:Fantastic Four in film
{{short description|Adaptions of Fantastic Four in films}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2024}}
{{Use American English|date=January 2024}}
File:Fantastic Four logo (blue and white).svg
The superhero team Fantastic Four featured in Marvel Comics publication has appeared in four live-action films since its inception. The plots deal with four main characters, known formally as Reed Richards, Susan Storm, Ben Grimm and Johnny Storm, and how they adapt to the superpowers they attain.
Constantin Film bought the film rights for the characters in 1986. A low-budget film was produced in 1992 by New Horizon Studios owned by Roger Corman. In 2004, after Constantin sub-licensed the film rights to 20th Century Fox, a second Fantastic Four film entered production. Fantastic Four was released in 2005 and the sequel Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer was released in 2007. Both films received mixed to negative reviews from critics, yet earned a combined {{USD|635 million}} worldwide at the box office. Due to 20th Century Fox's disappointment with the box-office return of Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, a potential third Fantastic Four film and a Silver Surfer spin-off film were canceled.
A reboot of the series, Fantastic Four, directed by Josh Trank, was released in 2015 and received largely negative reviews from both critics and audiences, as well as from Trank himself, and became a box office bomb. A sequel was scheduled to be released in 2017, but was canceled.
In March 2019, Marvel Studios regained the film rights to the Fantastic Four and associated characters, along with the X-Men and Deadpool after Disney acquired 21st Century Fox. The Fantastic Four: First Steps, part of Phase Six of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), is scheduled for release on July 25, 2025.
After the acquisition, the 20th Century Fox-produced Fantastic Four films were rebranded as "Marvel Legacy" films on Disney+ alongside other non-MCU Marvel films.{{Cite web|last=Gillespie|first=Daniel|date=October 10, 2020|title=Disney Rebrands Non-MCU Films As Marvel Legacy Movies|url=https://screenrant.com/marvel-legacy-non-mcu-movies-disney-plus/|access-date=2020-11-14|website=Screen Rant|archive-date=October 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013054210/https://screenrant.com/marvel-legacy-non-mcu-movies-disney-plus/|url-status=live}} They were then retitled "Fantastic Adventures" in July 2023, alongside two Fantastic Four animated series.{{Cite web |last=Sanders |first=Savannah |date=July 23, 2023 |title=Disney+ Adds New 'Mutant Legacy' Section With X-Men Movies & Shows |url=https://thedirect.com/article/x-men-movies-shows-mutant-legacy-disney-plus-section |access-date=2023-08-01 |website=The Direct |language=en |archive-date=August 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230801234337/https://thedirect.com/article/x-men-movies-shows-mutant-legacy-disney-plus-section |url-status=live }}
Films
=''The Fantastic Four'' (1994, unreleased)=
{{Main|The Fantastic Four (unreleased film)}}
The plot follows four astronauts on an experimental spacecraft who are bombarded with a comet's cosmic rays, whereby they acquire extraordinary abilities.
Bernd Eichinger of Constantin Film acquired the film rights of the Fantastic Four from Marvel Comics in 1986. To maintain the rights, Eichinger hired Roger Corman in 1992 to produce a low-budget film. The 1994 adaptation The Fantastic Four had its trailer released to theaters, while the cast and director went on a promotional tour; however the film was never officially released. Some accused the film of being an ashcan copy, made only to retain the license.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/wired/archive/2.09/fan.four.html|title=The Fantastic Four Movie You'll Never See|magazine=Wired|date=September 1994|access-date=June 18, 2009|first=Sheila|last=Muto|archive-date=June 3, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090603011008/http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/2.09/fan.four.html|url-status=live}} Stan Lee and Eichinger stated that the actors had no idea of the situation, instead believing they were creating a proper release.{{cite web|url=http://fantasticfour.ugo.com/movies/fantasticfour_1994/ |title=Fantastic Four (1994) |publisher=UGO |access-date=September 26, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071105195549/http://fantasticfour.ugo.com/movies/fantasticfour_1994/ |archive-date=November 5, 2007}} Marvel Comics paid in exchange for the film's negative, so 20th Century Fox could go ahead with the big-budget adaptation. While released neither to theaters nor home-video, bootleg copies did surface.
=Tim Story films (2005–2007)=
==''Fantastic Four'' (2005)==
{{Main|Fantastic Four (2005 film)}}
The story features Reed Richards, Ben Grimm, Susan Storm, Johnny Storm and Victor Von Doom getting hit by a space storm after boarding a space station. As a result of the radiation from the storm, they gain new abilities and powers that they have to deal with in their own ways.
Chris Columbus was hired by 20th Century Fox to write and direct the film in 1995. In 1997, Peter Segal was attached to a script which had been written by Columbus and Michael France. Segal later left the project in the same year. Phillip Morton worked on the script, and Sam Hamm did rewrites in 1998. The following year, Raja Gosnell signed on as director. The film was announced in August 2000 as being aimed for a July 4, 2001, release date. Gosnell decided to leave the project to film Scooby-Doo. Peyton Reed served as replacement in April 2001.{{cite web | title = Fantastic Four (archives) | publisher = Comics2Film | url = http://www.comics2film.com/FantasticFourArch.shtml |access-date=October 1, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080117183822/http://www.comics2film.com/FantasticFourArch.shtml |archive-date = January 17, 2008}} Reed contemplated making the film as a period piece set in the early 1960s during the space race.{{cite book |author=David Hughes |title=The Greatest Sci-Fi Movies Never Made |publisher=Chicago Review Press |date=April 22, 2002 |isbn=1-55652-449-8 |chapter=Fantastic Journey |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/greatestscifimov0000hugh}} He later dropped out from the film. In April 2004, Tim Story was hired to direct and principal photography began in August in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada with re-shoots carried on until May 2005.{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2004/04/07/fantastic-four-gets-director-2005-release/|title=Superhero Story|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=April 4, 2004|access-date=June 18, 2009|first=Gary|last=Susman|archive-date=April 26, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090426024943/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,608765,00.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2004/film/markets-festivals/nip-star-meets-his-doom-1117908577/|title='Nip' star meets his Doom|work=Variety|date=August 2, 2004|access-date=June 18, 2009|first1=Claude|last1=Brodesser|first2=Michael|last2=Fleming|archive-date=August 15, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090815130455/http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117908577.html?categoryid=1350&cs=1|url-status=live}} Starring Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans, Michael Chiklis and Julian McMahon, the film was released on July 8, 2005.
