The Fantastic Four Cinematic Universe Problem.
Every now and then, I’ll journey into the Marvel cinematic universe and speak on events, using the power of research and some media watching. This time, I trekked into the realm of the Fantastic Four to see if their newest movie, Fantastic Four: First Steps would be successful......
And after watching the live-action Fantastic Four films (Unreleased–1994, 2005, 2007, 2015) followed by reading Fantastic Four: Life Story #1–6, I feel ready to watch the newest reboot of Marvel’s First Family. I also feel ready to answer whether or not their latest reboot will be successful.
My response, however, is a loaded one. The Fantastic Four has had a series of ups and downs in the cinematic industry and depending on the year you started watching “the first family,” you either praised their accomplishments or mocked their presence.
Fantastic Four (1994)
Pre-MCU, The Fantastic Four had a secret cinematic origin that’s more myth than canon. In 1983, German producer Bernd Eichinger met with Stan Lee to secure the film rights to Marvel’s first family. It took three years, but Eichinger’s company (Constantin Film) finally landed the deal for $250,000. However, there were some issues in producing and with time running out to keep the rights, and no major movie studio ready to commit to the project, Eichinger teamed up with B-movie mogul Roger Corman to crank out a low-budget version of the Fantastic Four in 1992 with a budget of $1 million.
A trailer dropped, press was done, and even a world premiere was planned. But then, everything was pulled. Cease-and-desist letters followed and the negatives were locked away. Rumor has it, that the movie was never meant to see the light of day, which was just a legal move to retain the rights. While the film was shelved and buried, it didn’t stay forgotten. Bootlegs found their way into fans’ hands, with reviews describing it as “charmingly awful, full of ‘90s soap opera vibes with cheesy dialogue.” Despite a 27% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, some critics noted the film's B-list appeal and decent performances.
While the film was considered unfavorable, it did, however, lay the groundwork for Marvel’s first family. The cast, all the big names at the time, stepped up as the OG Fantastic Four and, despite a budget crisis, created something decent. And with the low-budget tools they had, they pulled off one of the cheesiest yet foundational and necessary projects that became the blueprint for how we should interpret the first family on the big screen. Record 0 Wins – 1 Loss
Still… it was corny as hell, without question, and that corniness prompted Marvel to step in and save their brand. Marvel exec Avi Arad reportedly bought the film outright to prevent it from harming the brand, leading to its legendary “unreleased” status. Eichinger, however, got his big-budget wish with a 2005 Fantastic Four movie and its 2007 sequel which brought forth the Silver Surfer.
Fantastic Four (2005)
Before the beginning of Marvel’s cinematic universe run with the start of Iron Man (2008), Marvel (under the guide of 20th Century Fox) released the First Family with an operating budget of $100 million to audiences on July 6th, 2005. Domestically, the film made $154+ million, with international revenue grossing high in the amount of $178+ million, totaling a worldwide amount of $333+ million. Impressive numbers for a non-Spider-Man superhero film.
Additionally, we were re-introduced to the genius of Richard Reed played by Ioan Gruffud, Ben Grimm played by Michael Chiklis (The Thing), The Invisible Woman, played by Jessica Alba and no one could forget Johnny Storm, played by Chris Evans; who eventually was recast as Captain America and became the poster child for the 20+ year run of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
SideNote: Ioan Gruffudd was the best Reed Richards, in my opinion. His version focused on his work far greater than any other one and Sue was more of an afterthought in his life (wedding included).
The Invisible Woman, played by Jessica Alba x Richard Reed played by Ioan Gruffud x Johnny Storm, played by Chris Evans x Ben Grimm played by Michael Chiklis (The Thing),
After rewatching this film, what was present was a group of young and hungry actors who were, at the time, putting their best foot forward to be the best “second version” of the first family and they delivered....
We were introduced to a newer cinematic origin of the First Family.
We were introduced to Julian McMahon, who held it down as the brilliant and prideful Dr. Doom.
A script that was enough to get us interested in these characters and pay big money to see them.
