There’s a Fantastic Four movie that Marvel doesn’t want you to see

As the latest Fantastic Four movie is set to premiere globally, it’s worth revisiting their debut film, which was produced and later withheld from release due to debates surrounding the reasons behind its storage, even today.

First Steps” is a $200 million film that aims to present ‘Marvel’s Original Family’, integrating them into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), and setting the stage for The Avengers’ comeback in future storylines such as Doomsday and Secret Wars.

Previously, these superheroes have graced the big screen on multiple occasions. Back in 2005 and 2007, the Fantastic Four movies brought laughter to theaters. However, a dismal version surfaced in 2015, which was met with disapproval from both critics and viewers.

However, their first film was produced back in the early ’90s on a budget of only a million dollars. Regrettably, it failed to be released due to intricate circumstances that were far from noble or heroic.

Stan Lee lays it out

The backstory for the initial film adaptation of The Fantastic Four is more extraordinary than any tale you’d find in a Marvel comic book. However, as explained by Stan Lee, one of the co-creators, in his 2005 Los Angeles Times article titled “The Fantastic Faux,” this is an account of what unfolded:

It was not intended for public viewing, but this individual held the rights to produce a Fantastic Four film for about 15 years. When the time came for the option to expire, if he hadn’t started principal photography by December, he would lose those rights. Yet, he wanted to make that movie, so in order to keep his option alive, he decided to quickly create a low-budget film, costing just $1.98.

Unfortunately, those who worked on the film didn’t know it wasn’t intended for public viewing. In other words, it was meant to remain hidden from the eyes of every person alive.

Lee’s account is merely his take on what transpired, but it appears that each person involved has their own unique story regarding the events that unfolded backstage. Nonetheless, one thing we can confirm is that it all began with a gentleman named Bernd Eichinger.

Or:

Lee’s story is simply his perspective of what occurred, yet it seems that every participant has a different narrative about the happenings behind the curtain. What’s certain, however, is that it originated with a man called Bernd Eichinger.

Securing The Fantastic Four rights

In the 1980s, Eichinger, then CEO of German company Constantin, enjoyed success with the film “The NeverEnding Story.” With a keen interest in the superhero genre, he reached out to Stan Lee, proposing a deal to acquire the rights for The Fantastic Four.

In 1986, despite an earlier failed attempt, he went straight to Marvel. At that time, the company was struggling financially, and they acquired the First Family for a modest sum of $250,000.

Later, he attempted to sell the characters throughout the city, but each production company rejected the idea due to concerns about waning public interest in superheroes and the high cost of producing movies featuring four comic book characters.

In December of 1992, Bernd sought an extension from Marvel since the original agreement was about to expire. However, according to Eichinger in 2005, Marvel refused to extend it because they disliked the deal. By then, Marvel had realized that they could earn significantly more by selling their properties.

But he adds: “They didn’t say I had to make a big movie.”

F4 becomes a Roger Corman movie

In his own words, Roger Corman described making Fantastic Four as the most unusual film project he’d experienced throughout his entire career, a claim that carries significant weight given his background in producing movies like The Trip, Carnosaur, and Slumber Party Massacre III.

However, Corman had a reputation for swiftly producing movies with minimal resources, so Eichinger inquired towards the end of 1992 if it was possible to initiate filming on a $1 million Fantastic Four project by year’s end. Corman clarified to the Los Angeles Times that his option would expire unless principal photography began on December 31st.

Back in the gaming world, I crunched some digits, gave a thumbs up, and action began on December 1st. The next Hulk, Mark Ruffalo, had a go at Ben Grimm’s role, but Michael Bailey Smith snatched it away. Alex Hyde-White earned Reed Richards’ part, Rebecca Staab stepped into Sue Storm’s shoes, and Johnny Storm was brought to life by Jay Underwood.

Under the guidance of director Oley Sassone and using a screenplay by Craig J Nevius, filming began on December 28, 1992, at a decaying movie set in Venice, California.

In a span of 21 days, the Fantastic Four team filmed their movie. However, during an extended editing phase, funds depleted. Yet, they managed to finish the film by the end of 1993.

Marvel pulls the plug

In the Fantastic Four documentary ‘Doomed!’, Corman expresses his optimism about its box office performance, saying: “I truly believe we had a strong potential for success.

In the same spirit, they decided to proceed by engaging a public relations specialist and launching a local promotional campaign for the film. Hyde-White expressed, “At this stage of my profession, it appeared, felt, and even smelled like a turning point.

Despite the initial enthusiasm from both producers and actors, Stan Lee expressed his skepticism about the movie. At a 1993 Comic-Con, he said, “I’m not holding my breath for it – it’s the final film we have no control over.

As a die-hard enthusiast, I eagerly anticipated the grand debut of our film on January 19, 1994, right at the Mall of America in the heart of Minneapolis. The silver screen glory was within sight as we graced the cover of Film Threat magazine, and the buzz swirled around a potential release on no less than 500 screens.

Suddenly, mid-game, the power got cut, the launch postponed, and I found myself receiving legal notices to halt any further discussion or promotion about Fantastic Four.

Avi Arad sets fire to the Fantastic Four

As a devoted fan, I’d like to share a fascinating part of the story that caught my attention. It was roughly around this time when Avi Arad, a toy manufacturer with a knack for movies, stepped into the scene. In 1993, he took on an executive role at Marvel, and one obstacle that stood in the way of Marvel’s grand entry into big-budget superhero films was a relatively low-cost Fantastic Four movie. This was a challenge he saw, and I believe it sparked his determination to overcome it.

He contacted Bernd Eichinger and proposed a business arrangement. It is said that Roger Corman received a similar financially beneficial call as well. However, Arad has kept quiet about the specifics of their discussions or the terms of these deals. Yet, during a Spider-Man press event, he mentioned the F4 movie by saying: “I purchased the film for a few million dollars in cold hard cash and destroyed it.

Does it seem possible that Bernd Eichinger’s strategy may have been to create the 1990s Fantastic Four adaptation primarily to secure the rights and potentially pressure Marvel? It appears that Eichinger had already been discussing a more extensive Fantastic Four project with director Chris Columbus, and their involvement in the 2005 movie suggests this theory might hold water.

As a passionate admirer, I’d rephrase it like this: “I maintain that there was nothing suspicious going on, yet the truth remains elusive – neither the actors nor the team behind the scenes were aware that the Fantastic Four were destined for an early demise, or even worse, obliteration.

Fantastic Four reborn

However, unlike many other films, one particular version of the Fantastic Four managed to evade extinction, quickly becoming a target for video piracy, and selling in enormous quantities at comic book conventions. In essence, it can be said that the Fantastic Four found a second life.

Although Marvel has overlooked the film’s release for over three decades, devoted followers have continued to watch and disseminate bootleg versions of varying quality since then, finding humor in some of its less polished special effects, but acknowledging the dedication of everyone involved, all while being aware that its fate was sealed from the beginning.

As a passionate gamer, I can’t help but feel a mix of satisfaction and exasperation when it comes to Oley Sassone’s experience with Marvel. The director has some fiery words, and rightfully so. It would be respectful if they at least acknowledged him by saying something like, “Hey, here’s a proper version of your work.” This way, the filmmaker, along with everyone else involved in creating this movie, could proudly share it with their loved ones.

Prior to that specific date, it’s regrettably true that the original Fantastic Four movie has yet to be found for viewing… but if you know the right places to search, you might just stumble upon it.

2025-07-21 12:19