Latest news with #FantasticFour:FirstSteps


Perth Now
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Jon Watts reveals real reason for quitting Fantastic Four
Jon Watts has finally shared why he dropped out of directing 'Fantastic Four: First Steps'. The 'Spider-Man: No Way Home' director quit the project in 2022 and explained that the 'emotional strain' of pandemic-related fatigue meant he had felt he had no option but to quit. According to The Hollywood Reporter, he explained during a storytelling masterclass at the Mediterranean: 'The emotional strain of having to go through all of those COVID protocols while also trying to make something creative while also trying to make sure that your cast and crew were all safe - literally, people could've died if you did things wrong - that and the postproduction process was very difficult. 'When you're doing [visual effects work], there's a whole international component to it where you're using vendors from all over the world, and the supply chain had been interrupted because of COVID. It was really hard to get effects done in a traditional way.' He had committed to 'Fantastic Four' between the second and third 'Spider-Man' movies but when the time came to get started, he was 'out of gas'. He said: 'The COVID layer on top of making a giant movie layer, I knew I didn't have what it would've taken to make that movie great. I was just out of steam, so I just needed to take some time to recover. Everyone at Marvel totally understood. They had been through it with me as well, so they knew how hard and draining that experience has been; in the end, very satisfying, but at some point, if you can't do it at the level that you feel like you need to for it to be great, then it's better to not do it.'


Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Hindustan Times
10-year-old girl's quick thinking saves paralyzed father from drowning: ‘I was helpless'
A 10-year-old girl managed to save her father's life after a freak diving accident in the treacherous Louisiana river, NY Post reported. Michael Painter, 46, was with his daughter, Carson, at the Bogue Chitto River, near the town of Bogalusa, on the afternoon of June 18. Their plans to kayak and look at softshell turtle eggs took an unexpected turn when Painter decided to do a front flip down the hill. Image used for representational purposes At the last second, Painter lost his footing and went headfirst into a pile of jagged rocks lying at the bottom of the river. He initially thought he was swimming to the surface. Later, he realized, to his horror, that he was paralyzed. He had broken a vertebra and sustained bruising on his spine as well. 'I was helpless and hopeless,' he said about his ordeal. He added that he was preparing to die in the river. Also read: Fantastic Four: First Steps new trailer teases Galactus' arrival on Earth. Watch Daughter saves paralyzed father At first, Carson thought her dad was pretending to drown. When she saw the blood, she raced towards him. She collected herself and sprinted toward her dad. Carson grabbed her father's hand and positioned his head so he could breathe. She dragged her 200-pound father as far as she could, despite weighing only 70 pounds herself. Painter then asked Carson to go to the car and grab his cell phone to call for help. As she ventured towards the shore, a thunderstorm broke out. Painter had given up hope once again when he heard the sound of a motor. His daughter had made it to the shore and called for help. Paramedics arrived and helped Painter back to safety. Special ceremony for Carson Painter has recovered from his ordeal. He revealed that doctors told him he had come close to becoming permanently paralyzed. On Saturday, the sheriff's office will hold a special ceremony. Carson will receive a citation for bravery at the local courthouse. FAQs: 1. How did Carson rescue her father? She jumped in the river and dragged him as far up as she could. She then swam back to the shore to call for help. 2. Is Carson being awarded for her heroic deed? Yes, she will receive a citation for bravery. 3. Did Painter recover from the near-drowning? Yes, the 46-year-old has recovered from the ordeal .


Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Pedro Pascal reacts to 'too old' criticism over Reed Richards casting ahead of Marvel's Fantastic Four release; here's what he said
Pedro Pascal has responded to criticism surrounding his casting as Reed Richards, also known as Mister Fantastic, in Marvel's upcoming film Fantastic Four: First Steps. The actor, known for The Mandalorian and The Last of Us, acknowledged fan concerns during an interview with Vanity Fair, specifically those pointing to his age and appearance. 'I'm more aware of disgruntlement around my casting than anything I've ever done,' Pascal said. ''He's too old. He's not right. He needs to shave.'' Acknowledging the fan reactions While reactions have been mixed, Pascal admitted the feedback has been louder than he expected. Still, he remains optimistic about the movie. 'I'm getting an inkling of excitement because it seems to reflect what our common goal was... all of our hearts on a platter within this genre,' he said, adding that one can never predict how people will respond emotionally. Pascal also revealed that joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe was a challenge, but he credited Robert Downey Jr. for helping him ease into it. 'Robert is just so immediately generous and inviting,' he shared, noting that the support allowed him to stay grounded during the transition. Building his version of Reed Richards Pascal described his approach to Reed Richards as rooted in intellect, not just superpowers. In an earlier interview with ComicBook, he said he was inspired by the intelligence of an octopus—not literally, but as a subconscious guide to shape the character. Despite the skepticism from some fans, Pascal is set to lead Marvel's reboot of the superhero team alongside Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach. The film, directed by Matt Shakman and produced by Kevin Feige, also features Ralph Ineson as Galactus and Julia Garner as Silver Surfer. Looking ahead in the Marvel Universe Fantastic Four: First Steps is scheduled to release on July 25, marking the group's debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film will be followed by Avengers: Doomsday, where Pascal and the rest of the cast are set to return. Pascal's calm and clear response shows that while he's heard the criticism, he is focused on delivering a performance that respects the character and the franchise. Whether audiences embrace his take on Reed Richards will become clear once the film hits theaters.


Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Pedro Pascal responds to backlash and thanks Downey Jr for support
Pedro Pascal has addressed the fan backlash following his casting as Reed Richards in The Fantastic Four: First Steps. In a recent interview, Pascal admitted he was more aware of criticism than praise this time around. Remarks such as 'he's too old,' 'he's not right,' and 'he needs to shave' were among the most repeated online, he noted. Despite the scrutiny, Pascal shared that support from Robert Downey Jr. helped him navigate the emotional toll of such reactions. 'He made me feel safe to be afraid, hungry, or ambivalent,' Pascal said, describing Downey's warmth and mentorship during early cast interactions.. Pascal also expressed confidence in the film's creative direction, even though he hasn't seen the final cut yet. He said the production was built around genuine feeling and real chemistry, especially important in portraying Marvel's 'first family.' The casting controversy erupted shortly after the film's reveal, with fans divided over Pascal's age and physical match with the comic book version of Mr. Fantastic. However, studio executives and co-stars have continued to show confidence in the choice. Fantastic Four: First Steps is set to hit theaters on July 25, 2025, followed by Avengers: Doomsday on December 18, 2026, where Pascal and Downey will share screen space again.


Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Downey praises Pedro Pascal's Hollywood journey
In a recent Vanity Fair interview, Robert Downey Jr. lauded co-star Pedro Pascal for his 'slow trajectory to becoming a household name,' calling it a reaffirmation of his faith in Hollywood. Downey reflected on Pascal's journey, emphasizing its authenticity in an industry increasingly driven by instant virality. Pascal, who gained global prominence with lead roles in The Mandalorian and The Last of Us, is currently cast as Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic) in the upcoming Fantastic Four: First Steps. He is set to join Downey in Avengers: Doomsday, scheduled for a December 18, 2026 release. Pascal admitted during an interview that he'd faced backlash over his age, appearance, and casting—but said Downey's support helped him feel 'seen and safe' amid industry skepticism. Downey specifically called Pascal's success 'a wildly hot streak' that reinforced his confidence in how the entertainment business continues to reward dedication. Pascal himself expressed gratitude for Downey's mentorship. In Vanity Fair, he credited Downey with making him feel welcomed and steady in high-pressure environments, saying the veteran actor's warmth allowed him 'to be afraid, hungry, or ambivalent' without pressure. Avengers: Doomsday will merge the Avengers, Wakandans, Fantastic Four, X-Men, and New Avengers to confront Doctor Doom, portrayed by Downey. The interconnected MCU project follows Fantastic Four: First Steps, which debuts July 25, 2025. Downey's praise of Pascal comes at a moment when many actors are spotlighted for rapid success, making Pascal's story of perseverance stand out.