There hasn’t been much chatter around the Chris Farley biopic since it was reportedly set up at Warner Bros. last year. But star Paul Walter Hauser has been laying the foundation for his research – no, he’s not just tossing on a little coat, he’s been sitting down with some of Farley’s closest friends before he truly dives into the life of the tragic comedian.
Hauser revealed to EW that he has taken to some preliminary interviews as he preps playing SNL favorite Chris Farley for the planned biopic. “I haven’t started preparation on it yet because it’s such an undertaking that I’m gonna...
Hauser revealed to EW that he has taken to some preliminary interviews as he preps playing SNL favorite Chris Farley for the planned biopic. “I haven’t started preparation on it yet because it’s such an undertaking that I’m gonna...
- 31/8/2025
- de Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
The upcoming episode of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” promises an exciting night filled with talent and entertainment. Season 23, Episode 160, titled “Regina King; Michael Chiklis; Supergrass,” is set to air on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 11:35 Pm on ABC. Fans can expect a lively atmosphere as the late-night host welcomes two prominent guests from the entertainment world.
Regina King, an acclaimed actress known for her powerful performances in film and television, will be in the spotlight. With her impressive resume and numerous awards, she is sure to bring engaging stories and insights to the show. Viewers can look forward to her discussing her latest projects and sharing experiences from her remarkable career.
Joining King will be Michael Chiklis,...
Regina King, an acclaimed actress known for her powerful performances in film and television, will be in the spotlight. With her impressive resume and numerous awards, she is sure to bring engaging stories and insights to the show. Viewers can look forward to her discussing her latest projects and sharing experiences from her remarkable career.
Joining King will be Michael Chiklis,...
- 30/8/2025
- de Jules Byrd
- TV Everyday
Chris Columbus, the filmmaker behind family classics like Mrs. Doubtfire, Home Alone, and the first two Harry Potterfilms, has revealed why he was fired from 20th Century Fox’s 2005 Fantastic Four. Speaking on the Fade to Blackpodcast, Columbus explained that his creative push for a more comic-accurate vision was not received well by studio executives — and cost him his job.
“We were in a weird situation. On the first Fantastic Four, I had worked on a script. There were a lot of writers involved. They were about to make a movie and I was producing it. I met with the director and had some ideas. I basically said, ‘Some of...
“We were in a weird situation. On the first Fantastic Four, I had worked on a script. There were a lot of writers involved. They were about to make a movie and I was producing it. I met with the director and had some ideas. I basically said, ‘Some of...
- 28/8/2025
- de Chris McPherson
- Collider.com
Chris Columbus is a prolific filmmaker with several major blockbusters and box office hits to his name, from Home Alone and Mrs. Doubtfire to the first two Harry Potter films and, more recently, Netflix's The Thursday Murder Club. However, not every project he worked on was smooth sailing. He recently revealed he was attached — and credited as an executive producer — on 2005's Fantastic Four, but claims he "had nothing to do with" the final film because he was abruptly "fired" from the 20th Century Fox production before shooting began.
The 2005 feature, based on the Marvel Comics superhero team created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, was directed by Tim Story...
The 2005 feature, based on the Marvel Comics superhero team created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, was directed by Tim Story...
- 28/8/2025
- de Adele Ankers-Range
- MovieWeb
Harry Potter director Chris Columbus recently opened up about being fired from making a Fantastic Four movie. He was initially hired by 20th Century Fox to write and direct a film back in 1995.
Appearing on the Fade to Black podcast with Hanna Flint, Columbus revealed why the project didn't work out, sharing the shocking reason he was fired. "We were in a weird situation," he shared. "On the first Fantastic Four, I had worked on a script. There were a lot of writers involved. They were about to make a movie, and I was producing it. I met with the director and had some ideas."
Columbus went on to reveal...
Appearing on the Fade to Black podcast with Hanna Flint, Columbus revealed why the project didn't work out, sharing the shocking reason he was fired. "We were in a weird situation," he shared. "On the first Fantastic Four, I had worked on a script. There were a lot of writers involved. They were about to make a movie, and I was producing it. I met with the director and had some ideas."
