EDITORIAL: Why The Rights To "F4" Reverting Back To Marvel Could Be A Good Thing!
After the smoke has cleared this weekend, Fox's Not-So-Fantastic Four has been critically panned by Critics and the general audience isn't flocking to see the film. Ultimately, diehard fans want to see the rights reverted back to Marvel, but is it (or could it be) a good thing for Fox/Marvel? Hit the jump to hear my thoughts!
Here we are 3 years (give or take) after Fox announced the development of Fantastic Four. From the get go Fantastic Four had everything going against it: Divisive fans about casting, direction, character portrayals, a (mostly) unproven director at the helm, and controversy surrounding the production of the film before, throughout, and after filming had completed. Fans had a glimmer of hope, but only a glimmer.
With an impressive cast including Kate Mara, Miles Teller, Jamie Bell, Michael B. Jordan, and Toby Kebell. These actors had come off impressive films including Fruitvale Station (Jordan), Whiplash (Teller), Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (Kebell) and a writer who course-corrected (slightly) X-Men: Days of Future Past with a director who was praised for his inventive (if only slightly) film Chronicle, it looked like a match made in heaven, but we were sorely mistake. The projects ideals of moving away from the fun of the film, and making it a darker, more in line with the "Ultimates" incarnation did not jell with most fans who grew up, or read the original F4 comics.
To make matters even worst, Marvel discontinued their Fantastic Four comic series and opted to throw these characters into different comics, partially hurting the film in the process. We may her truly know what happened between the studio, the director, and the creative team behind the film. With the film being critically panned by critics and a unheard of 9% on rotten tomatoes, along with the controversy, box office predictions for the film coming in being lower than even they had expected, and a supposed survey being handed out to a theater audience asking what they should do with the million dollar franchise with a number of interesting characters NOT being utilized by the studio, its a clear sign that things need to change, and fast.
What could Fox do? Sit on the franchise for a little while? (They apparently have the time to since the rights don't revert back until 2022). They could be risky and just merge them in with the X-Men? They could make a Silver Surfer/Galactus film (with the F4 as minor characters in the plot)? OR! They could strike a deal with Marvel Studios ala Sony, and have the Fantastic Four (among others) join (and fight against) the Avengers.
Nick! Why in the world would this be a good thing?! Well, I'm glad you asked reader, I'm about to explain exactly why it'd be the best thing for Fox/Marvel.
Let's see what's transpired over the year. Marvel and Sony were able to strike a deal unprecedented by sharing the rights to Sony's Spider-Man (and his rogues gallery) and vice versa (Sony having the option to use Marvel Studios characters in their Spider-Man films). Marvel won't be making a profit for the solo Spidy flicks, and Sony won't make a dime off MCU films featuring the webslinger. It's how it should be, a joint collaboration with no financial gain for either side (kidding), but you get where I'm going. Sony/Marvel are building Spider-Man back up, and doing it in a (hopefully) unique way.
Now, back to F4. So if Fox/Marvel were to make a deal and have the Fantastic Four and what comes with that franchise in the MCU, how could this be a good thing?
Marvel Cosmic!
The cosmic side of the Marvel universe glimpsed in GOTG is the tip of the cosmic iceberg. The more powerful and unique characters (IMO) residing and collecting dust at Fox could resly make the MCU a unique place. The storylines involving Silver Surfer and Galactus are pure gold mining stuff! Kang the Conquerer is an interesting villain who has only been (beautifully) portrayed and translated in the animated series Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes! and he could be used in good form in the MCU (if MS went the appropriate route). The Silver Surfer having a big hand in the Thanos storylines is also gold. Skrulls, Badoon, ect, all them in Marvel's hands could prove to be successful.
The Fantastic Four being part of Infinity War and part of the MCU Illuminati would be a dream come true for fans.
That's all for me here! What do you think? Sound off below!