The Fantastic Four has been hit by what feels like an endless series of delays, but according to scooper @CanWeGetToast, Marvel Studios plans to finally begin production on the reboot this August.
We'd put money on there being at least some set photos online when cameras start rolling, though this news closes the door on any sort of sneak peek being showcased at this year's San Diego Comic-Con in July. There's always a chance we'll get more concept art, of course, and we're expecting a lot of casting news between now and the end of the summer.
The mostly reliable leaker also claims that Franklin Richards, the son of Mister Fantastic and Invisible Woman, will appear in the movie. Based on the age of the actors cast as Marvel's First Family, Franklin could be a baby or a small child by the time we meet him here.
In the comics, Franklin was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, first appearing in Fantastic Four #94 in 1969. Possessing mutant abilities that allow him to manipulate reality on a vast scale, his powers have manifested in various ways throughout his comic book appearances. Franklin has also made use of telekinesis, telepathy, and energy projection over the years.
Ebon Moss-Bachrach recently broke his silence on being cast as the MCU's Thing and confirmed the hero will be brought to life on screen using visual effects.
"I don't think it's the suit. Michael Chiklis wore a suit. Apparently, the suit was really uncomfortable," he explained. "We're past that I think. It's a little cosplay and amateur now with the technology. It's mostly performance capture."
From there, Moss-Bachrach started choosing his words carefully. Pushed for story details, he'd only say, "Yeah, that [teaser] image does seem to be '60s. I have read [the script]." And when it comes to his co-stars, he added, "I have not met Vanessa. There is a group text. Pedro started [it] a couple of days ago. Everyone has said something...no one is being coy."
On Valentine's Day, Marvel Studios announced that Pedro Pascal (Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic), Vanessa Kirby (Sue Storm/Invisible Woman), Joseph Quinn (Johnny Storm/Human Torch), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Ben Grimm/The Thing) will lead The Fantastic Four cast.
The Fantastic Four, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, debuted in 1961. The team is comprised of Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic), Susan Storm (Invisible Woman), Johnny Storm (Human Torch), and Ben Grimm (The Thing). They gained superpowers during a space mission, becoming Marvel's first family of superheroes.
Director Matt Shakman has worked with both Avatar: The Way of Water co-writer Josh Friedman and WandaVision's Cam Squires on The Fantastic Four's screenplay, with Eric Pearson (Black Widow) recently coming on board for a final polish.
The movie is set to be released in theaters on July 25, 2025.