When Disney purchased 20th Century Fox, lo those many years ago, that immediately meant all the X-Men characters could appear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It also meant Fox’s other (and let’s face it, far less successful) Marvel property, the Fantastic Four, was joining the fray. However, aside from a Reed Richards cameo in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, the Fantastic Four have been MIA. But, hope is on the horizon! The Fantastic Four will be part of the MCU’s Phase Six.
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Joseph Quinn shared some insights into his The Fantastic Four role of Johnny Storm/Human Torch and discussed the movie itself. Quinn noted, “I remember really enjoying Chris Evans’s performance as Johnny in the previous films, and it felt like this would be a really exciting opportunity; I was absolutely signed up.” But the actor clarified that his turn as the Human Torch would be a fresh take, though he recognizes that, “It’s big boots [to fill].”
Looking at the MCU’s The Fantastic Four movie more specifically, Quinn reveals, “There are aspects of it that are very much a singular thing and its own thing.” And notes, “Working with Vanessa, Pedro, Evan — they’re really consummate pros and brilliant in everything they’re in. So I’m really looking forward to establishing this familial dynamic with them and with Matt Shakman’s guidance.” Additionally revealing:
There are aspects of it that are very different to other Marvel films. That felt very compelling to me. And again, going back to who’s involved, Matt, of course, the director, I think is brilliant, and the cast, and I’ve read it and the script is brilliant. It’s really brilliant. I’m delighted to have this opportunity.
Superhero movies are movies about people. And if we’re invested in the people and the characters and the peril and the spectacle, then that’s why people go to the theaters to watch films. We’re not just in a penny; we’re in for a pound with this one. We’re going to go for it.
Here’s everything we know about the MCU’s The Fantastic Four movie.
Title
All the initial branding from Marvel indicated the movie’s title would be Fantastic Four. Of the three previous Fantastic Four movies, two of them were just called Fantastic Four—despite the ill-fated 2015 movie’s logo making people call it “Fant-4-stic.”
Now we know that to slightly stand out, the MCU’s Fantastic Four movie will be called The Fantastic Four.
The Fantastic Four‘s Plot
Zero idea currently what the plot of the movie will be. Not a sausage. Bugger-all.
Behind the Scenes
The Fantastic Four is possibly the most in-flux title in the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe slate. Marvel Studios president and primary producer Kevin Feige announced the movie at San Diego Comic-Con 2019. Marvel then named Jon Watts, who directed the three Tom Holland Spider-Man films for Sony and Marvel, in December 2020. Watts then stepped away from the project in April 2022, stating he was taking a break from superhero movies.
Then, in August 2022, Marvel named Matt Shakman—who had directed WandaVision for Disney+—as Watts’ successor. Feige confirmed this at the D23 Expo in September of that same year.
Later in September, Marvel said Jeff Kaplan and Ian Springer were writing the script for The Fantastic Four. By March 2023, Terminator franchise and Avatar: The Way of Water screenwriter Josh Friedman was at work rewriting the script. In October 2023, Cameron Squires’ name was added as co-writer.
The movie has a scheduled start of production for early 2024.
The Fantastic Four‘s Cast
The MCU’s Fantastic Four team has officially set its cast. Pedro Pascal will play Reed Richards, a.k.a. Mister Fantastic. Vanessa Kirby will play Sue Storm, a.k.a. the Invisible Woman. Ebon Moss-Bachrach will play The Thing. Finally, Joseph Quinn will play Johnny Storm, a.k.a. the Human Torch.
Recently Deadline reported Julia Garner (Ozark, Inventing Anna) will play the Shalla-Bal version of Silver Surfer. In the comics, Shalla-Bal appeared as Norrin Radd’s partner, but at one point, she received the same powers as the Silver Surfer and they were both Galactus’ heralds.
The Fantastic Four‘s Release Date
The Fantastic Four will release on July 25, 2025.
Originally published on December 22, 2023.