What to Watch Next If You Loved the Stars of The Fantastic Four: First Steps
The Fantastic Four: First Steps came out last Friday, and fans and critics agree that it's a huge breath of fresh air.
With its impeccable retro-futuristic setting, a bold and memorable new approach to beloved characters and a story that doesn't require any knowledge of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it's just what the franchise needed. Finally, the curse of the Fantastic Four appears to be broken. That's in part due to its stellar cast. If you're eager to see more of them without waiting for their next superhero adventure, keep scrolling to learn more about the stars' filmographies below.
Pedro Pascal
The Last of Us (2023–2025)
At this point, Pedro Pascal, the actor behind Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic, has had so many notable roles it's challenging to narrow them down. However, there's no denying the impact he had playing Joel Miller in HBO's hit series The Last of Us. The series follows the survivors in the aftermath of a fungal zombie—sorry, infected—apocalypse and the unexpected and powerful bond he forms with Ellie, a teenager he's begrudgingly vowed to protect. Just prepare to have your heart ripped out by this one.
(The Last of Us via HBO)
The Mandalorian (2019—2023)
Pedro Pascal's charisma and potential as a hero are apparent in The Mandalorian that his character, Din Djarin (the eponymous Mandalorian) became a fan favorite long before fans ever caught a glimpse of his face. The Star Wars series follows "Mando," a bounty hunter making his way in the galaxy, who becomes an adopted father figure to an adorable green alien baby with incredible powers and unlimited potential.
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (2022)
Pedro Pascal can also be extremely funny, as evidenced by his role as Javi Gutierrez in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. The film follows a struggling Nicolas Cage (playing himself) who gets a lucrative offer from billionaire Javi to appear at his birthday party. Javi proves to be an unsettling mega-fan, but when the CIA gets involved and asks Nick to keep an eye on him, the situation escalates quickly.
Also read about: Get to Know Ryan Kiera Armstrong, the Newest Buffy Spin-Off Slayer, With These Shows and Films
Vanessa Kirby
The Crown (2016–2022)
Netflix's historical series The Crown, covering almost 60 years of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, is beloved for its drama and memorable performances. Fans who only know Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/The Invisible Woman may be in for a shock when they see her transform into Princess Margaret, the sister of Elizabeth. It truly shows what a chameleon is, as she's shed her natural English accent for many of her most prominent roles.
The World to Come (2020)
2020's The World to Come is a unique story taking place in the 1850s. It stars Vanessa as Tallie and Katherine Waterston as Abigail. Both are the wives of farmers in a remote region of New York who are unhappy in their marriages. Drawn to each other, the two soon begin a forbidden romance, made all the most challenging by their isolation and the circumstances of the time.
Pieces of a Woman (2020)
The poignant and harrowing Pieces of a Woman is based on a stage play of the same name. If you want to see Vanessa showcase her emotional acting chops, this is the one to watch. It's the story of a woman named Martha who loses her first child shortly after her birth and the challenges and trauma she faces in the aftermath.
(Pieces of a Woman via Netflix)
Ebon Moss-Bachrach
The Bear (2022–2025)
Ebon Moss-Bachrach won our hearts as Ben Grimm, aka The Thing, but if you're eager to actually see more of the actor in his human form, we recommend starting with The Bear. The series follows Carmy Berzatto, an award-winning NYC chef who returns to his hometown in Chicago to take up his brother's struggling restaurant after he commits suicide. Ebon plays Richie Jerimovich, Michael's best friend who steps in as the manager, and Carmy and Richie soon butt heads over the direction of the restaurant.
(The Bear via FX)
Andor (2022)
Ebon Moss-Bachrach may have only appeared in three episodes of the first season of Andor, but because of his impact, we could have sworn there was a lot more of him in the show. He played Arvel Skeen, one of the members of a crew planning a massive heist into a Galactic Empire vault. We love his depiction of a grey character out for his own survival, and the wisdom he shares in his short time onscreen.
Girls (2012–2017)
HBO's Girls ran for six seasons, featuring countless actors who went on to become major stars—including Ebon. He appeared in 25 episodes of the series as Desi Harper, starting in a supporting role in Season 3 and becoming a regular through the end of the season. Desi dates and eventually becomes engaged to and marries Allison Williams' Marnie, through his immature behavior and easily bruised ego make the relationship a challenging one.
Also read about: All the Best Thrilling Quotes From Disney+'s Andor Season 1 to Use as Instagram Captions
Joseph Quinn
A Quiet Place: Day One (2024)
After seeing The Fantastic Four: First Steps, you might be used to Joseph Quinn as the brash and hotheaded Johnny Storm/Human Torch, so A Quiet Place: Day One is bound to be a change of pace. The story follows Sam, a terminally ill cancer patient, and Eric, an English law student, who both get caught up together in Manhattan when aliens arrive, using their acute hearing to attack anyone who makes a sound. You won't hear much of Joseph's real accent here, but the performances and scares are still worth the watch.
Stranger Things (2022)
When Joseph's Eddie Munson showed up in Stranger Things Season 4, he immediately became most people's favorite character—and for good reason. Eddie was a metal head with a heart of gold and the leader of the Dungeons & Dragons-playing Hellfire Club. He befriends Dustin, Lucas and Mike and joins their fight against the forces of the Upside Down, proving his selflessness and heroism.
(Stranger Things via Netflix)
Howards End (2017)
After watching Howards End, you'll have no trouble remembering that Joseph Quinn is, indeed, English. The four episode mini-series also stars icons Hayley Atwell and Matthew Macfayden and reflects on growing changes between social classes in England at the turn of the 20th century. Joseph's character, Leonard, is part of the working class family, the Basts, who find themselves supported by the philosophical and idealistic Schlegel family as the wealthy Wilcox family questions both of the others families' motives.
Also read about: 001 Actor Raphael Luce Talks Stranger Things and the Power of the Show's Fandom
Julia Garner
Ozark (2017—2022)
Curious to see Julia Garner outside of her shimmery CGI body as Shalla-Bal/Silver Surfer? The prolific actress has an impressive filmography, with one of our favorite roles being Ruth Langmore in the Netflix series Ozark. Appearing in all four seasons, Ruth was a young woman from a family of criminals who aspires to be something more, but who gets just as wrapped up in their danger and lawlessness in the pursuit of a better life.
Inventing Anna (2022)
Netflix's Inventing Anna miniseries took the world by storm in 2022, inspired by the true story of Anna Sorokin. Born in Russia, Anna took on the name Anna Delvey and posed as a wealthy German heiress, posing as a socialite in New York to scam individuals as well as banks and hotels out of millions of dollars. Julia plays the titular Anna, bringing her to life in a way that perfectly highlights the scandal and the wildness of her story.
(Inventing Anna via Netflix)
The Americans (2015–2018)
Julia also appeared in several episodes in Seasons 3 to 6 of The Americans, a spy drama about two Soviet KGB agents posing as Americans during the Cold War. Julia played Kimmy Breland, the daughter off the CIA's Afghan group whose innocence and trusting nature are used against her and her family.
Obsessed with this summer's biggest superhero flicks? Click HERE to find out where you can see more of David Corenswet, aka Superman.