Marvel Studios is reportedly eyeing Javier Bardem to play Galactus in its upcoming Fantastic Four reboot.
According to reliable industry insider Jeff Sneider, the No Country for Old Men star is currently Marvel‘s “top choice” to play the planet-eating villain in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. That said, the studio has yet to formally offer Bardem the role of Galactus. On his website, Sneider claims that the actor’s schedule will ultimately determine whether or not things move forward.
At the moment, there is a potential scheduling conflict stemming from Bardem’s involvement in Apple’s Brad Pitt-led F1 movie. That film is reportedly gearing up for a rather lengthy production. Even so, it’s unclear if that would actually prevent Bardem from playing Galactus, seeing as how Fantastic Four would likely mostly be a voice-over gig for the actor. Still, there’s likely to be a motion-capture element as well, which would require Bardem to be on the Marvel movie’s set.
Notably, Bardem’s name is not the first to surface with respect to who might play the Galactus in the MCU. Antonio Banderas was previously rumored to be up for the role. Sneider speculates that Marvel may circle back to Banderas if things don’t work out with Bardem. Schedule permitting, however, Bardem is the current frontrunner.
Bardem is perhaps best known for his role as hitman Anton Chigurh in the Coen brothers’ No Country for Old Men. However, he is also no stranger to appearing in big studio tentpoles. Bardem played Stilgar in Denis Villeneuve’s Dune — a role he will reprise in the upcoming sequel. He also recently played King Triton in Disney’s live-action remake of The Little Mermaid.
Fantastic Four’s MCU cast could be taking shape
News regarding Bardem’s potential involvement in Fantastic Four comes shortly after it broke that Pedro Pascal was circling the lead role of Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic. Outlets like Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter say Pascal is still in negotiations, though /Film claims Pascal and Marvel have closed on a deal.
Sneider himself previously reported that Vanessa Kirby had been cast in the role of Susan Storm/Invisible Woman. He also claims that Joseph Quinn is up for the role of Johnny Storm/Human Torch, while Ebon Moss-Bachrach is up for Ben Grimm/the Thing. That said, as of now, Marvel has not made any casting announcements regarding Fantastic Four.
WandaVision helmer Matt Shakman directs Marvel Studios’ Fantastic Four from a script by Josh Friedman. The film is currently slated to hit theaters on May 2, 2025.
