‘Fantastic Four’ Star Michael Chiklis Is Ready to Say ‘Clobberin’ Time’ Again If Marvel Comes Calling
Legacy casting has become a defining feature of the Multiverse Saga. Marvel Studios has repeatedly brought back actors from pre-MCU films, and Chris Evans returned as a variant of Johnny Storm in ‘Deadpool & Wolverine.’ That precedent has left fans wondering which other familiar faces might resurface, and few are discussed more than Michael Chiklis and his version of Ben Grimm.
Chiklis played the Thing in 2005’s ‘Fantastic Four‘ and its 2007 sequel, ‘Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer.’ The 2 films earned close to $635.5 million worldwide combined. He was already a celebrated name thanks to ‘The Shield,’ which won him an Emmy in 2002 and a Golden Globe in 2003, and director Tim Story reportedly saw him as the first choice for the role.
Now the actor has made his feelings clear once again. In a new video on Instagram, Chiklis said he would be open to reprising Ben Grimm if Marvel Studios ever came calling, adding that he simply loves playing that role.
This isn’t a sudden change of heart. In a September 2025 interview, Chiklis said he always considers anything and that the decision depends on how a project is being done and who is doing it. He added that at this stage of his life, it’s less about having to work and more about wanting to.
He has been careful not to overpromise. In another interview from the same period, promoting ‘The Senior,’ he told ComicBookMovie.com that fans probably wouldn’t see him in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ or ‘Avengers: Secret Wars.’ He then softened that, saying he shouldn’t say never because every minute is a new minute.
The strongest signal came at New York Comic Con in October 2025. On a ‘Back to the Baxter Building’ panel with Ioan Gruffudd, both actors said they were open to returning in ‘Secret Wars.’ Chiklis drew loud cheers when he used the Thing’s famous catchphrase to indicate he would take part.
The role has since passed to a new generation. Ebon Moss-Bachrach plays Ben Grimm in ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps,’ alongside Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn and Vanessa Kirby, and he is set to return in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ and ‘Avengers: Secret Wars.’ Chiklis handled the transition with grace, wishing the new cast and crew the best of luck and saying he admired the actors taking on these iconic roles.
The 2 Things have even met in person. Chiklis posted a photo of himself arm in arm with Moss-Bachrach, calling the meeting overdue. Fans immediately began fantasy-booking a crossover in ‘Doomsday’ or ‘Secret Wars,’ although no such plan has been announced.
Chiklis’s connection to the character runs deep. He grew up reading ‘Fantastic Four’ comics and reportedly told his brother at age 18 that he would play Ben Grimm if a movie were ever made. When casting finally came together, he introduced himself to Stan Lee simply as Ben Grimm.
The job was anything but easy. The practical suit weighed about 60 pounds and took 5 hours to put on. Chiklis has said it became so claustrophobic that he nearly quit the role.
The films also had a complicated reception. Chiklis says critics maligned them, but he’s glad that more people now see them as family-friendly, fun movies. That affection is part of why his return remains such an appealing idea, especially as the MCU leans into nostalgia.
For now, the remarks are an expression of willingness rather than an announcement. Chiklis has been consistent that he’d consider a return on the right terms, and Marvel has shown it’s happy to bring back beloved veterans when the story calls for it. Whether the Thing’s rocky orange skin ever returns to the MCU will depend on choices made in the Multiverse Saga’s biggest chapters.
Would you want Michael Chiklis to return as the Thing in the MCU?
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