Casting of 'Fantastic Four' is 75% done

Posted Thursday, July 8, 2004 at 11:15 AM Central

by Tim Briscoe

Yes, three of the superheroes in The Fantastic Four have been cast. Michael Chiklis signed on as rock-bound The Thing (a.k.a. Ben Grimm) a few months ago.

Now, we get details on the other two male roles. Welsh actor Ioan Gruffudd, currently starring as Lancelot in King Arthur, has been cast as Reed Richards (the stretchy Mr. Fantastic). Rising star Chris Evans (star of The Perfect Score) is flame-engulfed The Human Torch -- nee Johnny Storm.

The last role, that of Reed's wife and Johnny's sister Sue Richards (The Invisible Woman), is still up in the air. Variety reports that it may very well go to that Dark Angel Jessica Alba. Also in contention are Mean Girls bitch Rachel McAdams and Miss Felicity Keri Russell.

Production will start in Canada in August or September. Fox hopes for a July 1, 2005 release. That date might be hard to meet with such an effects-heavy, $85-90 million movie.