Columbus went on to reveal...
- 28/8/2025
- de Sam Fang
- CBR
Chris Columbus has helmed many enduring family blockbusters, including Home Alone, Mrs. Doubtfire, and two instalments of Harry Potter. You can probably see why that would make him a good fit to helm a movie revolving around Marvel's First Family.
The filmmaker was credited as an executive producer on 2005's Fantastic Four, but confirmed in a new interview that he "had nothing to do with it." Columbus intended to direct the Marvel Comics adaptation, but was fired after a meeting with studio executives.
"We were in a weird situation," Columbus said. "On the first 'Fantastic Four,' I had worked on a script. There were a lot of writers involved.
The filmmaker was credited as an executive producer on 2005's Fantastic Four, but confirmed in a new interview that he "had nothing to do with it." Columbus intended to direct the Marvel Comics adaptation, but was fired after a meeting with studio executives.
"We were in a weird situation," Columbus said. "On the first 'Fantastic Four,' I had worked on a script. There were a lot of writers involved.
- 28/8/2025
- ComicBookMovie.com
Chris Columbus has directed some of the most enduring blockbusters of all time, from “Mrs. Doubtfire” and the “Home Alone” films to the first two “Harry Potter” movies. But even with those movies under his belt, Columbus still found himself getting booted from 20th Century Fox’s original “Fantastic Four” movie. The director is credited as an executive producer on the movie “but had nothing to do with it,” he recently told the “Fade to Black” podcast.
“We were in a weird situation,” Columbus said. “On the first ‘Fantastic Four,’ I had worked on a script. There were a lot of writers involved. They were about to make a movie and I was producing it. I met with the director and had some ideas. I basically said, ‘Some of this conceptual art should feel more like Jack Kirby, the creator of the Fantastic Four, and should feel more like the Silver Age of Marvel.
“We were in a weird situation,” Columbus said. “On the first ‘Fantastic Four,’ I had worked on a script. There were a lot of writers involved. They were about to make a movie and I was producing it. I met with the director and had some ideas. I basically said, ‘Some of this conceptual art should feel more like Jack Kirby, the creator of the Fantastic Four, and should feel more like the Silver Age of Marvel.
- 27/8/2025
- de Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
In what could perhaps be construed as the biggest blow yet for Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps, the movie’s daily earnings at the domestic box office have dropped to the same level as those of the 2005 Fantastic Four movie, released by 20th Century Fox. Basically, both movies earned a similar amount at the exact same stage in their respective theatrical runs, but with two decades separating them. What this also means is that way more people were watching the original Fantastic Four movie at this stage in 2005 than are watching the new film now.
Directed by Matt Shakman, the new movie was released to massive fanfare, seeing as it was the grand debut of Marvel’s “First Family” in the MCU — the highest-grossing and most influential film franchise of all time. Previously, Spider-Man: Homecoming opened to similar excitement in 2017, before going on to gross more than $800 million worldwide.
Directed by Matt Shakman, the new movie was released to massive fanfare, seeing as it was the grand debut of Marvel’s “First Family” in the MCU — the highest-grossing and most influential film franchise of all time. Previously, Spider-Man: Homecoming opened to similar excitement in 2017, before going on to gross more than $800 million worldwide.
- 16/8/2025
- de Rahul Malhotra
- Collider.com
One of the leading actors of the 2005 Fantastic Four movie gets candid about the mixed reception to the Marvel adaptation. One of the most famous superhero groups to have been reimagined multiple times on the big screen is Marvel's First Family, as 2025 marked the introduction of the Fantastic Four in the Marvel Cinematic Universe timeline.
However, before the McU's iteration in Phase 6, there was the Fox-Marvel era in the early 2000s with Tim Story's two installments, Fantastic Four and Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. For many general audience members who didn't follow the comics, Fox's Fantastic Four movies were how they were introduced to the iconic Marvel team.
In a new interview with Collider, Michael Chiklis, who played Ben Grimm, a.k.a. The Thing, in both of Story's Fantastic Four movies,reflected on the legacy of the short-lived Marvel franchise, along with the reception from fans and critics.