==''Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer'' (2007)==
{{Main|Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer}}
The story, both inspired by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby's Fantastic Four comic-book storyline "The Galactus Trilogy" and Warren Ellis's comic-book Ultimate Extinction, features the Silver Surfer, whose cosmic energy has been affecting the planet Earth and leaving craters around the planet. Set against an impending wedding between Reed and Susan, the U.S. Army recruits the Fantastic Four to help stop the Silver Surfer, and separately gain help from Doom.{{cite web|author=Ben Morse |author2=Brian Warmoth |title=2007 Preview: Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer |publisher=Wizard |date=January 15, 2007 |url=http://www.wizarduniverse.com/movies/fantasticfour2/003014399.cfm |access-date=2010-06-13 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071211045159/http://www.wizarduniverse.com/movies/fantasticfour2/003014399.cfm |archive-date = December 11, 2007}}
With Fantastic Four grossing $333.5 million worldwide, 20th Century Fox hired director Tim Story and screenwriter Mark Frost in December 2005 to return to work for the sequel.{{cite news |author=Michael Fleming |url=https://variety.com/2005/film/markets-festivals/story-booked-solid-with-fox-1117933976/ |title=Story booked solid with Fox |work=Variety |date=December 4, 2005 |access-date=December 9, 2006 |archive-date=September 26, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926215623/http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117933976.html?categoryid=13&cs=1&nid=2562 |url-status=live }} Don Payne was also hired to write the screenplay.{{cite news |author=Michael Fleming |author2=Dave McNary |url=https://variety.com/2006/film/markets-festivals/inside-move-surfer-may-board-four-1200506282/ |title=Inside Move: Surfer may board Four |work=Variety |date=May 3, 2006 |access-date=December 9, 2006 |archive-date=January 3, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070103083444/http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117942541.html?categoryid=1350&cs=1&query=silver+and+surfer&display=silver+surfer |url-status=live }} Principal photography began on August 28, 2006, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.{{cite news |author=Stax |url=http://movies.ign.com/articles/726/726218p1.html |title=Fantastic New Title |publisher=IGN |date=August 17, 2006 |access-date=December 9, 2006 |archive-date=February 20, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070220072224/http://movies.ign.com/articles/726/726218p1.html |url-status=live }} The film was released on June 15, 2007.
Due to 20th Century Fox's disappointment in the box-office performance of the film, a potential third Fantastic Four film and a Silver Surfer spin-off film were canceled.{{cite news|author=Galloway, Steven |title=Studios are hunting the next big property |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=July 10, 2007 |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/film/news/e3if727c623f03c782b8ad564866c828796 |access-date=November 3, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012001630/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/film/news/e3if727c623f03c782b8ad564866c828796 |archive-date=October 12, 2007 |url-status=dead}}
=''Fantastic Four'' (2015)=
{{main|Fantastic Four (2015 film)}}
The story, loosely based on the Ultimate Fantastic Four comic-books, features four people teleporting to an alternate universe, which alters their physical form and grants them new abilities. They must learn to harness their abilities and work together as a team to save the Earth from a familiar enemy.{{cite web |url=https://uk.yahoo.com/movies/the-fantastic-four-synopsis-released-103790405759.html |title=The Fantastic Four Synopsis Released |date=November 28, 2014 |publisher=Yahoo! |access-date=November 29, 2014 |author=Bussey, Ben |archive-date=November 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129193847/https://uk.yahoo.com/movies/the-fantastic-four-synopsis-released-103790405759.html |url-status=live }}
In August 2009, the development for the reboot of the Fantastic Four film franchise was announced by 20th Century Fox.{{cite web|url= http://www.superherohype.com/features/articles/99367-fox-is-rebooting-fantastic-four|title= Fox is Rebooting Fantastic Four|date= August 31, 2009|access-date= June 23, 2013|archive-date= June 13, 2013|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130613154752/http://www.superherohype.com/features/articles/99367-fox-is-rebooting-fantastic-four|url-status= live}} In July 2012, Josh Trank was hired to direct.{{cite web|url=http://www.superherohype.com/news/articles/171669-comic-con-fantastic-four-director-confirmed-while-daredevil-director-exits|title=Comic-Con: Fantastic Four Director Confirmed While Daredevil Director Exits|date=July 11, 2013|access-date=June 23, 2013|archive-date=June 7, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607094841/http://www.superherohype.com/news/articles/171669-comic-con-fantastic-four-director-confirmed-while-daredevil-director-exits|url-status=live}} Michael Green, Jeremy Slater, Seth Grahame-Smith and Simon Kinberg were hired to write the screenplay with Slater and Kinberg receiving credit.{{cite web|url=http://www.superherohype.com/news/articles/171731-comic-con-fantastic-four-reboot-gets-a-writer|title=Comic-Con: Fantastic Four Reboot Gets a Writer|date=July 13, 2013|access-date=June 23, 2013|author=Perry, Spencer|archive-date=May 11, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130511070000/http://www.superherohype.com/news/articles/171731-comic-con-fantastic-four-reboot-gets-a-writer|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.superherohype.com/news/articles/175237-seth-grahame-smith-boards-fantastic-four|title=Seth Grahame-Smith Boards Fantastic Four|date=February 26, 2013|access-date=June 23, 2013|author=Lesnick, Silas|archive-date=June 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613183933/http://www.superherohype.com/news/articles/175237-seth-grahame-smith-boards-fantastic-four|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/fantasic-four-simon-kinberg-tapped-640054|title=Simon Kinberg Tapped to Write 'Fantastic Four' (Exclusive)|date=October 2, 2013|access-date=October 2, 2013|work=The Hollywood Reporter|first=Borys|last=Kit|archive-date=October 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002004814/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/fantasic-four-simon-kinberg-tapped-640054|url-status=live}} Casting began in January 2014 with the announcement of the cast occurred in the following months.{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2014/film/news/fantastic-four-script-in-actors-to-test-by-end-of-month-1201066108/ |title=Fantastic Four' Script In, Actors to Test by End of Month |author=Kroll, Justin |date=January 21, 2014 |access-date=August 16, 2014 |archive-date=May 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140506011050/http://variety.com/2013/film/news/fantastic-four-3-1200708738/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2014/film/news/miles-teller-kate-mara-fantastic-four-1201099921/|title='Fantastic Four' Cast Revealed|last=Kroll|first=Justin|work=Variety|date=February 19, 2014|access-date=February 20, 2014|archive-date=July 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708192403/http://variety.com/2014/film/news/miles-teller-kate-mara-fantastic-four-1201099921/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2014/film/news/toby-kebbell-fantastic-four-doctor-doom-1201125911/|title=Toby Kebbell to Play 'Fantastic Four' Villain Doctor Doom (EXCLUSIVE)|publisher=Variety|date=April 1, 2014|access-date=April 1, 2014|archive-date=July 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702005100/https://variety.com/2014/film/news/toby-kebbell-fantastic-four-doctor-doom-1201125911/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/03/08/miles-teller-on-what-appealed-to-him-about-the-fantastic-four-reboot|title=Miles Teller on What Appealed to Him About The Fantastic Four Reboot|last=Vejvoda|first=Jim|publisher=IGN|date=March 8, 2014|access-date=March 8, 2014|archive-date=November 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106185715/https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/03/08/miles-teller-on-what-appealed-to-him-about-the-fantastic-four-reboot|url-status=live}} Principal photography began in May 2014 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and ended in August the same year.