Looks like Fox is locking up the members of its much-anticipated reboot of the Fantastic Four franchise. Sources close to the production confirm to Us Weekly (first reported by TheWrap) that Miles Teller, Michael B. Jordan, Kate Mara and Jamie Bell are circling deals that will likely have them donning the infamous number “4” logo.
Teller, 27, coming off a successful Sundance debut of his film WHIPLASH, has been tagged to play the elastic-limbed Mr. Fantastic, aka Reed Richards. House Of Cards beauty Mara, 30, would play his disappearing girlfriend Sue Storm, the Invisible Woman.
Bell, 27, is a surprising name to see in talks to play the traditionally bulky character of Ben Grimm, who is transformed into the tortured but powerful rock-skinned The Thing.
Finally, Jordan, 27 has been tapped to play The Human Torch. Following his award-winning performance in Fruitvale Station, he told Us what he thought of playing the originally white character.
“[If I were offered it] I would definitely embrace it,” he said. “It’s got to start somewhere. Superheroes in the comic books, I mean that was in the early 60s and civil rights really didn’t start until later. I think people are just used to the way things have been. If I can be a part of the change then why not?"
Although Fox has yet to issue an official statement, director Josh Trank has seemingly confirmed the news by tweeting “yesssir.com”. He’s used social media to dispute casting reports in the past.
Miles and Michael recently costarred together in the Zac Efron sex comedy That Awkward Moment.
Audiences may still remember Fox’s first, not-so-successful take on the franchise back in 2005, which starred Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans and Michael Chiklis.
The movie is slated for a June 19, 2015 release date.