However, before the McU's iteration in Phase 6, there was the Fox-Marvel era in the early 2000s with Tim Story's two installments, Fantastic Four and Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. For many general audience members who didn't follow the comics, Fox's Fantastic Four movies were how they were introduced to the iconic Marvel team.
In a new interview with Collider, Michael Chiklis, who played Ben Grimm, a.k.a. The Thing, in both of Story's Fantastic Four movies,reflected on the legacy of the short-lived Marvel franchise, along with the reception from fans and critics.
- 13/8/2025
- de Andy Behbakht
- ScreenRant
Is the 2005 Fantastic Four film underrated? Michael Chiklis certainly thinks so.
Chiklis played Ben Grimm/the Thing in the first live-action adaptation of the iconic superhero quartet. When looking back on the project, a conversation sparked by the recent release of Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps, the actor told Collider he believes critics at the time “got it wrong.”
“There were a lot of people, I think, critically who got it wrong,” he said of the 2005 film and its 2007 follow-up Rise of the Silver Surfer. “They really maligned our films, and they were very underrated considering… They were very loved by the audience. It was one of those cases where critics weren’t great to those films, but the audience was, and that still remains.”
The Emmy winner acknowledged the appreciation shown by the audience as opposed to critics, adding, “And now all these years later, people are sort of acknowledging like,...
Chiklis played Ben Grimm/the Thing in the first live-action adaptation of the iconic superhero quartet. When looking back on the project, a conversation sparked by the recent release of Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps, the actor told Collider he believes critics at the time “got it wrong.”
“There were a lot of people, I think, critically who got it wrong,” he said of the 2005 film and its 2007 follow-up Rise of the Silver Surfer. “They really maligned our films, and they were very underrated considering… They were very loved by the audience. It was one of those cases where critics weren’t great to those films, but the audience was, and that still remains.”
The Emmy winner acknowledged the appreciation shown by the audience as opposed to critics, adding, “And now all these years later, people are sort of acknowledging like,...
- 12/8/2025
- de McKinley Franklin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Michael Chiklis, who played Ben Grimm / The Thing in 2005's Fantastic Four and 2007's Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, defends the movies from the poor critic reception they received two decades ago. Marvel's First Family are back in the spotlight thanks to The Fantastic Four: First Steps, which many consider to be the first time the superhero team has worked on screen. However, the nostalgia cycle has seen the 2000s films, which were criticized at the time of their release, looked back fondly on by the people who grew up with them as their first exposure to the classic Marvel heroes.
Speaking with Collider, Chiklis reflected on the lasting legacy of Fantastic Four and Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer despite poor critic reactions. He noted the films' box office grosses, noting, "We made three-quarters of $1 billion, those two movies. So, you know, all those people can...
Speaking with Collider, Chiklis reflected on the lasting legacy of Fantastic Four and Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer despite poor critic reactions. He noted the films' box office grosses, noting, "We made three-quarters of $1 billion, those two movies. So, you know, all those people can...
- 12/8/2025
- de Richard Fink
- MovieWeb
Michael Chiklis, who played Ben Grimm/The Thing in 2005’s Fantastic Four and its 2007 sequel, says the films were undervalued by reviewers and embraced by audiences. “There were a lot of people, I think, critically who got it wrong… they really maligned our films,” he said in a recent interview, adding that the movies were “family-friendly” and “got a lot right.” The data points he cites support a divide: the 2005 film holds a 28% critics score and 45% audience score on a major aggregator, while Rise of the Silver Surfer sits at 37% and 51% respectively.
Chiklis’ defense arrives as Marvel Studios’ new iteration, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, posts strong results, opening to $118 million domestically and $218 million worldwide and earning broadly positive notices, a contrast with the Fox-era entries. Box office history shows the earlier films nonetheless drew sizeable crowds: Tim Story’s 2005 release grossed $333.5 million worldwide, and the 2007 sequel took in about $301.9 million.
Chiklis’ defense arrives as Marvel Studios’ new iteration, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, posts strong results, opening to $118 million domestically and $218 million worldwide and earning broadly positive notices, a contrast with the Fox-era entries. Box office history shows the earlier films nonetheless drew sizeable crowds: Tim Story’s 2005 release grossed $333.5 million worldwide, and the 2007 sequel took in about $301.9 million.
