Ioan Gruffudd has confirmed the speculation regarding a planned Fantastic Four 3 from Fox.

      Before potentially joining a future Council of Reeds, the former Mr. Fantastic, Ioan Gruffudd, is reflecting on the third Fantastic Four movie that never materialized. Gruffudd, recognized for his role as Reed Richards in the 2005 film Fantastic Four and its sequel, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, has shared his experiences in the blue spandex and reminisced about what might have been.

      In an interview with Vulture, Gruffudd confirmed that a Fantastic Four 3 was planned after the 2007 sequel, although it ultimately did not happen. “The idea was that we were going to do three films, and I believe the second movie was just as successful and enjoyable for fans as the first. I particularly cherished working with Doug Jones [as the Silver Surfer] on that film; he’s a fantastic artist and a master of movement. If you want to see someone bring a character to life physically, he’s unmatched. There was certainly momentum, and the intention was to create three movies, but those decisions were out of my hands.”

      Gruffudd recently appeared at the premiere for Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps, where he expressed pride in his portrayal of Mr. Fantastic. Is there a possibility for his return in the future, especially considering that the comics have established multiple versions of Reed Richards, and the MCU has already included two incarnations of the character—Pedro Pascal in First Steps and John Krasinski in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness?

      Set against a vibrant 1960s-inspired retro-futuristic backdrop, Marvel Studios’ “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” introduces the iconic First Family—Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach)—as they confront their greatest challenge. Balancing their heroics with the strength of their family ties, they must protect Earth from an insatiable space god named Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his mysterious Herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). And just when Galactus’ plan to consume the planet and its inhabitants seems dire, it becomes even more personal.

      Directed by Matt Shakman (WandaVision), The Fantastic Four: First Steps features Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Ralph Ineson, Julia Garner, Paul Walter Hauser, Natasha Lyonne, and Sarah Niles among its cast.