In a massive deal back in March 2019, Marvel Studios officially acquired and merged with Fox Studios at a cost of $71.3 billion USD. Marvel Studios, and fans across the world, rejoiced after hearing this news, because with the deal, Marvel now owns the movie rights to, most notably the X-Men and the Fantastic 4. Marvel originally sold these character rights to Constantin Studios in 1986 in order to avoid bankruptcy, and then Constantin Studios licensed those rights to Fox Studios in 2004. But now, after the monumental deal, Marvel now has them back and to use in future MCU film and television projects.
Mostly successful with the X-Men franchise of films, including X-Men, X2, X-Men: First Class, and Logan, Fox Studios could not find the same amount of luck and success for their Fantastic Four projects. In 2005 and 2007, Fox’s Fantastic Four, and its sequel, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, premiered in theaters. Though not a critical success, with mostly mixed to negative reviews, and a 28% score on Rotten Tomatoes, both of Fox’s first Fantastic Four films grossed a combined $619 million USD at the box office. After the bomb of Rise of the Silver Surfer, Fox canceled a third film, opting to reboot with Josh Trank’s Fant4stic in 2015; which is considered one of the worst superhero films ever made, scoring a 9% on Rotten Tomatoes. Needless to say, the Fantastic Four has not had the success they’ve needed on screen. With Marvel Studios now at the helm, the Fantastic Four should be able to be redeemed for a new audience. First, though, the four have to be cast, so, who should play the new Fantastic Four in the MCU?
4 The Human Torch: Zac Efron
Johnny Storm, brother of Susan Storm (Invisible Woman), is probably the most easily recognizable member of the superhero team, being that he can turn into a man made of fire. Originally played by Chris Evans and then Micheal B. Jordan, The Human Torch is known to be a young, brash, and cocky young hero, and who better to play those strengths than Zac Efron. Recently starring in Baywatch, The Greatest Showman, and Neighbors, Efron has the look and confidence to pull off Johnny Storm in the MCU. And after reports that he’d like to join the MCU, fans have been quick to fan-cast him as the Human Torch.
3 The Thing: Colin Farrell
After his outstanding performance as the Penguin in The Batman, and his shocking transformation into the character, Colin Farrell should be in top consideration to play the orange creature known as The Thing. With a wide acting range, in films Lobster to Fantastic Beasts; the Irish actor already has experience nailing a “tough guy” New York accent in The Batman, along with extensive make-up and prosthetics to get the look; it should be easy to step back into that type of role for The Thing. He’ll have to switch to a good-guy attitude, which shouldn’t be difficult for an actor of his caliber.
2 Invisible Woman: Saoirse Ronan
An actress with four Oscar nominations under her belt at the age of 28, Saoirse Ronan is best known for her role in Lady Bird as Lady Bird McPherson, and Jo March in 2019’s Little Women. One of the younger castings here (Efron is 34 and Farrell is 45), Ronan has stunning acting abilities, with critics saying she brings a fragile, but complicated strength to the roles she stars in. This would be ideal for a casting in Susan Storm, the Invisible Woman, and wife of Reed Richards. One of the few rising actresses who has yet to take part in the MCU, Ronan could be a dark-horse casting for a Fantastic Four film.
1 Mr. Fantastic: Jharrel Jerome
Spoilers below for Dr. Strange: Into the Multiverse of Madness
The first of the Fantastic Four to appear in the MCU, and played by the universally loved John Krasinki (The Office, A Quiet Place), Reed Richards is the leader of the team, possessing an intellect unrivaled in the MCU, along with stretching powers. Played previously by Ioan Gruffudd and Miles Teller, casting Mr. Fantastic is a difficult process, but one that could be easy by casting Jharrel Jerome. Best known for his roles as Korey Wise in When They See Us and Kevin in Best Picture Winner Moonlight, Jerome has shown he has the chops to play serious, deep characters. With a deep and troubled character such as Reed Richards (who has proven to go evil in any universe that exists without his family), Jerome should be able to bring Mr. Fantastic to life.
The upcoming Fantastic Four film from Marvel Studios is still years away, and is dealing with a director problem after Jon Watts left; but it’s never too early to start scouting ahead for who should play Marvel’s First Family. Especially now that the expectations are set high, with it being made by Marvel Studios.