- 12/8/2025
- de Naser Nahandian
- Gazettely
Say what you will about the 2005 Fantastic Four movie and its 2007 follow-up Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer – and I will say that I don’t think they were very good movies – but did they handle one character very well: Ben Grimm / The Thing, as played by Michael Chiklis. With a new Fantastic Four movie out in theatres now (the Marvel Cinematic Universe entry The Fantastic Four: First Steps), the folks at Collider sat down for an interview with Chiklis, and he took some time to defend the two Fantastic Four movies he worked on, saying they’re underrated films that critics were wrong about.
Chiklis told Collider, “There were a lot of people, I think, critically who got it wrong. They really maligned our films, and they were very underrated considering… they were very loved by the audience. It was one of those cases where critics weren’t great to those films,...
Chiklis told Collider, “There were a lot of people, I think, critically who got it wrong. They really maligned our films, and they were very underrated considering… they were very loved by the audience. It was one of those cases where critics weren’t great to those films,...
- 12/8/2025
- de Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Michael Chiklis played Ben Grimm, a.k.a. The Thing, in 2005's Fantastic Four and its 2007 sequel, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. They were moderate successes, but are widely regarded as a disappointing take on Marvel's First Family.
Both movies have reentered the conversation thanks to the release of The Fantastic Four: First Steps from Marvel Studios, with plenty of younger fans discovering them for the first time. The discourse surrounding them has softened, with some enjoying that cheesier take on the team.
Talking to Collider, Chiklis reflected on his time as part of the Fantastic Four franchise and defended the movies. "There were a lot of people, I think, critically who got it wrong," the actor said. "They really maligned our films, and they were very underrated considering they were very loved by the audience."
"It was one of those cases where critics weren’t great to those films,...
Both movies have reentered the conversation thanks to the release of The Fantastic Four: First Steps from Marvel Studios, with plenty of younger fans discovering them for the first time. The discourse surrounding them has softened, with some enjoying that cheesier take on the team.
Talking to Collider, Chiklis reflected on his time as part of the Fantastic Four franchise and defended the movies. "There were a lot of people, I think, critically who got it wrong," the actor said. "They really maligned our films, and they were very underrated considering they were very loved by the audience."
"It was one of those cases where critics weren’t great to those films,...
- 12/8/2025
- ComicBookMovie.com
Michael Chiklis is standing up for 2005’s “Fantastic Four.”
In a recent interview with Collider, Chiklis, who played Ben Grimm, aka The Thing, in “Fantastic Four” and its 2007 sequel “Rise of the Silver Surfer,” said the two Marvel blockbusters were “underrated” at the time of their release, and critics who panned the films “got it wrong.”
“There were a lot of people, I think, critically who got it wrong,” Chiklis said. “They really maligned our films, and they were very underrated considering… they were very loved by the audience. It was one of those cases where critics weren’t great to those films, but the audience was, and that still remains.”
He continued, “I’ve always sort of quietly gone like, ‘Okay, say what you want to say, but the people see it.’ And now all these years later, people are sort of acknowledging like, hey, these films are family-friendly,...
In a recent interview with Collider, Chiklis, who played Ben Grimm, aka The Thing, in “Fantastic Four” and its 2007 sequel “Rise of the Silver Surfer,” said the two Marvel blockbusters were “underrated” at the time of their release, and critics who panned the films “got it wrong.”
“There were a lot of people, I think, critically who got it wrong,” Chiklis said. “They really maligned our films, and they were very underrated considering… they were very loved by the audience. It was one of those cases where critics weren’t great to those films, but the audience was, and that still remains.”
He continued, “I’ve always sort of quietly gone like, ‘Okay, say what you want to say, but the people see it.’ And now all these years later, people are sort of acknowledging like, hey, these films are family-friendly,...
- 12/8/2025
- de Jack Dunn
- Variety Film + TV
While Michael Chiklis hadn't yet seen Marvel’s new Fantastic Four: First Stepsat the time of this interview — he was saving it for a planned weekend trip with friends — he’s already voiced his support for the cast and crew bringing the iconic team back to the big screen. “I wish everybody in that production the best,” he told Collider recently. “I had a great experience doing them, and I just… I hope that it kills. And it seems like it’s doing really well. And by the way, I really like Ebon Moss-Bachrach. He’s a terrific actor, so I’m really looking forward to see what he does with… the Thing.” While First Steps made an impressive impression during its opening weekend, the film has slowed down significantly and is underperforming at the box office.
But for Chiklis, who famously played Ben Grimm in Fantastic Four (2005) andRise of...
But for Chiklis, who famously played Ben Grimm in Fantastic Four (2005) andRise of...
- 11/8/2025
- de Chris McPherson
- Collider.com
This article contains spoilers for Marvel's The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps writer Eric Pearson recently talked about an uncomfortable argument Marvel creatives had behind the scenes of the movie. Scenes involving Pedro Pascal's Mister Fantastic and his stretching were something that reportedly 'tested the limits.'
Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, Pearson talked about The Fantastic Four's fight against the villainous Galactus (Ralph Ineson). At one point, when all four family members join together to try and take him down, Galactus is able to thwart Pascal's Reed Richards and finds humor in stretching the hero to his limits, literally trying to pull him apart from both ends. It was this very scene that caused the debate among the film's creatives.
"I don’t know if it made you uncomfortable, the stretch [of Reed Richards]," Pearson said. "[Director] Matt [Shakman] wasn’t allergic to stretching, but he was like,...
The Fantastic Four: First Steps writer Eric Pearson recently talked about an uncomfortable argument Marvel creatives had behind the scenes of the movie. Scenes involving Pedro Pascal's Mister Fantastic and his stretching were something that reportedly 'tested the limits.'
Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, Pearson talked about The Fantastic Four's fight against the villainous Galactus (Ralph Ineson). At one point, when all four family members join together to try and take him down, Galactus is able to thwart Pascal's Reed Richards and finds humor in stretching the hero to his limits, literally trying to pull him apart from both ends. It was this very scene that caused the debate among the film's creatives.
"I don’t know if it made you uncomfortable, the stretch [of Reed Richards]," Pearson said. "[Director] Matt [Shakman] wasn’t allergic to stretching, but he was like,...
- 9/8/2025
- de Sam Fang
- CBR
As part of Collider's Exclusive Preview event, we are thrilled to exclusively debut a new image from The Senior, the upcoming inspirational sports drama starring Michael Chiklis as Mike Flynt — a man who, at 59 years old, suits up to play college football more than three decades after being kicked off the team. Directed by Rod Lurie (The Outpost) and written by Robert Eisele (The Great Debaters), The Senior is based on Flynt’s incredible real-life story. After getting expelled during his senior year, Flynt returns to the same Texas college nearly 35 years later, determined to rewrite his past — and his legacy.
For Chiklis, the role was more than a performance — it was a personal reckoning. “My first reaction was, ‘You’ve got to be kidding me. Fifty-nine years old? Is this even real?’” He told Collider, “And it turns out he really did it,” in reference to Flynt's true story.
For Chiklis, the role was more than a performance — it was a personal reckoning. “My first reaction was, ‘You’ve got to be kidding me. Fifty-nine years old? Is this even real?’” He told Collider, “And it turns out he really did it,” in reference to Flynt's true story.
- 6/8/2025
- de Chris McPherson
- Collider.com
Imagine if there was a spin-off to The Last of Us that starred Liam Neeson as a retired bioterror operative who teams up with a couple of young kids to stop a zombie outbreak. Imagine even further if that spin-off was a horror comedy thriller filled with over-the-top gore, and you have yourself Cold Storage, the new flick by director Jonny Campbell that was written by the same person who's penned such hits as Jurassic Park, Mission: Impossible, and Spider-Man.
Thankfully, you don't have to imagine it any longer, as the first trailer for Cold Storage just dropped (seen below), and if it's any indication of what the actual movie will be like, we're in for a real treat when it hits theaters next year. Seriously, this movie has everything from exploding heads and a military cover-up, to elevator-riding deer and infected felines. What's not to love?
