Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Fantastic Four Reboot: Eee Gad! Casting The Thing--Not So Fast...

Actor Josh Gad is rumored to be the top choice for the role of Ben Grimm, aka The Thing, in the upcoming "Fantastic Four" reboot according to a source for Movies.com


The comic book series follows four individuals-- Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic), Sue Storm (The Invisible Girl, her brother Johnny Storm (The Human Torch), and Ben Grimm (The Thing) who gained superpowers after exposure to cosmic rays during a scientific mission to outer space.

Gad is the only person that has been mentioned for this role so far, and the tip is said to "come from within casting circles close to the film."

"Chronicle" director Josh Trank is set to helm the pic and has denied the Gad rumor via Twitter.

Saoirse Ronan ("The Host") and Kate Mara ("House of Cards") are being tested for Sue Storm (aka the Invisible Girl). Actress Margot Robbie was also linked but will not be testing. "Girls" star Allison Williams was rumored to be circling Invisible Girl last May. Samira Wiley also denied Sue chatter.

"Game of Thrones" stars Kit Harington and Richard Madden, Skins and "Eden Lake" star Jack O'Connell  Miles Teller ("The Spectacular Now") are all reportedly getting test offers to read for the role of Reed Richards (aka Mr. Fantastic).

While Fruitvale Station star Michael B. Jordan was eyed for Torch before and like Teller still is being mentioned despite being debunked.

No names have been mentioned for the role of the bad guy yet.

 Simon Kinberg ("Sherlock Holmes," "X-Men: Days of Future Past") recently finished scripting duties. Jeremy Slater was hired to pen the previous script draft.--that Seth Grahame-Smith polished. Michael Green ("Green Lantern") also wrote a draft as well.

"X-Men: First Class" and "Kick-Ass" director Matthew Vaughn signed on to produce the reset

The leads were previously portrayed by Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans and Michael Chiklis. The first Fantastic Four in 2005 and its sequel 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer in 2007--both helmed by Tim Story--grossed $620 million despite awful reviews (I liked em both!)

Fox wants to restore some credibility and quality to the property, that is currently targeting a June 2015 release. Vancouver has lost out on the shoot for the upcoming reboot. The film's production will now take place in Louisiana due to tax incentives in place.

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