Evans, Gruffudd and Chiklis are Fantastic

Chris Evans [“Cellular”] and Ioan Gruffudd [“King Arthur”] are indeed part of the cast of “The Fantastic Four”. Evans will play Storm/the Human Torch, whilst Gruffudd will star as Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic.

The Hollywood Reporter confirmed the casting this afternoon, saying that Michael Chiklis is also in the cast, now a lock to play Ben Grimm/ The Thing.

The film, to be directed by Tim Story, follows the adventure-seeking quartet of scientist Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic; his love interest, Susan Storm/the Invisible Girl; her brother, Johnny/the Human Torch; and Reed's best friend, Benjamin Grimm/the Thing. The four develop superpowers when the spaceship they're on is exposed to cosmic radiation.

Variety also confirmed the news, adding that “Honey” and “Dark Angel” star Jessica Alba is a frontrunner for the Sue Storm part, though Rachel MacAdams and Keri Russell [“Felicity”] are also candidates.

"We see 'Fantastic Four' as the last great jewel in the comicbook crown," said Fox production president Hutch Parker. "The casting has been extremely important in terms of fulfilling expectations of an audience that's been incredibly loyal to these characters for over 40 years."

The $85 million-$90 million adaptation of the Marvel comic is headed for an August or September start in Vancouver. The planned release date is July 1, 2005.

Source: MovieHole.net & Variety