The MCU’s reboot of Fantastic Four has received an exciting update from director Matt Shakman.
Despite two live action films in 2005 and 2007, a soft-reboot that’s better left forgotten in 2015, and a cameo in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness by John Krasinski as an alternate-reality version of Reed Richard/Mr Fantastic, the definitive version of the Fantastic Four have yet to make their appearance in the wide-arching cinematic universe.
But, that’s set to change for Marvel’s first superpowered family in their highly-anticipated MCU debut, first announced back in 2019 – and director Matt Shakman has offered fans a tantalising update on the process by confirming when filming is set to start.
“Yes, we are definitely gonna go in front of cameras next year,” he told Collider. “Probably the spring. [It will shoot in] London. Pinewood.”
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Production of the film has been delayed alongside a bevy of other Marvel projects due to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strikes, but Shakman confirmed that should the industrial action produce a positive outcome, the film will be heading the legendary Pinewood Studios.
Shakman also hinted at the film’s tone and style, saying that it would be a unique entry into the MCU.
“It’s different in so many ways. I wish I could be specific. I wish I could say more. But we are doing things very differently from a story standpoint, from an approach to the filmmaking standpoint, that reallyfits the material.
“I wish I could say more. I would love to, but I can’t. But I think it’s going to be unlike anything you’ve seen before, and certainly unlike anything at Marvel that you’ve seen before.”
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Official word for casting the roles of Reed Richards, Sue and Jonny Storm and Ben Grimm (otherwise known as Mr Fantastic, The Invisible Woman, The Human Torch and The Thing) is also thin on the ground, though Shakman added: “There will be an announcement at some point.”
Celebrities like Jack Quaid, Mila Kunis, Jodie Comer, Penn Badgeley and even The Crown‘s Vanessa Kirby have all responded to rumours so far.
The Fantastic Four is currently slated for a November 8, 2024 release – though that may be subject to change.