{{cite web|url=http://www.nola.com/movies/index.ssf/2014/05/fantastic_four_reboot_begins_f.html|title='Fantastic Four' reboot begins filming today in Baton Rouge; here's what we know so far|last=Scott|first=Mike|work=Times-Picayune|date=May 5, 2014|access-date=May 5, 2014|archive-date=May 5, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140505200843/http://www.nola.com/movies/index.ssf/2014/05/fantastic_four_reboot_begins_f.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.superherohype.com/news/311413-production-wraps-on-the-fantastic-four-reboot|title=Production Wraps on The Fantastic Four Reboot|last=Perry|first=Spencer|publisher=Superhero Hype!|date=August 2, 2014|access-date=August 3, 2014|archive-date=May 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524092844/https://www.superherohype.com/news/311413-production-wraps-on-the-fantastic-four-reboot|url-status=live}} Starring Miles Teller, Kate Mara, Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Bell and Toby Kebbell, the film was released on August 7, 2015.{{cite news | url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/x-men-spin-deadpool-gets-734172?mobile_redirect=false | title='X-Men' Spin-Off 'Deadpool' Gets Winter 2016 Release Date | work=The Hollywood Reporter | date=September 18, 2014 | access-date=September 18, 2014 | last=McClintock | first=Pamela | archive-date=September 19, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140919020612/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/x-men-spinoff-deadpool-gets-734172 | url-status=live }} The film was a box office bomb, received overwhelmingly negative reviews, and is often considered to be one of the worst superhero films ever made.{{cite web |url=https://www.cbr.com/fantastic-four-worst-superhero-film-decade/ |title=Fantastic Four Remains the Worst Superhero Film of the Decade |last=Gramuglia |first=Anthony |date=December 21, 2019 |website=CBR |access-date=March 22, 2022 |archive-date=June 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220612074420/https://www.cbr.com/fantastic-four-worst-superhero-film-decade/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://screenrant.com/fantastic-four-fant4stic-blew-up-actors-marvel-comics/ |title=Fantastic Four's Movie So Bad, Marvel Killed The Actors |last=Isaak |first=Joshua |date=May 25, 2021 |website=Screen Rant |access-date=March 22, 2022 |archive-date=June 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220611053620/https://screenrant.com/fantastic-four-fant4stic-blew-up-actors-marvel-comics/ |url-status=live }} A sequel was originally planned for 2017, but was removed from the studio's schedule in November 2015.{{cite web | url=http://www.superherohype.com/news/359435-fantastic-four-sequel-pulled-from-fox-schedule | title=Fantastic Four Sequel Pulled from Fox Schedule | publisher=Superhero Hype | date=November 24, 2015 | access-date=November 25, 2015 | author=Perry, Spencer | archive-date=June 3, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220603005857/https://www.superherohype.com/news/359435-fantastic-four-sequel-pulled-from-fox-schedule | url-status=live }} This was also the last Fantastic Four film produced by Fox before 20th Century Fox was sold to Disney and the rights reverted to Marvel Studios.
= Marvel Cinematic Universe (2022–present) =
== ''Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness'' (2022) ==
{{Main|Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness}}
An alternate version of Reed Richards appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022), played by actor John Krasinski, a popular fancasting choice for the character. This version of the character, originating from Earth-838, is both a founding member of his reality's Fantastic Four team, as well as a council member on the Illuminati alongside other superpowered individuals, who observe and apprehend potential threats to the wider Multiverse. He is initially present at the trial of the displaced Stephen Strange from "Earth-616" (Benedict Cumberbatch), whom he warns for potentially causing an incursion as his reality's Strange did. However, before he and his colleagues could decide on Strange's consequences, they would be confronted by the corrupted Wanda Maximoff / Scarlet Witch from 616-Strange's reality, who possessed a body of her own variant to infiltrate their headquarters. In spite of Richards' attempts to reason with Wanda without resorting to physical conflict, he is killed alongside most of his associates via shredding after Wanda coldly muses that someone will be alive to raise his children.{{Cite web |last=Garbutt |first=Emily |date=May 5, 2022 |title=The Illuminati members in Doctor Strange 2, listed and explained |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/illuminati-doctor-strange-2-list/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505133231/https://www.gamesradar.com/illuminati-doctor-strange-2-list/ |archive-date=May 5, 2022 |access-date=May 5, 2022 |website=Total Film |publisher=GamesRadar+}}{{Cite web |last=Edwards |first=Molly |date=May 5, 2022 |title=That surprise A-list cameo in Doctor Strange 2 explained |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/john-krasinski-doctor-strange-2-mr-fantastic-4/ |access-date=2022-05-05 |website=gamesradar |archive-date=May 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505083211/https://www.gamesradar.com/john-krasinski-doctor-strange-2-mr-fantastic-4/ |url-status=live }} Additionally, the Earth-838 Christine Palmer is mentioned to be a member of the Baxter Foundation as a Multiverse analyst and researcher.
Prior to the film's release, Disney and Marvel Studios had attempted to retain secrecy surrounding both the inclusion of Mister Fantastic and Krasinski's involvement in the film. However, his appearance in the film alongside the other then-unrevealed Illuminati members would be leaked just prior to the film's wide release on May 6, 2022, through the circulation of footage and pictures depicting his character.{{Cite web |last=Tassi |first=Paul |title=Warning: 'Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness' Suffers A Massive Cameo Leak |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2022/05/02/warning-doctor-strange-and-the-multiverse-of-madness-suffers-a-massive-cameo-leak/ |access-date=2022-05-05 |website=Forbes |date=May 2, 2022 |archive-date=May 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220504211831/https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2022/05/02/warning-doctor-strange-and-the-multiverse-of-madness-suffers-a-massive-cameo-leak/ |url-status=live }}{{better source needed|date=May 2022}}
==''Deadpool & Wolverine'' (2024)==
{{Main|Deadpool & Wolverine}}
Chris Evans reprised his role as the incarnation of Johnny Storm from the Tim Story films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film Deadpool & Wolverine (2024). He was sent to the Void by the Time Variance Authority and became part of a Resistance group against Cassandra Nova. In the movie, a mysterious figure comes across Deadpool and Wolverine when the two are fighting each other in the Void. He was anticipated by Deadpool to be Steve Rogers (who Evans portrayed in the MCU), only to reveal himself as Johnny Storm. After a brief stand-off with Pyro, Storm is captured alongside Deadpool and Wolverine. Upon their arrival to Cassandra Nova's lair, Deadpool repeats Storm's supposed insults towards Nova. When Johnny protests these claims, Cassandra swiftly kills Storm by removing his skin and muscles, with his body falling apart nearly instantly. Throughout the film, Wolverine holds Storm's death over Deadpool's head, but in the film's post-credit scene, Wade shows footage proving Johnny's insults true.
Additionally, the Fantasti-Car appears ridden by Toad. Reed Richards (Ioan Gruffudd) from Johnny Storm's universe was mentioned in the film to have studied the multiverse and learned about the Void.
==''The Fantastic Four: First Steps'' (2025)==
{{Main|The Fantastic Four: First Steps}}
Disney's CEO Bob Iger stated that they plan to integrate the Fantastic Four into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU){{Cite press release |title=The Walt Disney Company To Acquire Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc., After Spinoff Of Certain Businesses, For $52.4 Billion In Stock |date=December 14, 2017 |url=https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/walt-disney-company-acquire-twenty-first-century-fox-inc-spinoff-certain-businesses-52-4-billion-stock-2/ |access-date=December 14, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171214141817/https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/walt-disney-company-acquire-twenty-first-century-fox-inc-spinoff-certain-businesses-52-4-billion-stock-2/ |archive-date=December 14, 2017 |agency=The Walt Disney Company}} after purchasing Fox Studios in a $71.3 billion deal, officially completed in March 2019.{{Cite news |last=Szalai |first=George |last2=Bond |first2=Paul |date=March 19, 2019 |title=Disney Closes $71.3 Billion Fox Deal, Creating Global Content Powerhouse |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/disney-closes-fox-deal-creating-global-content-powerhouse-1174498 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190320072444/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/disney-closes-fox-deal-creating-global-content-powerhouse-1174498 |archive-date=March 20, 2019 |access-date=March 20, 2019 |work=The Hollywood Reporter}} At the 2019 Marvel Studios San Diego Comic-Con presentation, Kevin Feige announced a Fantastic Four film set in the MCU.{{Cite web |last=Evry |first=Max |date=July 20, 2019 |title=Comic-Con: Fantastic Four Confirmed For the MCU! |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/1085183-comic-con-fantastic-four-confirmed-for-the-mcu |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721024336/https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/1085183-comic-con-fantastic-four-confirmed-for-the-mcu |archive-date=July 21, 2019 |access-date=July 20, 2019 |website=ComingSoon.net}}{{Cite web |last=Stedman |first=Alex |date=July 20, 2019 |title=New 'Fantastic Four' Movie in Development at Marvel |url=https://variety.com/2019/film/news/new-fantastic-four-marvel-1203274712/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721025218/https://variety.com/2019/film/news/new-fantastic-four-marvel-1203274712/ |archive-date=July 21, 2019 |access-date=July 20, 2019 |website=Variety}} By December 2020, Jon Watts was attached to direct the film; Watts previously helmed the Spider-Man films set in the MCU.{{Cite news |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=December 10, 2020 |title='Spider-Man: Homecoming' Director Jon Watts Helming New 'Fantastic Four' Movie |url=https://deadline.com/2020/12/spider-man-homecoming-director-jon-watts-helming-new-fantastic-four-movie-1234654555/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201211010635/https://deadline.com/2020/12/spider-man-homecoming-director-jon-watts-helming-new-fantastic-four-movie-1234654555/ |archive-date=December 11, 2020 |work=Deadline}} In April 2022, Watts stepped down as director to take a break from directing superhero films.{{Cite web |last=Fleming |first=Mike Jr. |date=April 29, 2022 |title='Spider-Man' Director Jon Watts Exits Marvel's 'Fantastic Four' |url=https://deadline.com/2022/04/spider-man-jon-watts-exits-marvel-fantastic-four-film-1235013110/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429210959/https://deadline.com/2022/04/spider-man-jon-watts-exits-marvel-fantastic-four-film-1235013110/ |archive-date=April 29, 2022 |access-date=April 29, 2022 |website=Deadline Hollywood}} Later in July, Feige revealed that the reboot will not have an origin story.{{Cite news |last=Kit |first=Borys |date=July 27, 2022 |title=With Next Phases Set, Marvel Homes in on Directors |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/with-next-phases-set-marvel-hones-in-on-directors-1235187070/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220727210046/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/with-next-phases-set-marvel-hones-in-on-directors-1235187070/ |archive-date=July 27, 2022 |access-date=July 28, 2022 |work=The Hollywood Reporter}} In August, Matt Shakman was in early talks to direct the film,{{Cite web |last=Kroll |first=Justin |date=August 26, 2022 |title='WandaVision' Director Matt Shakman In Talks To Helm Marvel's 'Fantastic Four' Movie |url=https://deadline.com/2022/08/fantastic-four-movie-matt-shakman-directing-wandavision-1235100640/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826160135/https://deadline.com/2022/08/fantastic-four-movie-matt-shakman-directing-wandavision-1235100640/ |archive-date=August 26, 2022 |access-date=August 26, 2022 |website=Deadline Hollywood |language=en-US}} which was confirmed in September during the Disney event D23. The same month, Jeff Kaplan and Ian Springer were hired as writers for the film.{{Cite web |last=Kroll |first=Justin |date=September 21, 2022 |title='Fantastic Four': Jeff Kaplan & Ian Springer To Write New Film For Marvel Studios |url=https://deadline.com/2022/09/fantastic-four-jeff-kaplan-ian-springer-marvel-studios-1235123893/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220921194201/https://deadline.com/2022/09/fantastic-four-jeff-kaplan-ian-springer-marvel-studios-1235123893/ |archive-date=2022-09-21 |access-date=2022-09-21 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}} By March 2023, Josh Friedman was hired to rewrite the script.