Welsh actor Ioan Gruffudd has opened up about the cancelled sequel to the 2005 Fantastic Four film, in which he starred as Reed Richards, aka Mr. Fantastic. The project was shelved following the merger of 20th Century Fox and Disney, which led to Marvel Studios regaining the rights to the characters.
In a recent interview, Gruffudd expressed his disappointment, saying, "We were all set to make another one, and then it just... disappeared." The actor revealed that the cast had been excited about continuing the story but were left in the dark when plans abruptly changed.
Marvel's Reboot and Gruffudd's Thoughts
With Marvel Studios now developing a new Fantastic Four film set within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Gruffudd shared his mixed feelings. "It's bittersweet," he admitted. "I loved playing that role, but I understand why they're starting fresh."
The actor also praised the upcoming reboot, acknowledging Marvel's track record for successful superhero adaptations. "They know what they're doing," he said with a smile.
Fan Reactions and Legacy
Despite mixed reviews for the 2005 film, Gruffudd's portrayal of Reed Richards has remained a fan favourite. Many supporters have taken to social media to express their wish for him to reprise the role in the MCU, though Gruffudd himself remains realistic. "I think that ship has sailed," he remarked.
As Marvel prepares to introduce its own version of the First Family of superheroes, Gruffudd's Fantastic Four remains a nostalgic chapter in comic book cinema history.
