time flies. But at long last we’re seeing signs of life with Marvel gearing up for a fourth movie in 2026, and with the hype of a new Spidey instalment comes all the rumors and speculation we’re used to seeing.

The Sadie Sink rumor explored

The rumor has been attributed to Jeff Sneider, the same guy who claimed Robert Downey Jr. would be playing Doctor Doom two months before the announcement was made. If his source is right then that means we could be seeing Sink swing onto our screens as the new live-action Gwen Stacy.

While Sneider has proven himself to be reliable with leaks in the past he isn’t always spot on. Three months ago he was saying that Sink’s role in the MCU might be as an MJ variant. Prior to that he was claiming she was set to play Jean Grey. So let’s take what this guy says with a grain of salt. It certainly sounds like Sadie Sink will be appearing in the MCU in some capacity, but the exact details of her role are somewhat vague right now.

Fan reactions to the news ranged from excitement, with some saying she’s perfect for the role, to confusion, with one person noting that she has “been rumored so far to be playing 10 different characters.”

What does this mean for Zendaya?

We have plenty of questions about this casting of course. First of all, will Sink be playing regular Gwen Stacy or Spider-Gwen? If it’s the former then that would make her a potential love interest to Peter Parker. So what would that mean for Zendaya’s MJ? 

The truth is we just don’t know right now. It’s not even confirmed that this is 100% the role Sadie Sink will be playing in the Spider-Man film. In all honesty even if Sink does the cast as Gwen there will probably always be room for Zendaya/MJ. Her character is pretty much integral to every Spider-Man story and it’s hard to imagine Marvel giving us a Spider-Man story without Tom Holland and Zendaya. 

Let’s not forget the fact that the two are also engaged in real life making it even more unlikely that Marvel would keep them separate on-screen. Either way, it will be interesting to see how the dynamics of this iteration of Peter Parker and MJ shift with the potential addition of Gwen Stacy.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is poised for a significant shift in The Fantastic Four: First Steps. As the teaser trailer reveals, Baby Franklin Richards, a character often depicted as the most powerful in Marvel Comics, will appear.

This development raises questions about the future of Captain Marvel, another character often considered among the MCU’s most formidable heroes.

Baby Franklin: The MCU’s new powerhouse?

Franklin Richards, the son of Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic) and Sue Storm (Invisible Woman), possesses reality-warping abilities. Those include creating pocket universes and manipulating matter and energy on a cosmic scale. His powers have drawn the attention of cosmic entities like Galactus and the Celestials. Those baddies consider him on par with themselves, which says a lot.

In the film, Vanessa Kirby portrays Sue Storm, and early word suggests that Franklin’s birth and potential powers will be central to the plot. The introduction of a character with such immense capabilities could mean a new direction in the MCU’s power rankings.

Captain Marvel’s waning presence

Captain Marvel, portrayed by Brie Larson, was introduced as a major force in the MCU with her 2019 solo film, which grossed over $1.1 billion worldwide. However, her prominence has diminished in recent years. She was notably absent from several key MCU films and had a limited role in Avengers: Endgame.

The 2023 sequel, The Marvels, failed to replicate the success of its predecessor, earning just $206 million globally against a production budget of $374 million, making it the lowest-grossing film in the MCU. Factors contributing to its underperformance include a convoluted storyline only fans steeped in Disney+ MCU lore could understand, and limited promotional efforts due to industry strikes.

As for Larson, she’s noncommittal about her future in the MCU, stating she doesn’t “have anything to say” regarding projects. The Marvels’ poor reception, general controversy surrounding Larson and her character, and the introduction of her rival in the MCU power rankings, Baby Franklin, could further redefine Captain Marvel’s role in future movies.

However, as Marvel fans know, Captain Marvel and Baby Franklin aren’t necessarily in direct competition in the narrative sense.

A strategic shift in the MCU?

That said, and though it’s too soon to tell, the introduction of Baby Franklin could signify Marvel Studios’ intent to redefine the hierarchy of power within the MCU. By bringing in a character whose abilities sur those of existing heroes, the studio may be setting the stage for new narratives that move away from established figures like Captain Marvel.

This transition aligns with broader changes within Marvel Studios, which is reevaluating its approach following several underperforming projects. The studio is reportedly focusing on fewer, higher-quality productions and integrating new characters to rejuvenate the franchise.

