Michael Chiklis, the actor who played The Thing, on the cast of 'Fantastic Four': "I wish them the best of luck."

American actor Michael Chiklis played the character of Ben Grimm in the 2005 and 2007 Fantastic Four films. Last Monday, the actor sent a message of support to the new cast of Fantastic Four: First Steps , the highly anticipated Marvel Studios film that hits theaters this Thursday, July 24.

The actor has praised the cast led by Pedro Pascal , Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn and Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and has shown enthusiasm for this new stage of the iconic superhero team. Through his official X account, Chiklis wanted to join the enthusiasm generated by the premiere of the reboot set in 1960s New York .

"I want to thank you for all the love for Fantastic Four over the past couple of months," the actor wrote. "I want to wish the best of luck and much success to the cast and crew of First Steps . I admire these actors and can't wait to see them take on these iconic roles ." His message has been widely shared among fans of theMarvel Cinematic Universe, who appreciate the gesture of the man who played The Thing two decades ago.

New faces, same family

In this new version, directed by Matt Shakman and produced by Kevin Feige, the role of Ben Grimm falls to Ebon Moss-Bachrach ( The Bear ), accompanied by Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby in the role of Sue Storm and Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm. The film presents a retro-futuristic aesthetic inspired by the original comics of the 1960s, and tells how this group of heroes must face Galactus , a space god who threatens to devour the Earth. Julia Garner plays the Silver Surfer, while Ralph Ineson embodies the main villain.

Chiklis's presence in the conversation has reinforced the emotional charge of this new beginning for Marvel's First Family. On the eve of its official release, his public endorsement adds to the promotional push for a film that promises to combine action, adventure, and family conflict in a renewed narrative context. Chiklis has passed the baton, thus giving the nod to the new generation of superheroes.