Budget Profit/ Data
This “first-second film” gave many hope that Marvel’s first family could herald in a new age of Superheroes, Pre-MCU, but that hope declined as they released the sequel featuring the herald of Galactus...... Record: 1 Win - 1 Loss
Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007)
Released one year before the arrival of MCU’s Iron Man played by RDJ, Fox decided to double down, by increasing the budget by an additional $30 million and introduce Marvel fans to the power cosmic in the appearance of the Silver Surfer played by both Doug Jones (Physical) and Lawrence Fishburne (Voice)
Included is the original [2005] cast with a slightly renewed and physically cleaner Dr. Doom. The loosely held script kept the first family in what appeared to be Home Alone situations, followed by the comedic high jinks of Ben and Skrull-ability Johnny Storm. Add in a mishandled love between Sue and Reed, followed by Ben Grimm’s love with the amazing Alicia Masters (Played by Kerry Washington) and what we have was a more comedic-humane film in which we looked at the people behind their superpowers, and their growth as the first superhero family. Even Johnny Storm learned responsibility and settled down with a military girlfriend.
And while this version didn’t do well with audiences, the Silver Surfer at the time was pretty exciting to watch as well as how he “son-ed” the Human Torch in their famous chase scene.
Financially, the film did survive and generated some impressive numbers. However, it never reached the milestone Fox hoped it would as it achieved less than its predecessor, making the company and Bernd Eichinger finally retired from Marvel’s first family altogether….....
......... then, 8 years later, Fox decided to do another reboot that would nuclear bomb the Fantastics for over a decade. Record 2 Wins – 1 Loss
Budget/Profit Data:
Fantastic Four (2015)
Seven years after the birth of the MCU’s Iron Man (2008), Fox decided to reboot the family again by focusing on them as teenagers in High School. Now appearing is Franklin Storm played by Reg E. Cathey, his son Johnny Storm, played by Michael B. Jordan, and his adoptive daughter, Sue Storm, now played by Kate Mara.
Miles Teller, who plays Reed Richards and Ben Grimm who is played by Jamie Bell are elementary school friends that did nerd shyt together in Grimm’s parents junk yard.
In all their teenage glory, we are also introduced to the introverted, scientific genius of Dr. Doom, played by Toby Kebbell who, in this film obsesses over Susan a little too much.
Here the plot changes, but the origin of their powers remain the same as they are hit with some “otherworldly-dimensional” cosmic radiation, and become the “first family” for a third time. The approach?
The “youngins” sip on liquor, sponsored by Doom, and they drunkenly explore another dimension that is laced with green energy and a harsh terrain. As a result, they leave their man’s [Doom] behind and create a complete clusterfux of a situation resulting in them becoming weapons of the US Government..... and battling a still-mouthed Doom. This Doom is enshrined in a silver mass ensemble, speaks telepathically and literally explodes the heads of all that challenge him as he walks back to a universe in which he is an outcast and its king...
Budget/Profit Data:
Needless to say, this film was the worst of the series as it barely recouped its budget and was considered one of the worst Marvel cinematic debuts to date. Fox decided to not only scrap the first family permanently, they also sold their superhero rights (along with X-Men/Deadpool, and a few cosmic beings) to Disney 4 years later…….Record 2 Wins – 2 Loss
Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025)
And now, ten years later, the Fantastic Four (2025) has returned under the helm of Disney with an A-list cast, a slightly newer plot, and an even bigger budget, ranging between $200-$250 million dollars with a CGI Ben Grimm (The Thing) voiced by Ebon Moss-Bachrach. Disney has recreated the first family and changed the scenery to a more 60’s vibe (post Civil Rights I hope). And while this may look like a new start, looming over this film’s head are the forefathers and foremothers of former actors, various memes, comments, and jokes of the first family’s controversial past. Can this movie survive that?
The Fantastic Four is now owned by the great Disney, and funded by the money us patrons have given in the form of streaming memberships, daily park attendances, games from Marvel Rivals and any other Marvel, Star Wars, and Disney related merch.....It is here, Ladies and Gentlemen that The Fantastic Four, in my opinion, will meet their untimely Doom (Pun intended).
In other words, this film will be the final nail in the first family’s cinematic coffin.
Pedro Pascal - Reed Richards x Vanessa Kirby - Susan Storn (Left)
Joseph Quinn - Johnny Storm x Ebon Moss-Bachrach - Ben Grimm (Voice) (Right)
As it stands the Fantastic Four’s cinematic record stands at either 2-2 or 1-3 (if you count the Rise of the Silver Surfer as a loss) and with this new installment, the series is going to be a monumental loss. Respectfully, the problem with the series won’t be the actors, It will be with the fans. Every actor who has helmed the first family gave it their all and dominated. The Human Torches, the Invisible Women, the Thing’s, even the Mr. Fantastics.
