As the highly anticipated film **”The Fantastic Four: First Steps”** prepares to reintroduce Marvel`s original superhero family to the big screen after a decade-long hiatus, the promotional circuit has offered fans an unexpected and thoroughly entertaining spectacle. Rather than conventional interviews, the principal cast — **Pedro Pascal** (Mr. Fantastic), **Vanessa Kirby** (Invisible Woman), **Ebon Moss-Bachrach** (The Thing), and **Joseph Quinn** (Human Torch) — recently took on a different kind of challenge: piloting their in-game counterparts in the burgeoning superhero brawler, **Marvel Rivals**.
The scene unfolded in Australia, orchestrated by popular YouTube host Loserfruit, as part of the movie`s global promotion. It became immediately apparent that while these actors are masters of their craft in front of the camera, their console command skills might be, charitably speaking, in their nascent stages. Pedro Pascal, known for his diverse and captivating roles, openly admitted his gaming experience peaked with the original Nintendo. A candid confession that set the tone for the delightful chaos that followed.
One by one, they stepped up to the controller, embodying their characters with varying degrees of digital dexterity. Ebon Moss-Bachrach, as the rock-skinned Thing, launched into combat with a palpable enthusiasm that often outpaced his tactical precision. Pascal, embodying the hyper-intelligent Reed Richards, approached the game with a thoughtful, if occasionally bewildered, air, attempting to stretch his virtual character`s abilities as fluidly as he does his dramatic range. Vanessa Kirby, graceful as the Invisible Woman, navigated the complexities of powers that sometimes rendered her character`s virtual presence indiscernible, leading to a charmingly confused moment where she questioned if her character was “naked” when invisible. Joseph Quinn, the fiery Human Torch, embraced the chaotic energy of his character, perhaps relying more on instinctual button-mashing than calculated maneuvers.
Their reactions to the game’s varied cosmetic options were particularly amusing. Alternate costumes, including surprisingly formal wedding attire for the team, elicited genuine surprise and laughter. The reveal of Invisible Woman’s more villainous Malice skin prompted a jest from Kirby about its potential inclusion in a “First Steps” sequel – a suggestion that, perhaps thankfully, seems destined to remain within the realm of playful banter. One can only imagine their expressions had they been shown the comic`s original, truly shocking Malice design from the 1980s. Their collective performance might best be described as a masterclass in `controlled demolition` rather than competitive esports. They were clearly having fun, which, in the end, is arguably the primary objective of any game.
Beyond the celebrity spectacle, this event also served to highlight **Marvel Rivals** itself. The team-based fighting game continues to expand its roster, with characters like Phoenix recently added and Blade confirmed to follow. The Fantastic Four themselves were integrated into the game earlier this year, a timely addition considering the impending film release. Developer NetEase has, however, made it clear that while MCU tie-ins are welcome and add a layer of synergy, the game`s core storyline and character development will always take precedence over direct cinematic alignments.
In a world where digital entertainment often feels detached and intensely competitive, witnessing Hollywood`s A-listers navigate the charming awkwardness of video game controls offers a refreshing dose of reality and humility. It`s a delightful reminder that even individuals capable of stretching into bizarre shapes or bursting into flame might still find a modern gaming controller a more formidable foe than Doctor Doom. This session was more than just a promotional stunt; it was a candid, amusing, and ultimately unifying moment, bridging the gap between cinematic universes and interactive entertainment, proving that even superheroes have their “first steps” when it comes to the virtual arena.
Ellis Thorne