Even though the film has a confirmed release date in 2024, there’s still a whole lot of mystery surrounding the new “Fantastic Four” movie. Namely, who are the chosen actors tasked with bringing Marvel’s First Family to life? But also, what’s going on behind the camera? You see, when the film was initially announced, Jon Watts was named as the director. However, Watts departed the project, and Marvel has yet to reveal a successor. Well, until now.
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According to Deadline, Marvel Studios has brought in Matt Shakman to direct the upcoming “Fantastic Four” film. That name likely sounds familiar to MCU fans, as Shakman’s biggest project to date was his job as director of “WandaVision,” which was nominated for many awards and quickly cemented Marvel Studios as a TV powerhouse. And we all know that Marvel Studios likes to reward quality work, giving filmmakers multiple chances to return to the MCU. Folks like James Gunn, Ryan Coogler, Taika Waititi, Peyton Reed, and the Russo Brothers are just some of the names who have gone on to work on multiple Marvel Studios projects.
For those who aren’t aware of Marvel lore, the Fantastic Four is the name of the very first superhero comic book published under the Marvel Comics banner back in 1961. The series follows the exploits of four heroes, Sue Storm, Reed Richards, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm, who are given superpowers after encountering radiation during a space flight. The Fantastic Four then go on to save the world while working out of their Manhattan skyscraper, dubbed the Baxter Building.
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Shakman’s name might be a bit of a surprise because, most recently, he was announced as directing the upcoming “Star Trek” sequel, which has been long in development. Clearly, that film is still working out the kinks, and a new filmmaker will likely be announced at some point.
THR’s Borys Kit mentions two names that were in contention for the gig before Shakman emerged as the frontrunner: Michael Matthews, who directed the entertaining Dylan O-Brien-led sci-fi film “Love And Monsters,” and Reid Carolin, who at one point was going to direct 20th Century Fox‘s “Gambit,” movie, an X-Men, spin-off movie starring Channing Tatum that fell apart after Disney bought Fox.
With the announcement of Shakman taking over “Fantastic Four,” the next piece of the puzzle will be the cast. Hopefully, we learn those names soon enough. “Fantastic Four” is expected to arrive in theaters on November 8, 2024.