‘The Fantastic Four’ Director Matt Shakman Reveals the ‘Magical’ Comics That Inspired the Film in ‘Small and Large Ways’ (EXCLUSIVE)

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Long before Iron Man, Hulk, or Spider-Man graced our comics, it was the Fantastic Four who made their debut. This foursome of astronauts turned superheroes was the brainchild of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, marking the beginning of Marvel Comics’ extensive universe of interconnected characters that has thrived for 64 years. Unfortunately, prior to Disney acquiring 20th Century Fox in 2019, Reed Richards (also known as Mr. Fantastic), Sue Storm (the Invisible Woman), Johnny Storm (Human Torch), and Ben Grimm (Thing) were unable to be a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The long-awaited shift happens in July, with the debut of Marvel Studios’ “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” featuring Pedro Pascal as Reed, Vanessa Kirby as Sue, Joseph Quinn as Johnny, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben. To bring Marvel’s original family into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Kevin Feige, the studio head, selected Matt Shakman, a seasoned director known for his work on “WandaVision,” several episodes of “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,” “Succession,” “Game of Thrones,” “The Great,” “The Boys,” “Fargo,” “The Good Wife” and “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.”

First Steps.” Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach will play Reed, Sue, Johnny, and Ben respectively. Kevin Feige chose Matt Shakman, who has directed shows like “WandaVision” and “Game of Thrones,” to direct this movie to bring the Fantastic Four into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

Above and beyond his impressive professional background, Shakman’s most compelling asset for the position lies in his passion for Fantastic Four comic books. This affection is evident in the foreword he wrote for the latest Marvel Premiere Collection, titled “Fantastic Four: Solve Everything.” EbMaster has kindly shared an exclusive sneak peek of this foreword below.

Beginning June 3, a compact anthology of Fantastic Four comic books, encompassing those published from 2009 to 2011 (specifically issues #570–588), will be available for purchase. This collection was penned by Jonathan Hickman and features artwork by Dale Eaglesham, Neil Edwards, and Steve Epting, with cover art by Joe Quesada. In his introduction, Shakman acknowledges Hickman’s work within this series as a significant source of inspiration for the upcoming “Fantastic Four” film. The director points out several intriguing references to Fantastic Four storylines and characters in the movie, including three unique elements introduced by Hickman — Reed Richards’ philanthropic organization, the Future Foundation; the multiverse gateway known as the Bridge; and the interdimensional Council of Reeds. Whether these elements will (or won’t) be integrated into the film is yet to be determined, but Shakman’s admiration for the comics and the characters is palpable.

Fantastic Four: Solve Everything
Forward By Matt Shakman

As a child growing up in Ventura, California, I developed an affection for the Fantastic Four. The idea of a family of superheroes that seemed so relatable left me astounded: their humor, warmth, bickering, and messiness. Simultaneously, I was captivated by the optimism and curiosity of their universe. Given their origins in the 1960s space race, the F4 have consistently embodied a spirit of exploration – be it through space, the Negative Zone, or human consciousness. Despite possessing extraordinary abilities, Reed, Sue, Ben, and Johnny prioritize their family ties above all else, acting as scientists and explorers before assuming their superhero roles when required.

Each Marvel filmmaker and comic creator endeavors to expand upon past accomplishments while simultaneously breathing fresh life into characters, making them relevant for today. Just as Lee and Kirby did in the ’60s, their daring move to center a relatable family revolutionized Marvel, becoming a blockbuster hit of the early Silver Age. Since then, every artist and writer has strived to uphold this legacy while discovering unique aspects that rekindle the characters’ charm.

To get ready for Marvel Studios’ upcoming movie “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” I immersed myself in over 60 years worth of comic book history featuring Marvel’s iconic family, The Fantastic Four. Throughout their journey, they have been nurtured by some of the greatest talents within the company. Among them, Jonathan Hickman truly stood out. What I cherished about the humor and warmth as a young reader? It’s still there but even more captivating than before. The complex family relationships? They become even more intriguing with Val and Franklin taking the lead roles. And that feeling of optimism and awe? I believe this book presents the Fantastic Four at their most fantastic.

When crafting our movie’s scenario, I repeatedly found myself drawn back to the awe-inspiring marathon scene. The intellectual wonders displayed in the Council of Reeds left me exhilarated, while intense battles against adversaries such as Annihilus kept me hooked. However, Hickman’s profound understanding of the unique familial relationships within the Four resonated with me on a deeper level.

Reed Richards, a character reminiscent of both Steve Jobs and Robert Oppenheimer, often teeters on the brink of either saving or endangering the world. The author skillfully explores Mister Fantastic’s vulnerability by portraying him as someone who thinks he must handle everything alone. Reed is driven to “Resolve All Issues,” but he eventually realizes that the price for resolving everything is… everything. Acquiring complete knowledge can lead to the ultimate sacrifice: losing one’s family.

Sue Storm, initially known as the “Invisible Girl” from the 1960s, has significantly evolved in this narrative. Here, she embodies aspects of both the United Nations Secretary General and a Field Marshal, employing diplomacy alongside physical force when needed. In Hickman’s interpretation, Sue is arguably the most influential member of the Fantastic Four, serving as the bond that keeps the world united while Mr. Fantastic tinkers in his lab with potentially destructive inventions. She skillfully negotiates international agreements, eventually becoming the Sea Queen. One of my favorite moments from the Fantastic Four involves Sue asserting her authority to Namor: “I am a queen who submits to no king.” Indeed, she is.

In a remarkable turn of events, these two distinct individuals have come together to form what many consider the most exceptional marriage in comic book lore. Across countless pages, we witness their extraordinary equilibrium of emotion and intellect as the key to their bond. Long before Jerry Maguire, they complemented each other perfectly.

Sue and Reed aren’t only connected as a couple, but also as parents. Their worries about Val and Franklin echo my own concerns for my 9-year-old daughter’s future. The heartfelt family moments in the Baxter Building are a testament to their bond, and I have no doubt that they would go to great lengths to safeguard their children’s futures. Just like Johnny and Ben, I believe they would do whatever it takes for their loved ones.

And we know that, as super heroes, they will fight just as hard to protect our world.

After spending six decades immersed in F4 comic book publishing, many of Hickman’s enchanting scenes and distinctive character interactions have left a lasting impression on me. These elements have found their way into our movie subtly and overtly. For instance, Sue as a diplomat, Reed’s relentless problem-solving at the expense of his family’s safety, Johnny’s desire for respect, Ben’s kind demeanor that clashes with his imposing figure, the Future Foundation, The Bridge, the enigma surrounding children, and the parental worry about their future are all elements we’ve incorporated in our film.

Hickman is a poet who captures both the ordinary and the extraordinary in his work. His pieces resonate deeply, much like Sue Storm’s heart, guiding readers on an emotional odyssey that leaves me teary-eyed each time I read it (the “Uncles” passage never fails to move me). His writing is exciting, introspective, and compassionate, mirroring the extraordinary nature of his characters.

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2025-06-02 21:21