{{Cite news |last=Kit |first=Borys |date=March 31, 2023 |title='Fantastic Four' Movie Gets New Writer with 'Avatar 2' Scribe Josh Friedman (Exclusive) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/fantastic-four-movie-gets-new-writer-marvel-1235364511/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331195053/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/fantastic-four-movie-gets-new-writer-marvel-1235364511/ |archive-date=March 31, 2023 |access-date=March 31, 2023 |work=The Hollywood Reporter}} In February 2024, it was announced that the film would star Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Susan Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm.{{Cite web |last=Couch |first=Aaron |last2=McClintock |first2=Pamela |date=February 14, 2024 |title='Fantastic Four' Cast Revealed for Marvel Movie |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/fantastic-four-movie-cast-1235213252/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214162512/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/fantastic-four-movie-cast-1235213252/ |archive-date=February 14, 2024 |access-date=February 14, 2024 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}} In April 2024, it was announced that Julia Garner would portray Shalla-Bal / Silver Surfer in the film.{{Cite web |last=Kroll |first=Justin |date=April 3, 2024 |title='The Fantastic Four': Julia Garner Joins Marvel Studios Movie As A Shalla-Bal Version Of Silver Surfer. |url=https://deadline.com/2024/04/fantastic-four-julia-garner-silver-surfer-1235873034/ |website=Deadline}} In May 2024, Ralph Ineson was announced to play Galactus.{{Cite news |last=Kit |first=Borys |date=May 9, 2024 |title='Fantastic Four' Casts Ralph Ineson as Galactus (Exclusive) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/fantastic-four-casts-ralph-ineson-as-galactus-1235893995/ |access-date=May 9, 2024 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |publisher=Penske Media Corporation}} John Malkovich, Paul Walter Hauser, and Natasha Lyonne were also announced to play currently unknown characters.{{Cite news |last=Couch |first=Aaron |date=May 9, 2024 |title='Fantastic Four' Casts John Malkovich |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/fantastic-four-john-malkovich-1235550531/ |access-date=May 9, 2024 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |publisher=Penske Media Corporation}} In late June, Feige confirmed that the film will be a period piece set in the 1960s and in an alternate universe rather than the main MCU continuity.{{Cite web |last=Sharf |first=Zack |date=June 26, 2024 |title=Marvel's 'Fantastic Four' Is a 1960s Period Piece in New York City, Confirms Kevin Feige — But It's Probably Not the NYC From Our World |url=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/fantastic-four-setting-1960s-new-york-city-kevin-feige-marvel-1236049964/amp/ |access-date=July 1, 2024 |website=Variety}} Principal photography began in London in late July 2024 and wrapped in November 2024.{{Cite web |last=Kit |first=Borys |date=May 10, 2024 |title='Star Wars': Sigourney Weaver in Talks to Join 'The Mandalorian & Grogu' |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/star-wars-sigourney-weaver-mandalorian-and-grogu-1235896490/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240511030147/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/star-wars-sigourney-weaver-mandalorian-and-grogu-1235896490/ |archive-date=May 11, 2024 |access-date=May 11, 2024 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}}{{Cite web |last=Merican |first=Sara |date=November 20, 2024 |title=Marvel Boss Kevin Feige On 'Fantastic Four' Wrap Date, 'X-Men' & "Goosebumps" Moment Filming 'Deadpool & Wolverine' — Disney APAC Showcase |url=https://deadline.com/2024/11/marvel-kevin-feige-fantastic-four-deadpool-wolverine-asia-1236182022/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241120163335/https://deadline.com/2024/11/marvel-kevin-feige-fantastic-four-deadpool-wolverine-asia-1236182022/ |archive-date=November 20, 2024 |access-date=November 20, 2024 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is scheduled to be released in the United States on July 25, 2025, as part of Phase Six of the MCU.
During Marvel's Hall H panel at San Diego Comic-Con in 2024, Michael Giacchino was announced to be composing the score for the film.{{Cite web |last=Vary |first=Adam B. |date=July 23, 2022 |title=Marvel Studios' Phases 5 and 6: Everything We Learned at Comic-Con About the Multiverse Saga |url=https://variety.com/2022/film/news/marvel-studios-phase-5-phase-6-multiverse-saga-comic-con-1235323893/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220724165117/https://variety.com/2022/film/news/marvel-studios-phase-5-phase-6-multiverse-saga-comic-con-1235323893/ |archive-date=July 24, 2022 |access-date=July 24, 2022 |website=Variety}}{{Cite magazine |last=Couch |first=Aaron |last2=McClintock |first2=Pamela |date=February 14, 2024 |title=Fantastic Four Cast Revealed for Marvel Movie |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/fantastic-four-movie-cast-1235213252/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214162512/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/fantastic-four-movie-cast-1235213252/ |archive-date=February 14, 2024 |access-date=February 14, 2024 |magazine=The Hollywood Reporter}}
==''Avengers: Doomsday'' (2026) and ''Avengers: Secret Wars'' (2027)==
At San Diego Comic-Con in July 2024, Pascal, Kirby, Quinn, and Moss-Bachrach were confirmed to be reprising their roles in the films Avengers: Doomsday (2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027), starring alongside Robert Downey Jr. (who previously portrayed Tony Stark / Iron Man in the MCU) as Doctor Doom.