Written by David Koepp...
Thankfully, you don't have to imagine it any longer, as the first trailer for Cold Storage just dropped (seen below), and if it's any indication of what the actual movie will be like, we're in for a real treat when it hits theaters next year. Seriously, this movie has everything from exploding heads and a military cover-up, to elevator-riding deer and infected felines. What's not to love?
Written by David Koepp...
- 6/8/2025
- de James Melzer
- MovieWeb
An underrated superhero movie continues to make its mark on the streaming charts following the release of The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
PerFlixPatrol, Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer continues to maintain its place on the chart of the top streaming films on Disney+. As of the time of writing, Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer sits at the number seven spot on the list, having fallen just one spot in recent days.
Helmed by returning director Tim Story from a screenplay by returning writer Mark Frost and co-writer Don Payne, Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer was the direct follow-up to 2005's Fantastic Four. The film saw Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans, and Michael Chiklis reprise their roles as Reed Richards, Sue and Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm, better known as Mister Fantastic, the Invisible Woman, the Human Torch, and the Thing, respectively. Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer...
PerFlixPatrol, Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer continues to maintain its place on the chart of the top streaming films on Disney+. As of the time of writing, Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer sits at the number seven spot on the list, having fallen just one spot in recent days.
Helmed by returning director Tim Story from a screenplay by returning writer Mark Frost and co-writer Don Payne, Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer was the direct follow-up to 2005's Fantastic Four. The film saw Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans, and Michael Chiklis reprise their roles as Reed Richards, Sue and Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm, better known as Mister Fantastic, the Invisible Woman, the Human Torch, and the Thing, respectively. Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer...
- 4/8/2025
- de John Dodge
- CBR
It’s perhaps the comic book film genre’s greatest conundrum: how do you crack the Fantastic Four? This weekend, despite positive word of mouth and a solid opening weekend haul, the quartet’s latest — subtitled “First Steps” — tumbled 66% at the domestic box office. Undoubtedly, before Hollywood looks to craft the next adventure, they’ll look back at what has worked before — and the most recent unequivocal success came from the simply titled “Fantastic Four” in 2005, which featured Jessica Alba, Chris Evans, Michael Chiklis, and Iaon Gruffudd.
Now, “unequivocal,” to be fair, does not count reviews — “First Steps” has most certainly outpaced this older version in terms of critical reception. But the film grossed three times its budget and managed to produce a sequel in 2007 — “Rise of the Silver Surfer” — which also made money. Of course, after that, Marvel Studios became a thing, and something called the MCU happened. But...
Now, “unequivocal,” to be fair, does not count reviews — “First Steps” has most certainly outpaced this older version in terms of critical reception. But the film grossed three times its budget and managed to produce a sequel in 2007 — “Rise of the Silver Surfer” — which also made money. Of course, after that, Marvel Studios became a thing, and something called the MCU happened. But...
- 3/8/2025
- de Rance Collins
- Indiewire
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In the early 2000s, superhero movies were on their way to becoming the dominant force in pop culture for the first time. There had previously been one-off hits such as Tim Burton's "Batman," but the success of 2000's "X-Men" put Marvel on the mainstream map for the first time, having built off the popularity of 1998's "Blade." Sam Raimi and Sony's "Spider-Man" took things to another level in 2002, and from there, it was off to the races. 20th Century Fox then followed 2003's "X2: X-Men United" with director Tim Story's "Fantastic Four," which became a solid hit for the studio. It also very nearly created a shared on-screen Marvel universe ... sort of.
Ioan Gruffudd portrayed Reed Richards, aka Mister Fantastic, in Story's 2005 adaptation of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby's superheroic comic book family. Jessica Alba co-starred as Sue Storm,...
In the early 2000s, superhero movies were on their way to becoming the dominant force in pop culture for the first time. There had previously been one-off hits such as Tim Burton's "Batman," but the success of 2000's "X-Men" put Marvel on the mainstream map for the first time, having built off the popularity of 1998's "Blade." Sam Raimi and Sony's "Spider-Man" took things to another level in 2002, and from there, it was off to the races. 20th Century Fox then followed 2003's "X2: X-Men United" with director Tim Story's "Fantastic Four," which became a solid hit for the studio. It also very nearly created a shared on-screen Marvel universe ... sort of.