No matter what, Baby Franklin’s debut in The Fantastic Four: First Steps marks a pivotal moment for the MCU, potentially heralding a new era of storytelling centered around characters with unprecedented powers.

This development, alongside the declining prominence of Captain Marvel, suggests a strategic shift in the franchise’s direction, aiming to captivate audiences with fresh narratives and dynamic heroes. Marvel Studios’ highly anticipated film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, is scheduled to premiere in theaters on July 25, 2025.

In the multiverse anything is possible right? We’ve seen countless variants of heroes in the MCU over the last few years, sometimes we even get little nods to fan castings like John Krasinski in Multiverse of Madness. Well one fan casting involving Ryan Gosling might be deemed too controversial for the MCU, but is it actually being considered?

We’re talking about the Gosling – Black Panther casting of course. A fan casting which has been a bit of a meme for a while now. But now rumors are circulating about a new Black Panther and some think that The Fall Guy star could be in the running to play the Protector of Wakanda from another universe. 

So is there any truth to this whatsoever? And why has this rumor resurfaced now? Well to answer both of those questions we’re going to have to do a deep dive on the original meme as well as look at what’s going on in the Marvel Comics right now.

The original of the Ryan Gosling fan cast

The meme featuring Gosling as Black Panther has been around for a number of years now. An image with Gosling’s face photoshopped over Chadwick Boseman’s first appeared online in 2018 and subsequently became popular in the early 2020’s. The picture often features in discussions about race-swapping characters in movies.

In December 2023 it was reported that Gosling was in talks to play a character in the MCU which prompted a return of the meme. Many jokingly speculated we were really going to see Gosling take on the role, at least I hope these people were joking.

Why are people talking about this casting again?

Recently the speculation surrounding Gosling and the MCU has started up again. Numerous outlets seem to be reporting on the rumor that the Drive star could potentially be a multiversal Black Panther variant. The reason for this particular fan casting being the subject of conversation once again is thanks to a recent Marvel Comics story.

According to Superherohype.com, Marvel Comics recently revealed the new Black Panther, a man by the name of Ketema. Marvel Knights: The World To Come #1 saw Ketema unmask himself and reveal to all that he is a white man with blonde hair, sound familiar? The revelation saw some backlash and naturally people instantly drew a connection to Ketema and the Gosling meme.

So now that white Black Panther is technically canon, all those controversial memes depicting Gosling as the King of Wakanda suddenly seem a bit more plausible. On X people responded to the news with a mixture of amusement and puzzlement. 

Of course, that doesn’t mean it’s likely to happen really. The people in charge of the MCU nowadays have made plenty of awful decisions over the years, but I don’t think even they would be foolish enough to go anywhere near this casting choice.

Horror fans sit up and pay attention, as your world just changed forever. Blumhouse Productions has dropped the bombshell that they’ve acquired the rights to the iconic Saw franchise from Twisted Pictures. Lionsgate will retain its 50% stake and remain a production partner.

This development, confirmed by Deadline earlier today, is a game-changing moment for the billion-dollar horror franchise and should breathe new life into it under the stewardship of a studio considered to be the modern masters of horror. As an added bonus, this move reconnects Saw with its co-creator James Wan, who’s best positioned to refresh or even fully reboot it.

Saw debuted in 2004 from Wan and Leigh Whannell, and rapidly dominated horror with its intricate traps, psychological depth, and the chilling presence of Tobin Bell’s Jigsaw. Ten films later and with over $1 billion grossed, its visceral horror and social commentary made it a true cultural phenomenon.

Blumhouse is acquiring the rights to the ‘SAW’ franchise, with Lionsgate remaining onboard as a partner.

James Wan will oversee the series moving forward.

(Source: https://t.co/V85lFh2oQ7) pic.twitter.com/0FBBKqexjC

— Cinema Wire (@CinemaWireNews) June 4, 2025

But in the last few years, even Jigsaw couldn’t put the pieces together. Spiral: From the Book of Saw (2021) underperformed, and Saw XI’s planned 2025 release was derailed by disputes between Lionsgate and Twisted Pictures. These setbacks left fans wondering if Saw was sputtering out like so many other sequel-heavy horror franchises.

Blumhouse to the rescue?

