Kevin Feige and Marvel Studios held a very eventful presentation this morning, debuting a few trailers and a ton of exclusive footage for the D23 Expo crowd, capped off with an epic reveal of the Thunderbolts lineup and the first footage from The Marvels.
However, while Marvel Studios delivered the goods, many had gotten their hopes up a little too high about a possible full cast reveal for the Fantastic Four and were undoubtedly disappointed when it didn't happen. We're not sure they held off, but it looks like Deadline's Justin Kroll had some insight on why Feige has been so secretive with recent casting news.
According to the ace trade reporter, "Feige for the most part, does not want to make big casting decisions without getting input from his director." With Matt Shakman (WandaVision; Game of Thrones) only recently coming onboard, it's highly unlikely they've cemented the cast without his input.
Having said that, it seems possible some of the recent rumors we've heard may have been Jon Watts' top choices, so there's always a chance Shakman could be looking at the same names. Then again, he may want to take things in a drastically different direction.
Kroll also says that an X-Men film set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe "isn't happening for a very long time," adding that "outside of a writer being tapped, it's super unlikely any casting decisions get made on that one for some time."
That would seemingly debunk any of the recent Professor X or Magneto rumors we've heard, and strongly suggests that popular online "scoopers" are most likely just full of hot air.
He did later say he thinks the film will happen within the next four years or so, but it's still much further out than anyone thinks. That doesn't necessarily mean mutants like Wolverine and Storm won't show up before then, but it's seeming increasingly likely that they won't get their own film until Phase 7 or beyond.
In case you missed it, we LIVE blogged the entire event - which garnered over 60,000 visitors! - so be sure to head over HERE to get caught up on all the news!
Check out Krol's Tweetsl said below: