The Fantastic Four’s Joseph Quinn Talks Replacing Chris Evans As Marvel’s Human Torch

With a production start on the movie right around the corner, Joseph Quinn is discussing how it feels to be taking over the role of the Human Torch in The Fantastic Four from Chris Evans. The upcoming movie serves as a Marvel Cinematic Universe-set reboot of the iconic superhero family, with Quinn being joined by Pedro Pascal as Mr. Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm and Ebon Moss-Bacharach as Ben Grimm/The Thing. Set to be helmed by WandaVision‘s Matt Shakman, filming is expected to begin in July, with a July 2025 release date set for the movie.

During a recent interview with Men’s Health to discuss the release of A Quiet Place: Day One, Quinn dove in a bit to the upcoming Fantastic Four MCU reboot. In reflecting on carrying on the role of the Human Torch from Chris Evans in the 2000s Marvel movies, Quinn acknowledged the major “responsibility” of playing the iconic hero, given “people care about these characters“, and assures that he is taking the task “very seriously” to stay true to what audiences hope to see from the role. Check out what Quinn said below:

It was great! It was a really lovely way to announce it — it was very sweet, and people responded well to it. It’s a little surreal, obviously. I’d be remiss to not acknowledge the fact that this stuff is something that people feel very strongly about. People care about these characters, and what heroism means to people, and that it can provide some light in dark times, and examples as well of how to conduct oneself, without trying to get too lofty. It’s a responsibility that I’m taking very seriously, and we all are. And we’re also going to have a lot of fun with it.

Though the movies themselves may not have scored much love at the time of their releases, the 2000s Fantastic Four adaptations have seen some retrospective appreciation from audiences, primarily for Evans’ performance as Johnny Storm/Human Torch. Unlike his later work in the MCU’s Captain America movies, Evans leaned into more of the immature side of Johnny, being more of a playboy relishing in the popularity and acquisition of his flame abilities, all while his sister, Mr. Fantastic and Ben sought to reverse what happened to them.

While it remains unclear if the MCU’s Fantastic Four movie will take a similar approach to the character, Quinn’s recognition of the “responsibility” of playing the Human Torch authentically is sure to come as a welcome assurance for fans of the character. With over a decade gone since the interconnected franchise first launch, it’s clear Marvel wanted to take their time in adapting their first family of heroes for the screen again. By ensuring they have actors who recognize the iconic history of their characters and the property as a whole, it goes a long way to avoiding the stumbles of the past.

Another of the more promising things Quinn promises will be at the forefront of the MCU’s Fantastic Four in the same interview is the relationship between Human Torch and The Thing, one that has always been humorously antagonistic in the same way as brothers. Quinn not only teased that The Bear breakout Moss-Bacharach will “bring something very unique” to the role, but that the dynamic is “the most important aspect” for the group, showing all four actors and the creative team behind the MCU project recognize nailing the characters is just as important as an action-packed adventure.

Source: Men’s Health