There were once rumors that Josh Trank and 20th Century Fox were considering a female Dr. Doom in the director's Fantastic Four reboot, but that was quickly squashed. Now the rumor is further trampled by the news that the shortlist for the role has been narrowed down to four, and they are all very male and rather low on the Hollywood totem pole.
According to The Wrap, Domhnall Gleeson, Toby Kebbell, Sam Riley, and Eddie Redmayne are up to play the Fantastic Four's arch-nemesis, Victor von Doom. All are relatively unknown but come with varying degrees of franchise experience. Gleeson, who was terrific in the Sundance hit, Frank, was one of the Weasley brothers in the Harry Potter movies. Kebbell played a god in Wrath of the Titans and was once set for the shelved live-action Akira. Riley is probably best known for the Ian Curtis biopic, Control, and will appear in Maleficent opposite Angelina Jolie. Redmayne was brilliant in Tom Hooper's Les Miserables and plays a villain in the Wachowskis' Jupiter Ascending. Jack Huston (American Hustle) was mentioned for the part some time ago but doesn't seem to be in the picture anymore.
Whoever gets to wear the iron mask of Doom will co-star alongside Kate Mara, Michael B. Jordan, Miles Teller, and Jamie Bell. Expect a decision soon as Fantastic Four begins filming later this month for release June 19th 2015.
