On August 3, 2025, Disney CEO Bob Iger found himself at the center of a media storm following the underwhelming box office performance of Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps, which grossed just $40 million domestically in its opening weekend against a $350 million budget. The film, starring Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, faced intense scrutiny for its casting choices and perceived “woke” agenda, particularly the decision to cast Julia Garner as a female Silver Surfer. In a surprising twist, Pascal’s unapologetic response to the backlash, delivered during a press event in Los Angeles, reportedly left Iger reeling, with sources claiming the CEO was “furious” over the actor’s defiance. The controversy, amplified by viral posts on X, has sparked heated debates about Disney’s direction, Pascal’s outspokenness, and the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This article explores the drama, Pascal’s bold stance, and the broader implications for Disney and Marvel.

A Box Office Disappointment Sparks Controversy

The Fantastic Four: First Steps, released on July 25, 2025, was anticipated as a cornerstone of Marvel’s Phase 5, aiming to revitalize the MCU with a retro 1960s aesthetic and a stellar cast, including Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm. Directed by Matt Shakman, the film follows the Fantastic Four as they battle the planet-devouring Galactus (Ralph Ineson), with Garner’s casting as Shalla-Bal/Silver Surfer drawing significant attention. Despite early praise for its “breathtaking” visuals and “excellent” performances, the film struggled, earning a 62% score on Rotten Tomatoes and failing to compete with James Gunn’s Superman, which dominated the summer box office.

The film’s lackluster performance echoed Disney’s recent struggles, notably the Snow White remake, which grossed $184.9 million globally against a $240–270 million budget, largely attributed to backlash over Rachel Zegler’s political comments. Fantastic Four faced similar criticism, with right-wing commentators on X labeling it a “woke disaster” due to Garner’s casting and the film’s emphasis on a “domineering” Sue Storm, which some claimed overshadowed Pascal’s Reed Richards. Posts like @El_Jefe_Mayor’s, stating “General Disney wokeness turned off half their potential customers,” reflected fan discontent, while others criticized Pascal’s casting, citing his age and progressive views.

Pedro Pascal’s Defiant Response

At a Los Angeles press event on August 2, 2025, Pascal addressed the backlash head-on, delivering a response that stunned attendees and reportedly enraged Iger. When asked about the “woke” allegations and the film’s box office struggles, Pascal said, “I’m proud of this film and everyone involved. The noise about ‘woke’ is just fear of change. Reed Richards is a scientist who embraces the unknown, and that’s what we did here. If you don’t like it, that’s your problem, not ours.” He also defended Garner’s casting, noting, “Julia’s Silver Surfer is rooted in comic history—read Shalla-Bal’s story before you complain.” His comments, shared by @PhaseHero on X, went viral, with fans praising his candor while critics accused him of alienating audiences.

Pascal’s outspokenness is not new. The Chilean-American actor, known for The Mandalorian, The Last of Us, and Gladiator II, has a history of progressive activism, including pro-trans rights posts and criticism of figures like J.K. Rowling and Donald Trump. In March 2025, he called Rowling a “heinous loser” on Instagram for her stance on transgender issues, prompting backlash from her fans. He also supported Zegler’s pro-Palestinian posts, further polarizing audiences. Critics on X, like @LanSharty, warned, “Pedro’s mouth is gonna tank the Fantastic Four,” while others, like @mmdisney200, defended him, stating, “There is no issue with Pedro Pascal, none at all. He’s a successful Latino standing up for what’s right.”

Sources close to Disney, cited by Bleeding Fool, claim Iger was “livid” at Pascal’s remarks, fearing they could further damage the film’s performance, especially after Snow White’s failure. Iger, who has publicly distanced Disney from culture wars, reportedly called an emergency meeting with Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige to address the fallout. While no official disciplinary action has been confirmed, rumors of Pascal’s “cancellation” or firing circulated on X, fueled by YouTube videos with titles like “Disney CEO JUST PUNISHED Pedro Pascal After Fantastic Four Drama Worsens!” However, Netflix Junkie debunked these claims, confirming Pascal remains attached to Fantastic Four and its sequel, Avengers: Doomsday.

