Tom Ellis is best known for his work in TV fantasy and superhero series, including Lucifer, Merlin, The Strain, and Doctor Who. But the 40-year-old Welsh actor recently revealed that he came close to making a major leap onto the big screen.
In a recent interview with Square Mile, Ellis discussed his current and upcoming projects, such as his role in the 2025 crime-comedy film The Thursday Murder Club and his upcoming appearance in CBS’s crime procedural CIA, a spinoff of the popular FBI franchise. However, there was one high-profile role that ultimately got away.
Ellis revealed that he nearly landed the role of protagonist Reed Richards in the Marvel film The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
“There was a select group of people that got asked to tape for Reed Richards,” Ellis said. “I had been waiting for the right thing, timing-wise and character-wise, to come along. And I remember looking at the photo of Richards in the comics and going, ‘this could be the one.’ We look quite similar.”
After sending in his audition tape, Ellis waited anxiously for a response, only to learn that the role had gone to Pedro Pascal.
“I mean to be fair, he’s not in much,” Ellis said, laughing. “He’s great though. He is great. I’m looking forward to seeing it. The trailer looks quite fun.”
Reflecting on the ups and downs of acting, Ellis shared a bit of wisdom with a touch of humor. He recalled someone telling him that the best part of being an actor is getting a job, since doing the job itself isn’t always as thrilling.
“I understand that to a certain degree,” he said. “Although I really enjoy doing the jobs. But it’s what we live for. We live for the what if-ness of it… We’re all in this industry because we all dreamt about doing it one day. I think we’re still all dreamers, and the people who say they’re not are either too cynical or they shouldn’t be doing it anymore.”
The Fantastic Four: First Steps grossed $521.9 million after its July release and is now streaming on Disney+.