Cast and characters
{{Cast indicator|Y}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; width:99%;"
|+ ! width="9%" rowspan="4" | Character ! width="9%" rowspan="3" | The Fantastic Four ! colspan="3" | 20th Century Fox releases ! colspan="5" | Marvel Cinematic Universe |
| colspan="2" | Tim Story films
! width="9%" rowspan="2" | Fantastic Four ! width="9%" | Phase Four ! width="9%" | Phase Five ! colspan="3" width="9%" | Phase Six |
|---|
| width="9%" | Fantastic Four
! width="9%" | Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer ! width="9%" | Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness ! width="9%" | Deadpool & Wolverine ! width="9%" | The Fantastic Four: First Steps ! width="9%" | Avengers: Doomsday ! width="9%" | Avengers: Secret Wars |
| style="background:ivory;"| 1994
| style="background:ivory;"| 2005 | style="background:ivory;"| 2007 | style="background:ivory;"| 2015 | style="background:ivory;"| 2022 | style="background:ivory;"| 2024 | style="background:ivory;"| 2025 | style="background:ivory;"| 2026 | style="background:ivory;"| 2027 |
| Mister Fantastic
| colspan="2" | Ioan Gruffudd {{small|Owen Judge}}{{ref|young|Y}} | John Krasinski{{efn|Krasinski portrays a variant of the character from Earth-838.}} | {{N/A|Mentioned}} | colspan="3" | Pedro Pascal |
| Invisible Woman
{{small|Mercedes McNab}}{{ref|young|Y}} | colspan="2" | Jessica Alba | {{N/A|Mentioned}} | {{cEmpty}} | colspan="3" | Vanessa Kirby |
| Human Torch
{{small|Phillip Van Dyke}}{{ref|young|Y}} | colspan="2" | Chris Evans | {{cEmpty}} | Chris Evans{{efn|Evans portrays the same version from the 2005 and 2007 films.}} | colspan="3" | Joseph Quinn |
| Thing (comics)
Michael Bailey Smith | colspan="2" | Michael Chiklis {{small|Evan Hannemann}}{{ref|young|Y}} | colspan="2" {{cEmpty}} | colspan="3" | Ebon Moss-Bachrach |
| Doctor Doom
| colspan="2" | Julian McMahon | colspan="2" {{cEmpty}} | colspan="3" | Robert Downey Jr. |
| Alicia Masters
| colspan="2" | Kerry Washington | colspan="3" {{cEmpty}} | rowspan="2" {{TBA}} | colspan="2" {{cEmpty}} |
| Mole Man
| colspan="2" {{cEmpty}} | colspan="2" {{cEmpty}} | colspan="2" {{cEmpty}} |
| Silver Surfer
| colspan="2" {{cEmpty}} | Laurence Fishburne{{ref|voice|V}} {{small|Doug Jones}} | colspan="3" {{cEmpty}} | Julia Garner{{efn|Garner will portray a variation of the Shalla-Bal version of the Silver Surfer.{{Cite web |last=Kroll |first=Justin |date=April 3, 2024 |title='The Fantastic Four': Julia Garner Joins Marvel Studios Movie As A Shalla-Bal Version Of Silver Surfer |url=https://deadline.com/2024/04/fantastic-four-julia-garner-silver-surfer-1235873034/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240403210540/https://deadline.com/2024/04/fantastic-four-julia-garner-silver-surfer-1235873034/ |archive-date=April 3, 2024 |access-date=April 3, 2024 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}}} | colspan="2" {{cEmpty}} |
| Galactus
| colspan="2" {{cEmpty}} | {{N/A|Appeared}} | colspan="3" {{cEmpty}} | colspan="2" {{cEmpty}} |
Crew
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; width:99%;" |
| width="16%" rowspan="3" | Occupation
! colspan="5" | Film |
|---|
| width="16%" | The Fantastic Four
! width="16%" | Fantastic Four ! width="16%" | Fantastic Four: ! width="16%" | Fantastic Four ! width="16%" | The Fantastic Four: First Steps |
| style="background:ivory;"| 1994
| style="background:ivory;"| 2005 | style="background:ivory;"| 2007 | style="background:ivory;"| 2015 | style="background:ivory;"| 2025 |
| Director
| Oley Sassone | colspan="2" | Tim Story |
| Producer(s)
| Steven Rabiner | colspan="2" | Bernd Eichinger | Matthew Vaughn | Kevin Feige |
| Executive producer(s)
| Roger Corman | colspan="2" |Stan Lee | Stan Lee | Louis D'Esposito |
| Writer(s)
| Craig J. Nevius | {{small|Screenplay by}} | Jeremy Slater | Josh Friedman |
| Composer(s)
| David Wurst | colspan="2" | John Ottman |
| Director of photography
| Mark Parry | Larry Blanford |
| Editor(s)
| Glenn Garland | William Hoy | Elliot Greenberg | Stephen E. Rivkin |
| Production Designer(s)
| Mick Strawn | Bill Boes | Kirk M. Petruccelli | Chris Seagers |
| Costume Designer(s)
| Reve Richards | José I. Fernandez | Mary Vogt |
Home media
20th Century Fox Home Entertainment released Fantastic Four (2005), Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer and Fantastic Four (2015) on DVD, Blu-ray and digital download.{{cite web|url=http://www.foxconnect.com/catalogsearch/result/?dir=desc&order=relevance&q=Fantastic+Four&x=0&y=0 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140815074242/http://www.foxconnect.com/catalogsearch/result/?dir=desc&order=relevance&q=Fantastic+Four&x=0&y=0 |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 15, 2014 |title=Search results for: Fantastic Four |access-date=August 15, 2014}} The films were also released on DVD and Blu-ray box sets:
| class="wikitable" style="width:99%;" |
| Title
! Format ! Release date ! Films ! Reference |
|---|
| Fantastic Four 2-Movie Collection
| rowspan="3" | DVD | October 2, 2007 | Fantastic Four (2005), Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer |
| The Ultimate Heroes Collection
| October 16, 2007 |
| Marvel Heroes
| May 13, 2008 | Daredevil, Elektra, Fantastic Four (2005), Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, X-Men, X2, X-Men: The Last Stand |
| Blu-ray 3-Pack
| Blu-ray | November 18, 2008 | Daredevil, Fantastic Four (2005), Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer |
| rowspan=2 | 20th Century Fox Triple Feature
| rowspan="3" | DVD | June 1, 2010 | Daredevil, Fantastic Four (2005), X-Men |
| rowspan="2" | October 5, 2010
| Daredevil, Elektra, Fantastic Four (2005) |
| 20th Century Fox Double Feature
| Fantastic Four (2005), X-Men |
| Fantastic Four / Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer
| Blu-ray | May 15, 2012 | rowspan=2 | Fantastic Four (2005), Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer |
| Fantastic Four Double Feature
| Blu-ray/Digital HD, DVD | March 8, 2016 |{{cite web |url=http://www.bestbuy.com/site/fantastic-four-double-feature-blu-ray-disc/30307185.p?id=3531937&skuId=30307185/ |title=BestBuy.com: Fantastic Four Double Feature (Blu-ray Disc) (Eng/Spa/Fre) |access-date=May 9, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160512222159/http://www.bestbuy.com/site/fantastic-four-double-feature-blu-ray-disc/30307185.p?id=3531937&skuId=30307185%2F |archive-date=May 12, 2016 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=http://www.bestbuy.com/site/fantastic-four-double-feature-2-discs-dvd/30308148.p?id=3531846&skuId=30308148/ |title=BestBuy.com: Fantastic Four Double Feature [2 Discs] (DVD) (Eng/Spa/Fre) |access-date=May 9, 2016 |archive-date=May 12, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160512221855/http://www.bestbuy.com/site/fantastic-four-double-feature-2-discs-dvd/30308148.p?id=3531846&skuId=30308148/ |url-status=dead }} |
Reception
{{hatnote|For more details on the reception of each film, see the "Reception" section on each film's article.}}
=Box office performance=
