Ebon Moss-Bachrach Brings Depth and Heritage to Marvel’s The Thing in ‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’

Ebon Moss-Bachrach has made a significant impact in the Marvel Cinematic Universe by portraying Ben Grimm, also known as The Thing, in the recent film Fantastic Four: First Steps. This role marks a milestone as Moss-Bachrach is the first Jewish actor to embody this iconic character, adding rich cultural layers to The Thing’s portrayal [2].

Ben Grimm, a founding member of the Fantastic Four, is known for his fierce exterior and deeply human personality despite his rocky transformation. Moss-Bachrach offers a nuanced performance that emphasizes the character’s emotional maturity and social awareness, distinguishing him from some of the actor’s previous roles, such as Richie “Cousin” on The Bear. According to Moss-Bachrach, Ben Grimm is more “socially evolved,” allowing the character to resonate on both heroic and relatable levels [0].

Moss-Bachrach’s Jewish background brings another dimension to The Thing, connecting the character to rich cultural symbolism. The Thing can be seen as echoing the golem of Jewish mythology — a protector made of stone and earth, embodying strength and loyalty despite an unusual exterior. This parallel enriches the character’s narrative, highlighting themes of identity, protection, and belonging [2].

Interestingly, while Moss-Bachrach is the first to play The Thing with an explicitly Jewish identity in the MCU, other Jewish actors like David Krumholtz have shown strong interest in the role, underscoring its cultural significance within the Marvel fandom [2].

Before joining the Fantastic Four, Moss-Bachrach portrayed David Lieberman, aka Micro, a Jewish hacker in Netflix’s The Punisher. His consistent embodiment of complex Jewish characters spotlights how diversity and heritage shape his acting choices and audience reception [2].

Fans and critics alike have praised Moss-Bachrach for capturing both the physicality and heart of The Thing. A recently released deleted scene from Fantastic Four: First Steps showcased new facets of his performance, further engaging Marvel enthusiasts eager for deeper storytelling [3]. Moss-Bachrach himself has shared insights in interviews and social media about the character’s development, increasing anticipation for future MCU installments featuring The Thing [5], [4].

Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s casting and portrayal mark a shift toward more inclusive and culturally aware superhero storytelling in the MCU. By blending heritage with heroism, his The Thing resonates not just as a superhero but as a symbol of resilience, identity, and complexity.

The success of Fantastic Four: First Steps and Moss-Bachrach’s role signals exciting directions for Marvel’s future narratives, enriching a beloved legacy with fresh perspectives and emotional depth.

Q: Is Ebon Moss-Bachrach the first Jewish actor to portray The Thing in the MCU?

A: Yes, he is the first actor with explicitly Jewish heritage to bring The Thing to life in the Marvel Cinematic Universe [2].

Q: What symbolism does Moss-Bachrach bring to The Thing?

A: His Jewish heritage connects The Thing to the golem of Jewish mythology, symbolizing strength, loyalty, and protection despite appearance [2].

Q: What is Moss-Bachrach’s previous role related to Jewish characters?

A: He played David Lieberman aka Micro in The Punisher, showcasing his affinity for complex Jewish roles [2].