Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox brought about a specific promise for superhero fans: that it would bring a handful of characters like the X-Men and Fantastic Four back into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
During its Investor’s Day, we finally got to see that come to fruition—Disney announced that Spider-Man: Homecoming director Jon Watts will helm a feature film featuring the Fantastic Four.
The news came amidst a flood of announcements of new projects for Marvel Studios from studio chief Kevin Feige, and didn’t include any additional details about the cast or a release date.
Jon Watts will direct the new feature film for Marvel's First Family, Fantastic Four! pic.twitter.com/cQtZ8E6qie
— Fantastic Four (@FantasticFour) December 11, 2020
Given that Marvel has The Eternals, Black Widow, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Spider-man 3, Thor: Love and Thunder, and Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness coming out between 2021 and 2022 (not to mention Captain Marvel 2, Blade, and Black Panther 2 in the works), it might be a short while before we see this hit theaters.
But when it does, it represents a big part of Marvel’s IP that hasn’t been able to join the bigger MCU that the studio’s spent the last decade putting together, and it opens the door to more stories and characters like the X-Men. The Fantastic Four team finally showing up are big step forward for Marvel Studios.
Literally a safe choice
The 5th time’s the charm!
Watts is an interesting choice insofar that I figured that after 3 Spidey movies, he’d be ready to move on from Marvel.
I’ll be interested to see what he brings to the Four — and I’m really hoping the film draws inspiration from Jonathan Hickman’s seminal run.