Director Matt Shakman Discusses What Sets the Fantastic Four Apart

In a recent interview with Matt Shakman, the director tasked with bringing Marvel’s Fantastic Four into the MCU, excitement and passion for the project were palpable. Fans have eagerly awaited the integration of this iconic superhero team into the Marvel Cinematic Universe since Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox in 2019. Shakman, best known for his work on “WandaVision,” shared his thoughts on why the Fantastic Four is such an exciting endeavor and what sets them apart from other Marvel teams.

Shakman’s enthusiasm for the Fantastic Four is evident as he delves into what draws him to these characters. “I think I love the space race, Kennedy-era optimism of that world,” Shakman states, referring to the era in which the Fantastic Four was originally introduced in the comic books. The notion that humanity could overcome any challenge with the right combination of heart, intellect, and technology is a theme that resonates with him. This optimism was a driving force behind the team’s inception, as they rushed into space to study cosmic rays before the Soviet Union, inadvertently gaining their superhuman abilities in the process.

The character of Reed Richards, aka Mr. Fantastic, exemplifies this spirit of scientific exploration and problem-solving. As a scientist himself, Richards often relies on his intellect and scientific knowledge to confront the various challenges faced by the Fantastic Four. Shakman’s connection to these characters runs deep, as he reminisces, “I have loved these characters since I was a kid, so it is a huge joy to be able to work with them.” His childhood fascination with the Fantastic Four has now come full circle as he gets the chance to bring them to life on the big screen.

What truly sets the Fantastic Four apart from other Marvel teams, according to Shakman, is the fact that they are a family in every sense of the word. Susan Storm, the Invisible Woman, and Johnny Storm, the Human Torch, are siblings. In the comic books, Reed and Sue eventually tie the knot. Shakman notes, “It’s different in so many ways because they are a true family, not a family you find along the way like the X-Men or the Avengers.” This familial bond is central to the team’s dynamics and has been explored in previous film adaptations as well. In Tim Story’s Fantastic Four movies, viewers witnessed the romantic relationship between Reed and Sue and the sibling-like dynamic between Johnny and Ben Grimm.

The excitement surrounding the Fantastic Four reboot extends beyond just the characters. Marvel fans eagerly await the announcement of the cast, which Shakman has teased but couldn’t reveal due to the ongoing SAG strike during his interview. However, he did drop hints that the film’s approach to storytelling and filmmaking would be unique. “We are doing things very differently from a story standpoint, from an approach to filmmaking standpoint,” Shakman tantalizingly suggests. While he couldn’t divulge more details, he assured fans that the upcoming Fantastic Four movie would be unlike anything they’ve seen before in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

With a release date scheduled for May 2, 2025, fans have a bit of a wait ahead of them. Still, the promise of a fresh take on the Fantastic Four, coupled with Shakman’s evident passion for the project, has set the stage for what could be an exciting addition to the MCU. Marvel enthusiasts are sure to be counting down the days until they can witness the Fantastic Four’s triumphant return to the silver screen.

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