The Fantastic Four film series has grossed over $342 million in North America and over $803 million worldwide.{{cite web |title=Marvel Comics Moviesat the Box Office |work=Box Office Mojo |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/franchises/chart/?id=marvelcomics.htm |access-date=September 22, 2015 |archive-date=July 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190714111507/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/franchises/chart/?id=marvelcomics.htm |url-status=live }}
=Critical and public response=
{{Hatnote|Each film is linked to the "Critical response" section of its article}}
None of the Fantastic Four films received a positive critical reception.{{Cite web |url=https://www.vox.com/platform/amp/culture/2017/12/14/16738852/disney-fox-marvel-acquisition-x-men-superhero |title=What Disney's acquisition of Fox means for Marvel's superhero movies |last=Abad-Santos |first=Alex |date=December 15, 2017 |website=Vox |access-date=March 18, 2018 |archive-date=January 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118020237/https://www.vox.com/platform/amp/culture/2017/12/14/16738852/disney-fox-marvel-acquisition-x-men-superhero |url-status=live }} Scott Weinberg of eFilmCritic called the 1994 film "[a] painfully silly film, one with more heroic intentions than actual assets".{{cite web |url=http://www.efilmcritic.com/review.php?movie=7025&reviewer=128 |title=The Fantastic Four Review |author=Weinberg, Scott |date=May 13, 2011 |access-date=July 29, 2014 |archive-date=July 16, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140716105728/http://www.efilmcritic.com/review.php?movie=7025&reviewer=128 |url-status=live }}
Rene Rodriguez of Miami Herald gave negative reviews to the Fantastic Four films directed by Tim Story. Regarding Rise of the Silver Surfer, he said that the "story does the same sort of efficient, impersonal job he did on the first film, keeping things at such a basic, almost childish level that it seems the movie is aimed squarely, if not exclusively, at the 12-and-under set".{{cite web|url=http://ae.miami.com/entertainment/ui/miami/movie.html?id=895597&reviewId=22501 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070623044747/http://ae.miami.com/entertainment/ui/miami/movie.html?id=895597&reviewId=22501 |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 23, 2007 |title=Fantastic Four: Rise of Silver Surfer film review |date=June 15, 2007 |access-date=July 29, 2014 |author=Rodriguez, Rene}} However, Roger Moore of Orlando Sentinel gave Story's Fantastic Four films good reviews. He called the first film a "popcorn popper" and a "cinematic sugar buzz" and the second film an "entertaining film that doesn't overstay its welcome".{{cite web |url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/movies/orl-db-moviereviews-searchresults,0,3279701,results.formprofile?turbine_cdb_lib__cdb_01_txt=Fantastic%20Four&Find+it%21=Submit+Query |title=Roger Moore Review: Fantastic Four |date=July 8, 2005 |access-date=July 29, 2014 |author=Moore, Roger |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140811131748/http://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/movies/orl-db-moviereviews-searchresults,0,3279701,results.formprofile?turbine_cdb_lib__cdb_01_txt=Fantastic%20Four&Find+it%21=Submit+Query |archive-date=August 11, 2014 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/movies/orl-db-moviereviews-searchresults,0,3279701,results.formprofile?turbine_cdb_lib__cdb_01_txt=Fantastic%20Four:%20Rise%20of%20the%20Silver%20Surfer&Find+it%21=Submit+Query |title=Roger Moore Review: Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer |date=June 13, 2007 |access-date=July 29, 2014 |author=Moore, Roger |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140811131745/http://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/movies/orl-db-moviereviews-searchresults,0,3279701,results.formprofile?turbine_cdb_lib__cdb_01_txt=Fantastic%20Four:%20Rise%20of%20the%20Silver%20Surfer&Find+it%21=Submit+Query |archive-date=August 11, 2014 |url-status=dead}}
The 2015 reboot film was the most weakly reviewed in the series. It was criticized for its dark and humorless tone, it's character arcs, designs (especially that of Dr. Doom), bland acting, and poorly written story. Director Josh Trank was himself not satisfied, posting a message on Twitter stating he had envisioned a better version of the film, but it was ruined by Fox. He later deleted the message.{{cite magazine | url=https://www.ew.com/article/2015/08/07/fantastic-four-josh-trank-tweet | title=Why did Fantastic Four director Josh Trank slam his own movie? | magazine=Entertainment Weekly | date=August 7, 2015 | access-date=August 7, 2015 | last=Breznican | first=Anthony | archive-date=April 23, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200423043932/https://ew.com/article/2015/08/07/fantastic-four-josh-trank-tweet/ | url-status=live }}
Cancelled films
= Fantastic Four 3 =
A third and cancelled installment of the 2005 Fantastic Four series produced by 20th Century Fox and Marvel and was scheduled for a 2009 release. It was slated to bring Black Panther to the film series but was cancelled due the failure of Rise of The Silver Surfer.
=''Doctor Doom''=
At the 2017 San Diego Comic-Con, Noah Hawley said that he was developing a film centered on Doctor Doom.{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/doctor-doom-movie-announcement-noah-hawley-fantastic-four/|title=Doctor Doom Movie In Development From Legion's Noah Hawley|last=Leadbeater|first=Alex|publisher=Screen Rant|date=July 20, 2017|access-date=July 20, 2017|archive-date=May 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522090644/https://screenrant.com/doctor-doom-movie-announcement-noah-hawley-fantastic-four/|url-status=live}} Dan Stevens was also said to be involved with the film.{{cite web|url=https://www.bleedingcool.com/2017/07/20/updating-legion-panel-season-2-legion-going-10-episodes-cant-cross-movies/|title=Legion Panel: Hawley Working On Doctor Doom Film, Season 2 Going To Be 10 Episodes, Can't Cross Over With The Movies|last=Davison|first=Joshua|publisher=Bleeding Cool News|date=July 20, 2017|access-date=July 21, 2017|archive-date=April 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416130658/https://www.bleedingcool.com/2017/07/20/updating-legion-panel-season-2-legion-going-10-episodes-cant-cross-movies/|url-status=live}} In June 2018, Hawley said that the script was almost finished, but that there was "a little uncertainty" about whether it would be filmed due to his upcoming film Pale Blue Dot and the acquisition of 21st Century Fox by Disney.{{cite web|url=https://www.vulture.com/2018/06/noah-hawley-doctor-doom-movie-is-written-but-on-hold.html|title=Noah Hawley's Doctor Doom Movie Is Written, But Don't Expect to See It Anytime Soon|website=Vulture|last=Riesman|first=Abraham|date=June 4, 2018|access-date=June 4, 2018|archive-date=July 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706022628/https://www.vulture.com/2018/06/noah-hawley-doctor-doom-movie-is-written-but-on-hold.html|url-status=live}} In 2019, Hawley revealed that he was still unsure about whether he would be continuing the project, as it had not been officially greenlit, but that he had spoken to Kevin Feige about it.