Following the resolution of the writers’ strike and ongoing negotiations with Hollywood studios, numerous productions are preparing to resume, including the highly anticipated new Fantastic Four film.
Director Matt Shakman provided a minor update on the Marvel Studios project during a recent interview with Collider. He mentioned that they are targeting a Spring 2024 start for filming, pending a fair deal between SAG-AFTRA and the studios. He also teased an imminent casting announcement, which has generated considerable anticipation.
When asked if they planned to start production in 2024, Shakman stated, “We are definitely gonna go in front of cameras next year. Probably in the spring,” at Pinewood’s London studios. He noted that screenwriter Josh Friedman, who joined the project in March, is now able to work on the script again, and the project has “a lot of momentum.”
Fantastic Four is currently scheduled for release on May 2, 2025. This release date was announced during a significant reshuffling of Disney’s schedule amid the WGA strike. The film was originally set to open Phase 6 of the MCU during Marvel’s San Diego Comic-Con 2022 reveal, with an initial release date of November 8, 2024, before being moved to February 14, 2025, and ultimately landing on its current May date.
The casting of Reed Richards, Ben Grimm, and Sue and Johnny Storm is one of the most eagerly anticipated announcements in Hollywood. Various names, including Adam Driver, Matt Smith, and Dev Patel, have been rumored online for the role of Mr. Fantastic. However, The Boys star Jack Quaid has denied rumors of playing The Human Torch. Shakman hinted that answers may be forthcoming.
“We’re in the middle of a SAG strike, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that they get a great deal really soon and we can go back,” said Shakman, who is currently promoting his upcoming Apple TV+ series Monarch: Legacy of Monsters. “Then, once that’s resolved, there’ll be a plan at that point, but I can’t say too much. There will be an announcement at some point! I know that the internet is very excited to find out, and I’m excited to share it. I just can’t do it yet.”
It’s worth noting that Shakman’s comments are somewhat vague. He does not confirm that cast deals are in place, and castings cannot be finalized during a strike according to SAG-AFTRA’s rules. However, once the strike is resolved, deals could be close to being finalized. While it’s a modest update, it’s the most recent information available.
