Popverse's top stories of the day

• How a second Donald Trump U.S. Presidency might impact the movie, tv, and comics industries
• 40 years after its debut, Dragon Ball is a pop culture force like few others
• Sisterhood of Dune ending explained: Understanding the book that Dune: Prophecy was based on

The rumors, it turns out, are true: Marvel Studios has announced who’ll play the Fantastic Four in their big-screen MCU debut next year, and it’s pretty much exactly who’s been rumored for the roles all along.

Announced via social media and accompanied by a beautifully retro piece of key art that offers the movie’s logo and a glimpse of the cast in their new roles — as well as a hint at what the movie’s tone might be — the cast for the team will be:

• Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Mr. Fantastic
• Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, the Invisible Woman
• Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm, the Thing
• Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, the Human Torch

Eagle-eyed fans will also notice that HERBIE, the animated stand-in for the Human Torch from the 1970s network cartoon, can be seen in the image, suggesting what might be a more holistic approach to the movie than fans might have expected.

WandaVision and Monarch: Legacy of Monsters director Matt Shakman will direct the movie, working from a screenplay by Josh Friedman, Jeff Kaplan and Ian Springer. According to the announcement, Fantastic Four is set for release July 25, 2025 — which, not coincidentally, is exactly the same release date as DC’s Superman: Legacy, the first movie in the new DCU. Let’s wait and see which studio blinks and changes the date.

Wondering what Marvel movie is happening when? Don't worry; we have a guide to all of that for you. (You're welcome.)