The ‘Woke’ Backlash and Disney’s Dilemma

The controversy surrounding Fantastic Four mirrors broader challenges for Disney, which has faced accusations of pushing a “woke agenda” in projects like The Acolyte and Snow White. The casting of Garner as Shalla-Bal, a female Silver Surfer from the comics, drew ire from some fans who preferred the traditional Norrin Radd. Gold Derby noted that while the choice has comic precedent, it was framed by right-wing outlets as evidence of Disney’s progressive overreach, similar to The Acolyte’s backlash over its diverse cast and queer themes. Disney’s reluctance to engage in culture wars, as articulated by Iger, has been tested by these reactions, with the company struggling to balance creative risks with audience expectations.

Pascal’s casting as Reed Richards initially sparked minimal backlash compared to Michael B. Jordan’s 2015 Fantastic Four role, likely due to his popularity from The Mandalorian and The Last of Us. However, his age (50) and progressive comments drew criticism, with X users like @HardPass4 noting, “This is the first time they’ve had the correct PR response. It must be really bad.” Some fans on Reddit’s r/marvelstudios complained, “He’s too old. He’s not right. He needs to shave,” though others praised his performance, with @AndrewJ626 calling the film a “masterpiece” for its emotional depth and retro aesthetic.

The backlash also touched on Pascal’s interactions with co-star Vanessa Kirby, with some X users misinterpreting their affectionate behavior at promotional events as inappropriate, prompting MeToo comparisons. Kirby defended their closeness in Vanity Fair, explaining, “We were both incredibly nervous… Pedro’s like a brother to me.” Fans like @sw_holocron pushed back, calling the outrage “manufactured” and praising Pascal’s support for marginalized communities.

Disney’s Response and Iger’s Frustration

Iger’s reported frustration stems from Disney’s broader struggles with high-profile flops. The Snow White debacle, linked to Zegler’s divisive comments, led to a reported pause on live-action remakes like Tangled. Iger, who returned as CEO in 2022 after Bob Chapek’s tenure, has emphasized profitability over political engagement, telling shareholders in 2024, “Our job is to entertain, not to lecture.” Pascal’s comments, while aligned with his personal values, risk further alienating audiences already skeptical of Disney’s direction, with YouTube channels like @ClownWorld_ claiming the outrage is “a small group” but acknowledging its impact.

Despite the drama, Fantastic Four received positive early reactions, with Variety’s Sharareh Drury praising Pascal and Kirby’s “excellent” performances and the film’s “stunning visuals.” The film’s $40 million opening, while modest, outperformed Bad Guys 2 and Naked Gun domestically, suggesting potential for recovery through word-of-mouth. However, the reported $15 million budget cuts during production, cited by YouTube sources, added to the perception of a troubled project, with some fans blaming Pascal’s outspokenness for exacerbating tensions.

Pascal’s Career and Disney’s Double Standards

Pascal’s defiance highlights his status as a polarizing yet indispensable star. With roles in The Mandalorian, The Last of Us, Gladiator II, and Materialists, he’s a cornerstone of Disney’s portfolio, yet his political activism—comparing U.S. border policies to Nazi camps and supporting trans rights—has drawn criticism for perceived double standards. Bleeding Fool noted that while Gina Carano was fired from The Mandalorian for controversial posts, Pascal’s similar outspokenness has faced no repercussions, prompting accusations of favoritism.

Pascal’s resilience in the face of backlash, including a rumored “hate campaign” on X, has been bolstered by supporters like Simu Liu, who condemned the attacks. His ability to navigate controversies, from the Wonder Woman 1984 flop to his Fantastic Four role, underscores his marketability, with fans on X like @pascalarchive praising his immigrant advocacy during the film’s premiere. Yet, as The Telegraph noted, Disney’s desire to keep politics at arm’s length may pressure Pascal to temper his rhetoric to protect future projects like The Mandalorian movie.

A Turning Point for Marvel and Disney

The Fantastic Four controversy, fueled by Pascal’s response and the “woke” backlash, poses a challenge for Disney as it navigates a skeptical audience and a competitive summer box office. Iger’s reported frustration reflects the stakes for Marvel, which is banking on Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars to restore its dominance. Pascal’s unapologetic stance, while divisive, aligns with his history of authenticity, resonating with fans who see him as a “kind, special man,” as @sw_holocron tweeted.

As Fantastic Four continues its theatrical run, the debate over its “woke” elements and Pascal’s role will likely persist, with implications for Disney’s approach to casting and storytelling. For now, Pascal remains a central figure in the MCU, his defiance a bold statement in a fraught cultural landscape. Whether his words will further harm the film’s box office or cement his legacy as a fearless artist remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the drama surrounding The Fantastic Four: First Steps is far from over.