Concerns over Fantastic Four sequel delay resurface

A new report suggests that the release of the MCU’s Fantastic Four movie could be delayed further into the future. Despite the excitement surrounding Deadpool's addition to the franchise, the significance of the Fantastic Four as Marvel's first family cannot be overstated.

Their comic book legacy hasn't been well-represented on the big screen. There's the schlocky 1994 rights-retainer that never officially released, the 2005 and 2007 entries with Jessica Alba and Chris Evans, and the appalling 2015 reboot directed by Josh Trank. The new movie is set to start Phase Six of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and is expected to be the first film leading to the next Avengers movies. However, recent rumors suggest it may face another delay.

Fantastic Four filming pushback may mean another delay

According to Jeff Sneider, the shooting schedule for the Fantastic Four has been rescheduled for Q3 of 2024. In order to meet its release date of May 2, 2025, filming would have to begin sometime between July and September, wrap up, and complete post-production in 10 months or less - quite a tight timeline for a project of this magnitude.

Sneider tweeted that an early May 2025 release date for the Fantastic Four movie seems ambitious, considering that shooting won't start until Q3 of this year. He expressed doubt that the release date will stick, given that the movie has already been delayed twice. Originally set for release on November 8 this year, it was then pushed to February 14, 2025. If all goes to plan, the Fantastic Four will be released before Thunderbolts on July 25 and Blade on November 7, with the first of the next Avengers double-bill arriving on May 1, 2026.

Production of Fantastic Four was originally scheduled to start in April, allowing Pedro Pascal to join the cast as Reed Richards. However, due to his commitment to Marvel, Pascal has dropped out of the horror film Weapons to make room for his Marvel schedule. While the confirmed cast for the movie has not been officially announced, there has been speculation and rumors suggesting that the lineup could include Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon-Moss Bachrach in addition to Pascal.

You can find out more about the Fantastic Four movie here.

Editor's P/S

As a hard fan of the Fantastic Four, I am deeply concerned about the recent rumors suggesting further delays for the highly anticipated film. The Fantastic Four hold a special place in Marvel's history as the first family of superheroes, and their legacy deserves a faithful and well-executed adaptation on the big screen. The previous attempts have fallen short of capturing the essence of these iconic characters, and I am eager to see them finally get the cinematic treatment they deserve.

The news of a potential delay is particularly disappointing considering the excitement surrounding the MCU's expansion and the addition of Deadpool to the franchise. The Fantastic Four are crucial to the Marvel universe, and their introduction should not be rushed or compromised. I understand that producing a film of this magnitude requires time and careful planning, but I hope Marvel Studios can find a way to expedite the process without sacrificing quality.