When you think of Kerry Washington today, your brain probably jumps straight to Olivia Pope. The power suits. The fast-talking political crises. The "it’s handled" energy. But before she was the most powerful fixer in D.C., Kerry Washington was a staple in the mid-2000s superhero boom. Specifically, she played Alicia Masters in the 2005 Fantastic Four and its 2007 sequel, Rise of the Silver Surfer.
It’s easy to look back at those movies as "relics" of a pre-MCU era. Some people love them for the nostalgia; others think they’re a bit cheesy compared to the dark, gritty reboots we see now. But Kerry Washington in Fantastic Four was actually doing something pretty revolutionary for the time, even if it didn't get the headlines it deserved back then.
The Role of Alicia Masters Explained
Alicia Masters isn't just some random love interest. In Marvel lore, she's a blind sculptor and the primary romantic partner of Ben Grimm, also known as The Thing. Washington took on this role when the "superhero girlfriend" trope was mostly about being a damsel in distress. Alicia was different.
She was the only person who could truly "see" Ben Grimm for who he was. While everyone else saw a mountain of orange rock and a monster, Alicia saw a kind, hurting soul. Kerry Washington played that with a softness that balanced out Michael Chiklis’s gruff, heavy performance.
A Major Departure from the Source Material
If you grew up reading the classic Stan Lee and Jack Kirby comics, you know Alicia Masters was traditionally depicted as a white woman with blonde hair and blue eyes. Casting Kerry Washington was a significant "race-swap" long before that became a standard (and often controversial) practice in Hollywood.
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Washington herself has talked about this. She mentioned in early interviews that she was excited to play a character who wasn't written specifically as Black. The studio didn't make her race a plot point; they just hired the best actress for the job. Honestly, it was a refreshing move for 2005. It proved that a character's essence—Alicia’s empathy and artistic spirit—mattered more than matching a specific 1960s drawing.
Why Washington’s Performance Holds Up
Superheroes in the early 2000s often felt like cartoons. Let's be real, the CGI on The Thing was... a choice. But the chemistry between Washington and Chiklis felt grounded.
Washington didn't just "play blind" by staring into space. She did her homework. She worked with consultants and even cited her experience working with Jamie Foxx on Ray as a massive help in understanding how to portray a character without sight. She brought a level of "E-E-A-T"—Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness—to a role that could have easily been a cardboard cutout.
- Emotional Weight: She gave Ben Grimm a reason to want to be human again.
- Subtle Strength: Alicia wasn't a fighter, but she stood up to the Silver Surfer in the sequel.
- The Bridge: She served as the emotional bridge between the "God-like" heroes and the regular people they were trying to save.
What Really Happened with the Sequel?
By the time Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer rolled around in 2007, Washington’s role expanded. She was Sue Storm's bridesmaid. She was a key player in the Silver Surfer's redemption arc. In the comics, Alicia is actually the one who convinces the Surfer to turn against Galactus.
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The movie followed this beat fairly closely. It was Alicia’s kindness that humanized the cosmic herald. This is a huge deal! A human woman with no powers basically saved the planet just by being a decent person. Washington played those scenes with a quiet intensity that honestly outshone some of the bigger action set pieces.
The "First Steps" Era and the Legacy of Alicia
Fast forward to today. We’re in 2026. The Fantastic Four: First Steps has recently hit theaters, and the conversation has shifted. With Ebon Moss-Bachrach playing the new Ben Grimm and Natasha Lyonne taking on a new role (Rachel Rozman), many fans were asking: where is Alicia Masters?
The new MCU direction seems to be pivoting away from the exact dynamic Washington established. Some fans find it a bit disappointing. There’s something special about the Alicia/Ben dynamic that felt like the heart of the original films.
Looking back, Kerry Washington in Fantastic Four wasn't just a "early career" paycheck. It was a blueprint for how to handle supporting characters in comic book movies. She brought dignity to a role that could have been sidelined.
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Actionable Insights for Fans and Rewatchers
If you’re planning a rewatch of the Tim Story Fantastic Four films, keep an eye on these specific details regarding Washington’s portrayal:
- Physicality: Watch how she uses her hands to "see" Ben. It’s a very tactile, intimate performance that makes their relationship feel earned.
- The Contrast: Notice the difference in tone when she is on screen versus when the "Four" are bickering. She brings a stillness to the movie.
- Historical Context: Remember that this was 2005. Diversity in lead roles in superhero films was nearly non-existent. Washington was a pioneer in that space.
Kerry Washington’s time as Alicia Masters is a reminder that even in "fun" popcorn movies, performance matters. She didn't treat it like a "comic book movie." She treated it like a character study. And that's why, twenty years later, people are still talking about it.
To get the most out of the original franchise, try watching the extended cuts of the first film. They include more character beats between Alicia and Ben that clarify why their bond was so strong. Understanding this history gives a lot more weight to how the MCU is currently handling The Thing’s personal life in the latest releases.
Next Steps for You
- Compare the Portrayals: Watch the 2005 film alongside the recent First Steps to see how the "heart" of Ben Grimm's character has changed across different eras.
- Explore the Comics: Look up the "Galactus Trilogy" (Fantastic Four #48-50) to see the original source material for Alicia's interaction with the Silver Surfer and how Washington brought those pages to life.