Marvel's Fantastic Four to star Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph ...

Marvel has unveiled its new cast for the Fantastic Four.

Pedro Pascal (The Last of Us, The Mandalorian, Game of Thrones, Narcos) has been announced as the new Reed Richards, also known as Mister Fantastic.

English actress Vanessa Kirby (The Crown, Napoleon) will play the role of Susan Storm, also known as the Invisible Woman. Joseph Quinn (Stranger Things) takes on the role as Johnny Storm, the Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Bear) will be Ben Grimm, the Thing.

It's set to be directed by Matt Shakman (WandaVision).

The Fantastic Four comics series is one of Marvel's longest running and is popular among fans.

It debuted in 1961 and was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.

A chequered history

The scientists-turned-superhero team's history has included false starts and bad reviews in past transitions to the big screen.

A low-budget 1994 movie adaptation was shelved. A year later, 20th Century Fox began developing two films that would take 10 years to make. Those were 2005's Fantastic Four starring Ioan Gruffudd and Jessica Alba, and the 2007 sequel Rise of the Silver Surfer.

The 2015 remake starring Miles Teller and Michael B. Jordan was a disaster, so much so there was no sequel. It was panned by critics and the studio lost more than $US80 million ($123 million).

Disney acquired Fox a few years later, with most Marvel characters re-united under its corporate umbrella to form the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Fantastic Four is expected in theatres on July 25, 2025

ABC/AP