If Blumhouse really is set on fully rebooting the SAW franchise, at least Tobin Bell got the perfect send-off he deserved! https://t.co/NDTjbXi1oA pic.twitter.com/z7AZatMzjO

— 𝚁𝚘𝚋𝚎𝚛𝚝 𝙰𝚗𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚗𝚢 (@robanthonyeadon) June 5, 2025

But Blumhouse are now Saw fans’ knights in shining armor. The studio has built a well-deserved reputation as a horror powerhouse, with hits like Paranormal Activity, The Purge, and Get Out. On top of that, they’ve proved they can bring back classic horror from the dead, as seen with Halloween and The Exorcist.

This deal may well have saved Saw. Blumhouse’s track record of smartly sustaining franchises (see The Purge spawning sequels and a TV series) shows it can deliver the consistency and craft Saw demands.

However, the acquisition isn’t without skepticism. Horror fans still grit their teeth over Blumhouse’s Halloween Ends (which is not as bad as everyone says!) and The Exorcist: Believer. But, with Wan set to play a role in this new era for Saw, I think we should be confident that a new entry will be fast-tracked and hit the mark.

Here’s hoping we get a full-fat Saw entry that shows younger horror fans why Jigsaw has such a fearsome reputation in the horror pantheon. Sure, the previous movies have pulled apart characters in terrible and impossibly sadistic ways, but I’m betting there’s still some gasoline left in the tank.

Marvel Studios is desperate for another billion-dollar hit and all eyes are on Avengers: Doomsday. This boasts a star-studded cast that rivals Endgame, the MCU comeback of Robert Downey Jr as Doctor Doom, and more costumed heroes than you can shake a multiverse at.

On top of that, if it’s anything like Infinity War, the events of Doomsday will change the MCU forever. Almost anything can happen, though the characters played by actors at the end of their contracts may have to face the power and magic of one Victor von Doom. And now, courtesy of a morbid Instagram post, one hero has shot to the top of our death list:

Thor might die in Avengers: Doomsday

Chris Hemsworth’s latest statement carries a tone of finality. pic.twitter.com/az0KHLeSYE

— Mohammed Ihsan (@ihsan21792) May 29, 2025

Hemsworth discussing about playing Thor in the past tense certainly sounds ominous and though he almost certainly still has scenes to shoot in Doomsday, he may have received the plot outline containing his death early and felt the need to send a message to fans.

Thor dying in Doomsday also makes a lot of sense. Over the last 14 years, there have been four Thor solo movies and Hemsworth has made five appearances in ensemble movies – meaning he’s had to keep in God of Thunder shape for a long time. That takes its toll on an actor, and we’re betting Hemsworth is more than ready to ease off the superhero physical training regime and enjoy life a little.

Hemsworth’s health

More pointedly, back in 2022, Hemsworth revealed he’d discovered he has a gene that makes him eight to ten times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s than the average person. Discovering this made him reevaluate his life and career, telling Vanity Fair:

“It really triggered something in me to want to take some time off. … Now when I finish this tour this week, I’m going home and I’m going to have a good chunk of time off and just simplify. Be with the kids, be with my wife.”

Who can blame him for wanting to jump off the Marvel Studios superhero hamster wheel and kick back to spend some quality time with his family? Even so, if Thor’s days are numbered, we’re sure Doomsday will send him out with a bang – likely at the hands of Doctor Doom himself.

If you’re skeptical that Doom has the power to take out an Asgardian think again, Doom is at least as powerful as Doctor Strange, an incredibly talented physical combatant and a technological genius. Doom will know how to take down Thor, and he won’t hesitate to deliver a killing blow.

Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters on Dec. 18, 2026.

According to the whispers making their way, Marvel Studios is reportedly eyeing Emma Myers to play Gwen Stacy in the MCU film Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day is the highly anticipated fourth installment in the MCU’s Spider-Man series, with Tom Holland returning as Peter Parker and Zendaya reprising her role as MJ. The film is expected to pick up where Spider-Man: No Way Home left off, with Peter Parker essentially erased from the lives of everyone he loves. MJ has no memory of him, Ned is off living his best life, and Peter is left swinging solo, trying to figure out what his next chapter looks like.

This setup presents the perfect opportunity to introduce Gwen Stacy. With MJ no longer in the picture (at least romantically, for now), Gwen could enter as a fresh new presence in Peter’s life. And if Marvel decides to lean into the multiverse chaos introduced in No Way Home and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, there’s even a chance we could see the Spider-Gwen version of the character, which would be a game-changer for the MCU.