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/noah-hawleys-doctor-doom-movie-still-limbo-1194200|title=Noah Hawley's 'Doctor Doom' Movie Still in Limbo|website=The Hollywood Reporter|last=Porter|first=Rick|date=March 12, 2019|access-date=March 12, 2019|archive-date=March 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190314083720/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/noah-hawleys-doctor-doom-movie-still-limbo-1194200|url-status=live}} That August, Hawley told Deadline that the movie "is done", implying that he was no longer working on it.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/08/marvel-spoilers-legion-noah-hawley-interview-series-finale-fargo-fx-doctor-doom-movie-cats-cradle-1202666661/|title='Legion's Noah Hawley Talks Tonight's Series Finale, 'Fargo', 'Doctor Doom' Movie & 'Cat's Cradle' Adaptation|work=Deadline|date=August 13, 2019|access-date=August 13, 2019|archive-date=May 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518082458/https://deadline.com/2019/08/marvel-spoilers-legion-noah-hawley-interview-series-finale-fargo-fx-doctor-doom-movie-cats-cradle-1202666661/|url-status=live}}
=''Silver Surfer''=
In 2007, after the release of Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, 20th Century Fox hired J. Michael Straczynski to write the screenplay for the Silver Surfer spin-off film. Straczynski said his script was a sequel, but also delved into the Silver Surfer's origins. It was later canceled after Fox decided to reboot the Fantastic Four film series.{{cite web | first = Chris | last = Carle | title = SDCC 07: JMS Sheds Light on Silver Surfer Movie | website = IGN.com | date = July 27, 2007 | url = http://movies.ign.com/articles/808/808908p1.html | access-date = October 7, 2007 | archive-date = March 2, 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120302223828/http://movies.ign.com/articles/808/808908p1.html | url-status = live }}{{cite web |url= http://www.beyondhollywood.com/straczynski-talks-silver-surfer-it-probably-aint-gonna-happen/ |title=Straczynski Talks Silver Surfer: It Probably Ain't Gonna Happen |publisher= | website= BeyondHollywood.com |access-date=2009-08-30 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090831022808/http://www.beyondhollywood.com/straczynski-talks-silver-surfer-it-probably-aint-gonna-happen/ |archive-date=2009-08-31 |url-status=dead}}
In February 2018, a Silver Surfer film was in development with Brian K. Vaughan attached to the script.{{Cite web |url=https://www.cbr.com/silver-surfer-fox-brian-k-vaughan/ |title=Brian K. Vaughan Reportedly Writing Silver Surfer Movie For Fox |date=February 27, 2018 |website=CBR |access-date=March 18, 2018 |archive-date=June 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220611012010/https://www.cbr.com/silver-surfer-fox-brian-k-vaughan/ |url-status=live }}
=Untitled ''Fant4stic'' sequel=
Before Fantastic Four began filming, 20th Century Fox announced plans for a sequel with a scheduled release date of July 14, 2017.{{cite web |url=http://news.moviefone.com/2014/03/21/2015-fantastic-four-reboot-sequel/ |title=The 2015 'Fantastic Four' Reboot Will Get a Sequel in 2017 |last=Miller |first=Jenni |date=March 21, 2014 |website=Moviefone |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924055209/http://news.moviefone.com/2014/03/21/2015-fantastic-four-reboot-sequel/ |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |access-date=September 5, 2014 }} Fox then rescheduled the release for June 2, 2017, with War for the Planet of the Apes taking its place on the July 14, 2017, slot.{{cite web |url=https://www.thewrap.com/channing-tatums-gambit-gets-2016-release-date-fantastic-four-sequel-moves-up/ |title=Channing Tatum's 'Gambit' Gets 2016 Release Date; 'Fantastic Four' Sequel Moves Up |last=Sneider |first=Jeff |date=January 5, 2015 |website=TheWrap |access-date=September 5, 2015 |archive-date=January 6, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150106051121/http://www.thewrap.com/channing-tatums-gambit-gets-2016-release-date-fantastic-four-sequel-moves-up/ |url-status=live}} It changed the release date again to June 9, 2017, to be two weeks after Star Wars: The Last Jedi{{'s}} initial scheduled release date of May 26, 2017.{{cite web |url=https://collider.com/fantastic-four-2-release-date-2017/ |title=FANTASTIC FOUR 2 Fears the Force, Moves Back a Week to June 9, 2017 |last=Chitwood |first=Adam |date=March 12, 2015 |website=Collider |access-date=September 5, 2015 |archive-date=September 7, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907210857/http://collider.com/fantastic-four-2-release-date-2017/ |url-status=live}} Due to Fantastic Four{{'s}} poor box office performance of and negative reviews, Pamela McClintock of The Hollywood Reporter said that it "throws into question whether Fox will move ahead with a sequel". In November 2015, the sequel was removed from Fox's release schedule.{{cite web |url=http://www.superherohype.com/news/359435-fantastic-four-sequel-pulled-from-fox-schedule |title=Fantastic Four Sequel Pulled from Calendar |last=Perry |first=Spencer |date=November 24, 2015 |website=SuperHeroHype |access-date=November 25, 2015 |archive-date=June 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220603005857/https://www.superherohype.com/news/359435-fantastic-four-sequel-pulled-from-fox-schedule |url-status=live}} When asked by Collider whether they would make another Fantastic Four film, Kinberg stated: "I have no idea. I think the truth is we would not do another Fantastic Four movie until it was ready to be made. One of the lessons we learned on that movie is we want to make sure to get it 100% right, because we will not get another chance with the fans".{{Cite news |url=https://collider.com/fantastic-four-2-plans-simon-kinberg/ |title=Producer Simon Kinberg on Plans for a 'Fantastic Four' Sequel |date=February 24, 2017 |work=Collider |access-date=February 25, 2017 |archive-date=February 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170225072308/http://collider.com/fantastic-four-2-plans-simon-kinberg/ |url-status=live}}
Concept artist Alexander Lozano revealed that Trank's iteration of the Fantastic Four were considered for cameo appearances in Tim Miller's take on Deadpool 2.{{cite web |url=https://screenrant.com/deadpool-2-fantastic-four-2015-cast-cameos/ |title=Deadpool 2's Original Director Had Fantastic Four 2015 Cameos |last=O'Donnell |first=Sean |date=August 18, 2018 |website=Screen Rant |access-date=August 18, 2018 |archive-date=August 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818233949/https://screenrant.com/deadpool-2-fantastic-four-2015-cast-cameos/ |url-status=live}}
Notes
{{notelist}}
References
{{Reflist}}
{{Fantastic Four in popular media}}
{{Marvel Cinematic Universe}}
{{Marvel Comics films}}
{{Disney franchises}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Fantastic Four in film}}
Category:20th Century Studios franchises