I believe the major part of the Fantastic Four problem are the scripts. We know about the cosmic radiation in space, we know their DNA is altered, we also know that The Thing and Torch are basically brothers whereas, Sue and Reed are nerdy lovers. We also know that Doom and Reed know each other in some capacity and became bitter rivals. These are known themes and now, I want to know what has taken place within the family that makes me want to see them? Additionally, what is happening within their lives that makes me say, “I’m vested for the next decade?” This is where, I believe, The Fantastic Four: Life Story comes in.
Fantastic Four: Life Story (2021 - 2022)
This series reimagines the famed first family aging in real-time from the 1960s to the 2010s, setting their origin against a series of major historical events. Written by Mark Russell and illustrated by Sean Izaakse, the series focuses on each member of the team and their personal and emotional situations over the decades.
Reed, burdened by the knowledge of Galactus, gradually loses his connection to those around him, especially his wife Sue. His obsession alienates his loved ones, leading to the team’s disintegration.
Sue Storm, frustrated with Reed’s emotional distance and lack of presence, leaves him in the 1970s and finds meaning elsewhere, carving out her own path apart from the team (and getting backshots from the Submariner, Namor.)
Johnny Storm, the carefree Human Torch, dies tragically in the 1980s during a failed mission—his arc cut short, making his sacrifice feel severely underdeveloped.
Ben Grimm, a.k.a. The Thing, remains the most emotionally grounded one out of the group, grappling with his monstrous form, the passage of time and finding love.
Over the decades, the Fantastic Four becomes less of a family and more a fragmented collection of their former selves as they are shaped by loss, obsession, and age, with the final issue bringing a hurtful conclusion and a startling new realization: not every family is perfect, powers and all.
Final Thoughts: First Family’s Issues
How does Life Story fit into the FF's cinematic universe (FFMCU)? This comic series, like every Fantastic Four film to date, centers heavily on their powers. However, with Life Story and Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer the writers begin to take steps in the right direction by revealing their personal lives beyond their abilities and I believe Life Story followed up on that premise with the details. That followed by John Kransinski’s Reed Richards from Dr. Strange: Multiverse of Madness and we saw some dramatic moments in which their powers were more of a curse, than a gift.
Additionally, Marvel’s Fantastic Four has a major disconnect, they are a team usually defined by their powers (Reeds brain included) and less by their personalities. As they struggle to find their human side on the big screen, it’s their imperfections, their emotional complexity that seem to be missing from their films and what many want to experience. If Marvel taps into that, then a broader fan base could finally rally and support them.
Final Thoughts
The Fantastic Four caters mostly to comic book fans. They are the hardcore supporters who are deeply invested in the continuity of the comic-accurate universe. And while these individuals are considered the backbone of the comic book industry and major comic book discussions (shoutout to them), the issue is that there may not be enough of them to uplift a Fantastic Four film to unimaginable heights, to levels like the Avengers: Endgame or Black Panther, even Spider-Man: Far From Home numbers where fans, who don’t read the comics come in and support the film and the fans that do read the comics.
Whether FF:First Steps is successful or not, integrating the Fantastic Four into the MCU feels necessary, especially after that Thunderbolts end-credits scene. If the upcoming film can at least break even (and make a little extra) and present these characters as relatable, then Marvel’s 2025’s First Family might stand on its own. But that is the real challenge, as Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer approached that challenge and barely survived.
The real challenge isn’t just integrating the Fantastic Four into the MCU, it’s the fact that, unlike Spider-Man or the X-Men, they don’t have a built-in, passionate fanbase outside of long-time comic readers to rally behind them.
In the end, the Fantastic Four doesn’t just need a reboot, it needs a reintroduction. One that redefines them not by their powers, but by their humanity. If FF:First Steps can tap into their emotional core similar to Life Story and make these characters feel flawed, and relatable, then there’s hope for them to finally earn their place in the hearts of a wider MCU audience.
After all, saving the world is great, but making us care about who’s doing it is what turns a Marvel movie into a movement. Endgame anyone?
Overall, the Fantastic Four hasn’t always lived up to their name cinematically, especially for the fanbase that now exists within the MCU. They have catered to a narrower audience, often overlooking the broader range of identities, cultures, and lived experiences that modern Marvel fans bring to the table.
Unlike the X-Men, who have been the symbol of inclusion and marginalization for decades, or Black Panther, which redefined representation in superhero cinema (remember the Wakanda Forever salute?), the Fantastic Four seems to be struggling to evolve beyond its 1960s origins.
If Marvel wants the first family to thrive in today’s cinematic universe, they’ll need more than just cosmic powers—they’ll need to be relevant enough so their characters can speak to the wider world we live in now. Hopefully, First Steps can pull this off.
Respect.
