Clooney doesn't have the intensity to me, as an actor, to bring to Reed Richards.  He just seems too laid back.  And his voice does not "sound" like how Richards should sound.

While I agree with Sam about the smoothing out of edges of characters, I don't think it's for the reasons he describes.  There are plenty of characters out there in all mediums that are prickly and rough edged.  I'm thinking of a lot of cop shows here (like the Shield) or HBO series.

However, I think that over time all popular characters, usually initially beloved because they did have that piss and vinegar in them somewhere - become "mainstreamed" because of their popularity.  They lose things that might be objectionable.  This seems to be a process that affects almost all characters - just think of Fonzie who went from being a cool, but somewhat shady outsider with a heart of gold beneath his exterior to a bland middle class kind of family man.

In the recent Fantastic Four series by Bryan Hitch - there is a splash page where Reed's face bares a very close resemblance to George Clooney. IMO a photo reference must have been used.

If he would cut back on the alcohol, Ray Liotta would be a decent Reed Richards. I think he kinda has a bit of the Jeffery Hunter look going for him.

My initial reaction to Clooney as Reed was "But . . Reed should come off as someone with a strong moral center and intelligence." then Martin had to go and reminded me of Civil War -- yeah, if they for some godforsaken reason film Civil War, Clooney would work as a not too bright Reed who is up to a diabolical scheme to betray/murder his friends.