Over the characters long history in the Marvel Universe, he has undergone many changes and evolutionary shifts.

The reason why is relatively obvious: it doesnt exactly fit with the more modern iteration of the character.

Reed Richards is most commonly depicted as a man of science, who is dedicated to more tangible pursuits.

Chris Evans as Johnny Storm in front of the titular team from Fantastic Four (2005)

However, none of theFantastic Fourmovies have established Reed Richards as being trained in martial arts.

The reason behind this largely seems to be that it hasnt been necessary.

As such,Reed Richards martial arts abilities have never needed to be called uponfor his live-action appearances.

Robert Downey Jr. shushes the audience in Avengers Doomsday’s cast announcement and Ioan Gruffud’s Reed Richards smiles in Fantastic Four

Even so, it has not been used in any of his movie appearances.

The ability has yet to be employed in any of the Fantastic Fours live-action outings, though.

An ill-defined example of this is Mister Fantastics resistance to telepathy, which has previously been established in comics.

John Krasinski’s Reed Richards in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness with the Fantastic Four poster for the MCU

Should Reed be aware of impending telepathic threats, he can stretch his mind accordingly to resist its effects.

Summary

The Fantastic Four is a superhero franchise centered on Marvel Comics' first family of superheroes.

Upcoming MCU Movies

Reed Richards using his elastic ability against a city backdrop.

Reed Richards and Susan Storm in the Fantastic Four movies

fantastic four reed richards fights doctor doom

Reed Richards becoming a human puddle in Marvel Comics

Sue, Reed, and Ben in Fantastic Four Rise of the Silver Surfer

Reed Richards melting in 2005’s Fantastic Four

Multiple versions of Fantastic Four’s Reed Richards.

Fantastic Four (2005) Movie Poster

Thunderbolts (2025) Official Poster

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Avengers 5 Concept Poster

Movies

Fantastic Four

Marvel Cinematic Universe