Casting rumors in the MCU are as common as Stan Lee cameos used to be: everywhere, all the time. But Myers has a few things working in her favor. First, let’s talk about her breakout role in Wednesday. Myers played Enid Sinclair, the bubbly, pastel-loving werewolf who won hearts as the perfect counterbalance to Jenna Ortega’s brooding Wednesday Addams. Her performance not only showcased her ability to shine alongside a powerhouse lead but also proved she could bring depth and likability to a role that could’ve easily been one-dimensional. This kind of charisma is exactly what a character like Gwen Stacy demands.

Myers has openly expressed interest in playing Gwen Stacy, particularly Spider-Gwen, the multiverse version of the character who dons her own web-slinging suit. 

Here’s where things get tricky. While Marvel has creative control over Tom Holland’s Spider-Man, Sony still owns the rights to many of the characters in Spidey’s world, including Gwen Stacy. And let’s not forget, Sony already has their own wildly successful Gwen in the form of Hailee Steinfeld’s Spider-Gwen from the Spider-Verse animated films. With Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and its sequel Beyond the Spider-Verse cementing Steinfeld’s Gwen as a fan favorite, Sony might be hesitant to let Marvel introduce another live-action Gwen Stacy into the mix.

But there’s another angle to consider. If Sony and Marvel can come to some sort of agreement (as they did with Tom Holland’s Spider-Man), introducing Gwen Stacy in Brand New Day could benefit both studios. Marvel gets to expand its Spider-Man storyline, while Sony gets to keep the character relevant for their own projects. It’s a win-win—assuming everyone can play nice, of course.

Marvel Studios is bringing the Fantastic Four back with a fresh cast. There’s one lingering question fans can’t shake: is something — or someone — being left out of the picture?

If you’ve been following Marvel long enough, you know that “no” rarely means “no.” It usually means “not yet,” or “he’s in the post-credits scene, duh.”  In an interview with Empire, director Matt Shakman was asked point-blank if Victor Von Doom, the iconic Latverian ruler and all-around bad guy, would appear in the Fantastic Four reboot. And the answer, according to director Matt Shakman, is a resounding “Nope!” Or at least, that’s what we’re supposed to believe.

According to rumors swirling around test screenings, Doom might appear in a post-credits scene. Allegedly, Sue Storm (played by Vanessa Kirby) walks into a room to find Doom sitting beside her son, Franklin Richards, holding his mask ominously in his hands. It’s the kind of teaser that Marvel loves to use to plant seeds for future films — and if true, it would mean that Shakman’s comments are technically accurate. After all, a post-credits scene isn’t really part of the movie, is it? This rumor aligns with Marvel’s strategy of slow-burning major villain reveals.

Doom sitting out the main storyline is probably for the best. Fans of the Fantastic Four have been burned before — twice, actually. The villain was front and center in both the 2005 and 2015 adaptations, and neither version did him justice. Whether it was Julian McMahon’s oddly suave interpretation or Toby Kebbell’s cringe-worthy “hacker Doom,” the character’s cinematic legacy has been, well, less than fantastic.

By sidelining Doom, Marvel is avoiding the trap of rehashing old ground. Instead, The Fantastic Four: First Steps will focus on a fresh set of cosmic stakes, with Galactus as the primary antagonist and the Silver Surfer playing a pivotal role. It’s a smart move. Galactus is a larger-than-life villain (literally—he eats planets, after all), and his inclusion gives the Fantastic Four a chance to shine without being overshadowed by Doom’s towering legacy.

If you’re going to reboot the Fantastic Four, you need a cast that can bring Marvel’s First Family to life in a way we’ve never seen before. And Marvel isn’t holding back. Pedro Pascal, fresh off his star turns in The Mandalorian and The Last of Us, will play Reed Richards, aka Mr. Fantastic. His casting brings a level of gravitas and charisma to the role of the team’s stretchy, science-loving leader. Vanessa Kirby (Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning) is stepping into the role of Sue Storm, the Invisible Woman, while Joseph Quinn (Stranger Things) will light up the screen as Johnny Storm, the Human Torch. Completing the core team is Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Bear) as Ben Grimm, aka The Thing, who is sure to bring both humor and heart to the group.