Who are the performers that could play The Thing in a Fantastic Four project? These are 8 actors Marvel Studios should look at.
The Fantastic Four franchise is something that Marvel Studios has been taking their time with. We may have seen Reed Richards, a.k.a. Mr. Fantastic in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, but that was only a tease.
While this writer would love for John Krasinski to play Mr. Fantastic going forward, it’s not likely. He was there to make Marvel Comics fans happy. Nevertheless, that was only the first member of Marvel’s First Family. There are three other members that need to be cast. Among them is Reed’s best friend Ben Grimm.
Ben Grimm is Reed’s oldest friend. He was there for all of the awful times before and after the space exploration that changed their lives. And even though Reed couldn’t change Ben back for good, Ben stuck around to protect his best friend. It’s qualities like this that are important when casting Ben Grimm. And those aren’t the only ones.
Whoever plays him can’t just be the muscle. Anybody can put on a ton of makeup and look like a rock monster. Ben Grimm has to be funny, compassionate, and highlight all of the complexities of becoming The Thing. Coming up are six actors who can do all of that and play The Thing in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
6. J.J. Watt
This is a random selection, but it works. J.J. Watt is one of the most beloved players in any sport. A perfect example was during Hurricane Harvey when he helped raise millions of dollars for Houston relief. While that isn’t enough to make him Ben Grimm, it helps. It shows his heart. Something Ben Grimm has more than any other hero in comics.
Another attribute is his comedy. He’s shown his acting chops on The League. He kept up with that amazing cast and he looked good doing it. Watt did it on a bigger stage in 2020 when he hosted Saturday Night Live and did a fantastic job (pun intended). Plus, he has the size as well.
5. Big E
When this Fantastic Four article was in its infancy, Ettore Ewen a.k.a. WWE superstar Big E was the first person that came to mind. Everything about him screams Ben Grimm. They both played football on a collegiate level, have bright and fun personalities, and are protective of their loved ones.
Whenever Big E is with the New Day in the WWE or on their podcast, he’s jovial. However, when he needs to get down and fight, trust and believe it’s clobberin’ time. And at 285 pounds of muscle, he has the right build for the role.
4. Ray Fisher
Ray Fisher may have a bad taste in his mouth after how he was treated while filming Justice League. However, this isn’t the same company. Marvel Studios could give him the chance to play a character that would get the focus and story-building he deserves.
This writer thinks that Fisher could shine as Ben Grimm. He’d be more than the Fantastic Four’s muscle and enforcer. He’d be the overprotective big brother to Reed Richards before and after they get their powers. Fisher would also get a chance to show off his acting skills when the character needs to be insecure. It may be a waste to not see him out of the rocky skin, but Ray Fisher would prove you don’t need to be seen as human to play a memorable role.
3. Trevante Rhodes
Trevante Rhodes showed his acting range in Moonlight. A movie that’s been well received from viewers and the Academy. He was later in Bird Box where he showed a caring side. He was also in The Predator where he showed he can play in an action film and not take himself seriously. And, if you’ve seen The Predators, no one took that movie seriously.
Add that to his size and likable smile and you have Ben Grimm. Plus, he would look great across from Reed Richards before he got powers.
2. Tom Hopper
If you question why Tom Hopper has everything needed to be The Thing, just watch him in The Umbrella Academy on Netflix. It’s almost like he read a bunch of Fantastic Four comic books and based Luther Hargreeves on him. He’s insecure about his looks, an amazing big brother, lovable, and sometimes clumsy.
In the recent season, he was in love. This shows how he’d be around Alecia Masters. He’s also tall and muscular to boot. If anyone deserves to be The Thing, it’s Tom Hopper. He shouldn’t even have to audition for the role. The Umbrella Academy is all the proof Marvel Studios needs. It’s shocking that Hopper hasn’t already been cast.
1. Jensen Ackles
Lastly, we have this fan favorite from Supernatural and The Boys. He isn’t as physically big as you’d want Ben Grimm to be, but he has everything else. In Supernatural, there was nothing that Jensen Ackles couldn’t and didn’t do. He was a prankster with his brother (a key to Ben’s relationship with Johnny Storm). His voice is already gravely (no need to change it up much to adapt to The Thing). And Ackles has shown that he can cry, be vulnerable, and portray a best friend and brother.
The only thing that people may worry about is his age. Ackles may be in his 40s but that shouldn’t disqualify him. He’s kept in great shape and can continue to do so if needed. Plus, it’s not like Ben Grimm will fight Doctor Doom and start doing backflips and roundhouse kicks.
What do you think, readers? Who would you cast to play Ben Grimm in a Fantastic Four project? Let us know in the comments below.