Fantastic Four in the MCU: Updates on Release Date, Cast Rumors & More

Find out all there is to know about the highly anticipated Fantastic Four movie, including its release date, cast details, and intriguing plot speculation, following the thrilling announcement at Comic-Con 2019.

Previously, the rights to the Fantastic Four franchise were held by 20th Century Fox. However, the merger of Disney and Fox led to Marvel Studios, a subsidiary of Disney, acquiring the rights to include these characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

With a multitude of details to explore, let's delve into the available information regarding the introduction of the Fantastic Four in Phase Six of the MCU.

Contents

Fantastic Four MCU release date

Fantastic Four will be released in cinemas on May 2, 2025. This is a slight delay from its previous release date of February 14.

YouTube: Marvel Entertainment

Kevin Feige originally announced at San Diego Comic-Con 2022 that Fantastic Four would initiate Phase Six of the MCU in November 2024. However, due to various changes in the release schedule of other films such as Blade, Deadpool 3, and Avengers: Secret Wars, the future remains uncertain.

According to The Wrap, filming for the movie is scheduled to commence in early 2024. Director Matt Shakman also confirmed to Collider that they plan to begin shooting next year, pending the resolution of the SAG-AFTRA actors' strike. The anticipated start date is likely in the spring, with the filming location set in London at Pinewood Studios.

Fantastic Four MCU director & crew

Matt Shakman will direct Fantastic Four. He’s best known for helming WandaVision, which kicked off the MCU’s Disney+ programming.

Previously, Jon Watts, the director of Spider-Man, was initially assigned to lead the Fantastic Four film. However, in April 2022, he decided to step down, expressing a desire for a hiatus from superhero movies.

According to The Direct, Shakman was announced as the director for Marvel's Fantastic Four towards the end of last year.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Josh Friedman, the writer for Avatar 2 and Snowpiercer, has been enlisted to contribute to the script. This change sees Friedman taking over from previous writers Jeff Kaplan and Ian Springer, indicating a potential shift towards a more serious tone for Marvel's Fantastic Four.

Fantastic Four MCU cast

While the cast is yet to be confirmed, the rumored Fantastic Four family includes:

Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm

Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm

Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Silver Surfer

According to insider DanielRPK and Deadline, Marvel has reportedly extended an offer to Pedro Pascal (The Last of Us) for the role of Reed Richards, also known as Mr. Fantastic. Pascal is currently in talks to officially confirm his participation.

John Krasinski played the character of Universe-838 Reed Richards in the 2022 movie Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. However, it remains uncertain whether Krasinski will reprise his role as Reed Richards in the main Marvel Cinematic Universe (Universe-616). A recent interview with The Wrap in December seemed to suggest that this possibility may not come to fruition. During the interview, Krasinski jokingly remarked that being turned into spaghetti was not his ultimate ambition in the Marvel universe, although he still enjoyed the experience.

Jamie Dornan (50 Shades of Grey), Penn Badgley (You), and Glenn Howerton (It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia) have also been rumored as potential actors to play Reed Richards. However, the latest speculation suggests that Adam Driver, known for his role as Kylo Ren, is currently the top contender for the role.

Actress Vanessa Kirby (Hobbes & Shaw) has long been regarded as the top contender to portray Sue Storm, also known as the Invisible Woman. When asked about the rumors, Kirby vaguely expressed that it would be an "honor" to become part of the cast. Speculation surrounding potential candidates for the role has included actresses Amanda Seyfried (The Dropout), Natalia Dyer (Stranger Things), Melissa Benoist (Supergirl), Bryce Dallas Howard (Jurassic World), Emily Blunt (A Quiet Place), Kristen Bell (The Good Place), and Mila Kunis (Family Guy).

On May 1, insider DanielRPK sparked rumors by suggesting that Margot Robbie (known for her role in Suicide Squad) had been offered the role of Sue Storm. However, recent developments indicate that Robbie has since declined the opportunity.

Chris Evans, known for his portrayal of Captain America in Universe-616, has expressed his willingness to reprise his previous role as Johnny Storm in 2005.

Furthermore, potential candidates for the part have been suggested, including Joe Keery from Stranger Things, Logan Lerman from The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and Chase Stokes from The Boys. However, according to insider DanielRPK, it has been revealed that Irish actor Paul Mescal has been offered the opportunity to play Johnny Storm.

It is unclear if Mescal declined the role or is still being considered. However, recent reports suggest that Joseph Quinn (known for his role in Stranger Things) is now the leading contender to portray Johnny Storm.

Regarding the role of Ben Grimm, there haven't been many rumors. However, Seth Rogen (known for his role in Knocked Up) is reportedly a favorite for the part. There were also rumors that Hamilton's Daveed Diggs was offered the role, but it remains uncertain if he has been cast.

All of these rumors about

Fantastic Four MCU plot: What is it about?

should be taken with a grain of salt since there is no confirmation from Marvel or any of the actors. In fact, according to a tweet by Justin Kroll, a writer for Deadline, Marvel is set to begin the casting process in February and March 2023. Consequently, it is likely that most of the rumored names are just individuals being considered for the role.

Fantastic Four MCU plot: What is it about?

YouTube: Marvel Entertainment

While there have been few plot leaks concerning the Fantastic Four movie, it is likely that Marvel will diverge from the familiar origin stories, just like they did with Spider-Man. Therefore, it is possible that the MCU installment will not delve into a comprehensive exposition of their transformation and powers.

Ant-Man director Peyton Reed previously disclosed his pitch for an MCU Fantastic Four film set in the 1960s, the same era when these superheroes were originally introduced in comic books.

When asked about the film, Shakman, the director of the upcoming Fantastic Four movie, shared with Collider that he would love to provide more details but unfortunately cannot at this time. However, he did mention that they are approaching the story and filmmaking in a distinctive manner that perfectly complements the material. He assured fans that it will be an unprecedented and entirely fresh experience, unlike anything seen in the Marvel universe before.

With rumors that regular F4 villains like Namor, Doctor Doom, and Galactus are set to be introduced to the MCU, the possibilities are endless for a potential foe.

Is there a Fantastic Four MCU trailer?

Currently, there is no trailer available for the Fantastic Four movie. However, we will provide an update once it becomes available online.

That covers all the information we have regarding the Fantastic Four MCU movie. Meanwhile, feel free to explore our other Marvel hubs listed below:

Spider-Man 4, Venom 3, Deadpool 3, X-Men ’97, Captain America: Brave New World, She-Hulk Season 2, What If Season 2, Thor 5, Fantastic Four, Avengers Secret Wars, Avengers The Kang Dynasty, Agatha Darkhold Diaries.

Editor's P/S

As a passionate fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), I am thrilled about the upcoming Fantastic Four movie. The Fantastic Four is one of the most iconic superhero teams in comic book history, and I can't wait to see them finally join the MCU.

The cast is shaping up to be excellent, with Emily Blunt and John Krasinski rumored to be playing Sue Storm and Reed Richards, respectively. I think they would be perfect for these roles, and I can't wait to see them bring these characters to life on the big screen.

The plot details are still under wraps, but I'm excited to see how the Fantastic Four will be introduced into the MCU. I'm also curious to see how they will interact with the other heroes in the MCU, such as the Avengers.

I think the Fantastic Four movie has the potential to be one of the best MCU movies yet. I can't wait to see it when it hits theaters in 2025.