The Last of Us star Pedro Pascal in talks for major role in the Marvel superhero universe

Pedro Pascal could be set to play the new Reed Richards in the reboot of Marvel Studios' Fantastic Four.

The popular character - also known as Mr.Fantastic - has been recast several times in the past but it seems that the Last Of Us star could now be set to take on the role. The deal is reportedly far from sealed according to Deadline but the publication say their sources have confirmed that he is in talks to play the iconic superhero.

Pedro is already a very in demand name thanks to the success of his HBO comic adaptation The Last Of Us as well as already being slated for Gladiator 2 which is scheduled for production to begin later this year and Zach Cregger's Weapons, as well as more episodes of The Last Of Us next year.

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However, insiders have said that the schedules are being worked out for him to add the Fantastic Four to his roster alongside all of his other future commitments. While Marvel are yet to comment, he is an exciting prospect for the role of Reed for Marvel fans.

Reed was reportedly the first role they wanted to secure before going ahead to plan the other cast members for key parts in the movie. Plans would see the production getting underway early next year with other cast members expected to be selected quickly once the Reed deal is secured.

Director Matt Shakman is already in pre-production at Pinewood Studios in the UK. It is expected that Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige will act as producer on the film.

Pedro's Emmy-nominated role in The Last Of Us has seen him rise in popularity vastly over the last year. His work as steely hero Joel Miller saw fans and critics raving about the star and had viewers hooked from the first episode.

Pedro, 48, was even nominated for hosting Saturday Night Live off the back of the success of the show. He was previously known for his work in other popular TV series including Narcos, Game Of Thrones and The Mandolorian. He has also appeared in big screen hits including Kingsman: The Golden Circle, The Equalizer 2 and Wonder Woman 1984.

The most recent version of The Fantastic Four was released in 2015 and saw Top Gun: Maverick star Miles Teller appear alongside Creed's Michael B. Jordan, Kate Mara and Jamie Bell. The movie was generally panned by both fans and critics. Prior to that the 2005 adaptation saw Welsh actor Ioan Gruffudd alongisde Jessica Alba, Captain America star Chris Evans and Michael Chiklis as the leading cast.

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