Matt Shankman may be getting ready to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Shankman, who directed episodes of the MCU’s first foray into television WandaVision, is reportedly in talks to take charge of the studio’s upcoming Fantastic Four film, according to sources for the Hollywood Reporter.
The Fantastic Four characters are considered one of the key components of the Marvel Comics universe, but have not been introduced yet into the MCU given that until recently the film rights to the characters resided over at 20th Century Fox. While at Fox, three attempts were made to bring the superpowered family to the big screen, though none of them were well received by audiences and critics. It is only with the Disney acquisition of Fox that Mr Fantastic, the Invisible Woman, the Human Torch and the Thing can now join many of their other four-color compatriots up on the big screen.
The one sticking point over whether Shakman takes the job or not could be his commitment to direct Star Trek 4 for Paramount. That film is currently scheduled for a December 22, 2023 release. With Marvel slotting Fantastic Four on their calendar on November 8, 2024, Shakman probably won’t be able to juggle duties for both films.
John Watts had been previously announced as directing the film, though he dropped out last April.
With most of the MCU being mapped out through the end of 2025, one of the biggest points of speculation has been who will be involved with Fantastic Four. Casting rumors have been flying, though nothing has been confirmed thanks to Marvel’s penchant for keeping its secrets. With Disney’s big D23 convention coming up early next month, look for these rumors to continue to swirl in anticipation to some actual announcements being made that weekend.
