Natasha Lyonne Joins the MCU in Fantastic Four: First Steps
Who Does Natasha Lyonne Play in the Fantastic Four Movie?
Natasha Lyonne was cast in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, portraying Rachel Rozman, a school teacher from Ben Grimm’s childhood neighborhood. She also works in the Jewish synagogue that Ben attends in the movie’s third act. While her screen time is limited, a romance is teased between Rachel and Ben.
Has Natasha Lyonne Played Another Character in the MCU?
Yes. Lyonne previously voiced Byrdie in What If…? Season 3. Byrdie is the hybrid daughter of Darcy Lewis (Kat Dennings) and Howard the Duck (Seth Green). This makes Lyonne the first MCU actor to play two original characters not based on Marvel Comics.
What Is The Fantastic Four: First Steps About?
The movie is set in the 1960s on Earth-828, an alternate universe. The Fantastic Four — played by Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach — must stop Galactus (Ralph Ineson) from consuming their world. The film also officially kicks off Marvel’s Phase 6.
Which MCU Actors Have Played Multiple Characters?
Gemma Chan – Minn-Erva (Captain Marvel) and Sersi (Eternals).
Benedict Cumberbatch – Doctor Strange and Dormammu (Doctor Strange).
Paul Bettany – J.A.R.V.I.S. and Vision (Iron Man through WandaVision).
Seth Green – Howard the Duck and himself (Iron Man 2 cameo).
Taika Waititi – Korg and Ninny of the Nonny (Thor films).
Kenneth Choi – Jim Morita (Captain America: The First Avenger) and Principal Morita (Spider-Man: Homecoming).
Michelle Yeoh – Aleta Ogord (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2) and Ying Nan (Shang-Chi).
David Dastmalchian – Kurt (Ant-Man) and Veb (Quantumania).
Damion Poitier – Thanos stand-in (The Avengers) and Crossbones’ mercenary (Civil War).
Why Is Natasha Lyonne’s Casting Historic for Marvel?
While many MCU actors have taken on multiple roles, Natasha Lyonne is the first to portray two different original MCU-exclusive characters — Byrdie and Rachel Rozman. This highlights Marvel Studios’ growing trend of creating new characters outside of the comic book canon.
