While only two films and a series have been released as part of Phase 5 of the MCU, audiences are already clamoring for updates on the Phase 6 films, which begin with Fantastic Four. The film already has WandaVision director Matt Shakman attached to direct and a release date of May 2, 2025.
This would be the first time the Fantastic Four would be incorporated within the MCU, which amps up the excitement for fans. While no actors have yet been confirmed to be a part of the project, rumors of Vanessa Kirby being cast as Sue Strom have been doing the rounds.
Fantastic Four In Film
The Fantastic Four have had three cinematic adaptations. The first iteration was the Tim Story-directed Fantastic Four which featured Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans, and Micheal Chiklis as Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johny Storm, and Ben Grimm respectively. The film was a success, grossing over $330 million at the box office, and prompted a sequel.
The sequel, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer was released in 2007 and was a box office disappointment. While it received a better critical response than its predecessor, it only earned a meager $300 million, prompting the studio to shut down plans for a third part and spin-off film on the Silver Surfer.
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The Fantastic Four received a reboot by 20th Century Fox in 2015, with Chronicles fame Josh Trank directing. Miles Teller, Micheal B Jordan, Kate Mara, and Jamie Bell starred in Fantastic Four. The reboot received terrible reviews and was a box office disaster. It earned $167 million against a budget of $150 million. Josh Trank said that the finished film was a product of studio interference. All future plans of a sequel were canceled.
With Disney acquiring 20th Century Fox, they inherited Marvel comic characters such as X-Men, Deadpool, and the Fantastic Four, giving fans hope that the iconic superheroes will be making their MCU debut soon. MCU mastermind Kevin Feige announced that director Jon Watts, the man behind Tom Holland’s Spider-Man films would be directing Fantastic Four. However, in 2022, Watts stepped down as he wanted to take a break from superhero films.
Kevin Feige then announced that Fantastic Four would kick off Phase Six of the MCU, which would also include Avengers: The Kang Dynasty and Avengers: Secret Wars. It was also announced that the WandaVision director Matt Shakman would direct the film and the film would release on May 2, 2025.
Casting Rumors About Fantastic Four
Fan casts and rumors are all that have been making the rounds for the Fantastic Four. While John Krasinski made an appearance in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness as Reed Richards in an alternative timeline, the actor did not confirm that he would be returning to the feature film. Along with him, his wife and actress Emily Blunt was also allegedly considered. However, the rumor only arose due to Krasinski’s involvement.
Adam Driver and Margot Robbie were rumored to be top contenders for the roles of Reed Richards and Sue Storm. Both have experience headlining a franchise with Driver playing Kylo Ren in the sequel trilogy of Star Wars and Robbie playing the iconic Harley Quinn in the DCEU. However, recently, there has been a buzz about a new contender for the role of Sue Storm.
Mission Impossible star Vanessa Kirby has been rumored to be 95% confirmed for the role of Sue Storm. Reporter and critic Jeff Sneider claimed that Marvel would be building around the Fantastic Four film around Vanessa Kirby and go off from there to confirm other actors. Kirby has recently tasted global success with Mission: Impossible 7 – Dead Reckoning Part 1 and her Oscar-nominated performance in Piece of a Woman. Stranger Things star Joseph Quinn is also allegedly confirmed to be cast as Johnny Storm.
While the film is getting closer to its release date, no casting announcements have been made. Marvel was expected to make an announcement during this year’s International Comic-Con in San Diego, but the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes prompted the cancellation of the event. The strike barres actors from participating in any promotional campaigns for the films until their demands are met. It is doubtful whether the film will get made by its announced release date.
Source: Comic Book
