Fancasts: The Best Actors to Portray The Thing in the MCU for Fantastic Four

The Fantastic Four’s formidable boulder behemoth is not only the group’s muscle but also a remarkably endearing character and comical hero. As anticipation builds for the introduction of Ben Grimm to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, A plethora of fancasts have been put made, ranging from the more predictable choices to inspired and unconventional ideas.

Our top fancasts for the MCU version of Ben Grimm/The Thing

Alan Ritchson

Ben Grimm/The Thing Fancast for the MCU Fantastic Four – Alan Ritchson

Better known for his role in Reacher, Alan Ritchson has the physicality and size to portray The Thing. While he may not be the most charismatic actor out there, he is most definitely an excellent pick to showcase his serious and brooding talents and it will be a chance for him to explore the comedic side of his acting.

Dwayne ‘The Rock’  Johnson

Ben Grimm/The Thing Fancast for the MCU Fantastic Four – Dwayne Johnson

Now yes we only added Dwayne Johnson here for the meme. I mean it’s perfect, right? The Rock portraying a rock! But seriously Dwayne Johnson clearly has the size to portray The Thing and he will no doubt bring some charisma to the role along with quippy one-liners but he can also show the softer side of the character as well, also we all know Dwayne can say a catchphrase to perfection so ‘its clobberin time’ will be a walk in the park for him. 

Alden Ehrenreich

Ben Grimm/The Thing Fancast for the MCU Fantastic Four -Alden Ehrenreich

Despite the tendency of some fan-casting decisions to lean towards the most imposing and brawny performers available, it is not necessarily a prerequisite for playing The Thing given the extensive use of CGI required to bring the character to life. Consequently, the role has become more open to unexpected options such as Alden Ehrenreich. With his previous experience playing an iconic hero in Solo: A Star Wars Story and demonstrating his ability to portray a comical and uncomplicated hero in Hail, Caesar, Ehrenreich has the versatility and acting talent necessary to embody the character. 

Kristofer Hivju

Ben Grimm/The Thing Fancast for the MCU Fantastic Four -Kristofer Hivju

Well known for his role as Tormund Giantsbane in Game of Thrones, Kristofer Hivju has the seriousness and comedic timing to portray The Thing faithfully. Kristofer is a talented actor and portraying The Thing in the MCU could just be the break he needs. We all know he can pull off the physicality of the role, but the real task for him to conquer is showing his softer and more sincere side which The Thing is known for.

Liev Schreiber

Ben Grimm/The Thing Fancast for the MCU Fantastic Four -Liev Schreiber

With prior experience in superhero films playing Sabretooth in X-Men Origins: Wolverine and Kingpin in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Liev Schreiber has established himself as a seasoned performer in the genre. His performances in these roles, characterized by his commanding presence and distinctive New York dialect, have led fans to consider him a potential candidate for the role of Ben Grimm. Schreiber’s versatility as an actor, as he has the ability to play rugged and tough characters, as well as portray more gentle and compassionate roles in films like Goon and Spotlight.

Jason Segel

Ben Grimm/The Thing Fancast for the MCU Fantastic Four -Jason Segel

The complexity of a character like Ben Grimm is multifaceted, and some fans believe that Jason Segel has the ability to deliver a convincing portrayal. As the most humorous member of the Fantastic Four, Grimm’s character is also the most pitiful, as his abilities make him appear as a grotesque creature. Jason Segel’s aptitude for conveying both humor and profound sorrow, citing his performances in Forgetting Sarah Marshall and How I Met Your Mother as exemplary instances of his range. Jason Segal also has the talent to make The Thing a lovable character similar to Groot and Drax. 

There are plenty of characters who could portray The Thing, a character who deserves to be portrayed on the big screen properly, so many fancasts but only one actor can play The Thing. All eyes will be on Marvel for when they cast this iconic character.

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