In a surprising twist that has sent Hollywood into a frenzy, alleged behind-the-scenes secrets of Marvel’s upcoming blockbuster The Fantastic Four: First Steps have surfaced, coinciding with a playful revelation from Rachel Zegler about her affection for co-star Pedro Pascal. The buzz began intensifying on July 24, 2025, as rumors of production tricks and insider tactics leaked online, just days before the film’s highly anticipated release on July 25. Zegler’s lighthearted comment calling Pascal “Daddy” during a recent interview has added fuel to the fire, blending professional camaraderie with a viral moment that has captivated fans. As of 4:45 PM +07 on Thursday, July 24, 2025, the convergence of these developments has sparked a whirlwind of speculation, excitement, and debate about the film’s creation and the stars’ dynamic.

The rumors about The Fantastic Four: First Steps emerged from various online platforms, with claims suggesting Marvel Studios employed unconventional methods to craft the film’s 1960s-inspired retro-futuristic world. Reports indicate the production used extensive practical effects alongside CGI, a nod to the original comic book aesthetic by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee, to create a tangible set that impressed even the cast. Pedro Pascal, who plays Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, hinted at this in a June 2025 ComicBook interview, mentioning how the team built a “lived-in” environment using vintage props and handmade costumes, contrasting with the digital-heavy approach of some MCU peers. Sources suggest this was a deliberate strategy to differentiate the film from past flops like the 2015 reboot, which relied heavily on green screens and drew criticism for its sterile feel.

Another alleged trick involves the casting process itself. Industry whispers, amplified by posts found on X, claim Marvel initially considered high-profile actors like Adam Driver and Emma Stone but balked at their salary demands, opting for a more cost-effective ensemble. Pascal’s casting as Reed, alongside Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing, was reportedly finalized after extensive screen tests, with Pascal’s chemistry with the group sealing the deal. Matt Shakman, the director, described Pascal’s selection as “fated,” citing their prior collaboration, a detail that adds intrigue to the production’s narrative. The inclusion of Julia Garner as the gender-swapped Silver Surfer, a move that stirred controversy, is said to have been a last-minute pivot to appeal to a broader audience, though some fans argue it strays from the source material.

The film’s setting in an alternate 1960s universe, Earth-828, has also sparked talk of secret timeline adjustments. Leaked set photos, circulating since February 2024, show a retro-futuristic New York with period cars and neon signage, suggesting Marvel invested heavily in physical sets to ground the story. This approach, paired with the decision to cut John Malkovich’s Red Ghost sequence to streamline the narrative, hints at a focus on character over spectacle—a departure from the overstuffed plots of recent MCU entries. Reviews from The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline, published on July 24, praise the film’s visual feast and the cast’s chemistry, with Kirby’s Sue Storm dubbed the “heart of the story” and Moss-Bachrach’s Thing lauded for its emotional depth.

Amid these revelations, Rachel Zegler’s comment about Pedro Pascal has stolen the spotlight. The 24-year-old actress, currently starring in the West End’s Evita, shared during a July 3 Hits Radio UK interview that she calls Pascal “Dad” due to his supportive friendship. Recalling his standing ovation during her Evita opening night on July 1, Zegler said, “One thing about my daddy Pedro, he goes to bat for me in a way that I love so dearly.” The remark, tied to Pascal’s presence at her balcony performance of “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” has been interpreted as a playful nod to his mentorship, especially after her Snow White backlash. Pascal, 50, has reciprocated, posting supportive clips on Instagram, reinforcing their bond amid his Fantastic Four press tour.

The “Daddy” label has taken on a life of its own, with fans dubbing Pascal “the internet’s daddy” on X, a title boosted by his heartthrob status in The Mandalorian and The Last of Us. Zegler’s comment, however, has drawn mixed reactions. Some see it as a sweet tribute, reflecting Pascal’s support during her Snow White controversy, where his public praise in March 2025—calling her an “icon”—faced backlash. Others, referencing her recent Evita disaster on July 23, suggest it’s a calculated move to align with Pascal’s rising star power ahead of Fantastic Four’s release. The film’s cast, including Pascal’s “Protect the Dolls” T-shirt at the UK premiere, has faced scrutiny for political stances, echoing Zegler’s past missteps, which some link to Snow White’s $143.1 million box office against a $350 million budget.

Production secrets also hint at tension. Pascal addressed casting backlash in a June Vanity Fair cover story, noting complaints like “He’s too old” and “He needs to shave,” a sentiment some tie to his 49-year-old casting over younger contenders like Jake Gyllenhaal. Shakman countered this by emphasizing Pascal’s intellectual take on Reed, inspired by an octopus’s adaptability, a detail that has intrigued fans. Meanwhile, Kirby’s real-life pregnancy, mirroring Sue’s on-screen arc, added an unplanned layer, with ABC News reporting her emotional connection to the role shaping on-set dynamics. These elements suggest a production balancing authenticity with commercial pressures, a gamble that could define the MCU’s Phase 6.

The film’s early reviews, embargoed until July 24, call it a “masterpiece” and “one of the best things Marvel has ever made,” per IMDb. Its 1-hour-55-minute runtime and PG-13 rating signal a tight, family-focused narrative, with Galactus and Silver Surfer’s cosmic threat grounding the stakes. The end-credits teaser for Avengers: Doomsday promises more, but the focus on the Fantastic Four’s bond—highlighted by Pascal’s stoicism, Kirby’s warmth, Quinn’s valor, and Moss-Bachrach’s vulnerability—has won praise. Yet, the leaked tricks and Zegler’s quip have overshadowed the narrative, with some fans on X questioning if Marvel’s secrecy masks deeper issues, like the cut Malkovich scenes or Garner’s casting.

Zegler’s involvement remains peripheral, her Evita run (July 1 to September 6) overlapping with Fantastic Four’s buzz. Her July 23 street performance after a technical failure at the Palladium has drawn parallels to Pascal’s supportive role, with both navigating public scrutiny. Their friendship, cemented by shared Disney ties and mutual support, adds a human element to the film’s hype, though it risks amplifying past controversies. Pascal’s rumored romance with Jennifer Aniston, debunked in a Entertainment Tonight interview, further muddies the narrative, keeping media attention on the cast over the film.

As The Fantastic Four: First Steps nears its debut, the unveiled tricks—practical sets, casting pivots, and timeline tweaks—paint a picture of a production striving for reinvention. Zegler’s “Daddy” remark, whether endearing or strategic, underscores the personal stakes, leaving Hollywood to wonder if this blend of innovation and celebrity will yield a hit or another misstep. The next 24 hours will reveal the box office verdict, but for now, the secrets and sentiment have set the stage for a cinematic event unlike any before.