Ioan Gruffudd portrayed Reed Richards, aka Mister Fantastic, in Story's 2005 adaptation of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby's superheroic comic book family. Jessica Alba co-starred as Sue Storm,...
- 2/8/2025
- de Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
Long before Pedro Pascal stretched his limbs as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic in “Fantastic Four: The First Steps,” it was Ioan Gruffudd who led Marvel’s first family in 2005’s “Fantastic Four” and 2007’s “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer.” The films were critical duds and only mild box office hits (each grossed more than $300 million worldwide). In a new interview with Vulture, Gruffudd looked back at his original “Fantastic Four” franchise being cut short.
“The mindset was that we were going to do three, and I think the second movie was equally successful as the first and equally enjoyable for the fans,” Gruffudd said. “I particularly loved working with Doug Jones [as the Silver Surfer] on that movie, who’s just a terrific artist and an expert in the field of movement. If you want to witness somebody bringing a character to life physically, he’s just untouchable. So there was definitely that sort of momentum,...
“The mindset was that we were going to do three, and I think the second movie was equally successful as the first and equally enjoyable for the fans,” Gruffudd said. “I particularly loved working with Doug Jones [as the Silver Surfer] on that movie, who’s just a terrific artist and an expert in the field of movement. If you want to witness somebody bringing a character to life physically, he’s just untouchable. So there was definitely that sort of momentum,...
- 1/8/2025
- de Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
The Fantastic Four movies from two decades ago ended prematurely.
Ioan Gruffudd starred as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic in 2005’s Fantastic Four and the 2007 sequel, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, and with the new Fantastic Four film recently hitting theaters, he’s reflecting on how there was supposed to be a third film in the early ’00s series and why it didn’t happen.
“The mindset was that we were going to do three,” he told Vulture. “I think the second movie was equally successful as the first and equally enjoyable for the fans. I particularly loved working with Doug Jones [as the Silver Surfer] on that movie, who’s just a terrific artist and an expert in the field of movement. If you want to witness somebody bringing a character to life physically, he’s just untouchable.”
He added, “So there was definitely that sort of momentum, and the plan was to do three movies,...
Ioan Gruffudd starred as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic in 2005’s Fantastic Four and the 2007 sequel, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, and with the new Fantastic Four film recently hitting theaters, he’s reflecting on how there was supposed to be a third film in the early ’00s series and why it didn’t happen.
“The mindset was that we were going to do three,” he told Vulture. “I think the second movie was equally successful as the first and equally enjoyable for the fans. I particularly loved working with Doug Jones [as the Silver Surfer] on that movie, who’s just a terrific artist and an expert in the field of movement. If you want to witness somebody bringing a character to life physically, he’s just untouchable.”
He added, “So there was definitely that sort of momentum, and the plan was to do three movies,...
- 1/8/2025
- de Lexi Carson
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is drawing close to a major box office record. The new Marvel Cinematic Universe movie stars Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Mister Fantastic, the Invisible Woman, the Human Torch, and the Thing, who are the four members of the titular superhero team.
First Steps is the fifth Fantastic Four movie, though it is only the fourth to come to theaters. Previous movies adapting the comics include an unreleased Roger Corman-produced feature from 1994, pirated copies of which have made it something of a cult classic.
This was followed by 2005's Fantastic Four and 2007's Rise of the Silver Surfer, both of which starred Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans, and Michael Chiklis. Another adaptation was mounted in 2015, starring Miles Teller, Kate Mara, Michael B. Jordan, and Jamie Bell.
Per The Numbers, The Fantastic Four: First Steps brought in $8.6 million at...
First Steps is the fifth Fantastic Four movie, though it is only the fourth to come to theaters. Previous movies adapting the comics include an unreleased Roger Corman-produced feature from 1994, pirated copies of which have made it something of a cult classic.
This was followed by 2005's Fantastic Four and 2007's Rise of the Silver Surfer, both of which starred Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans, and Michael Chiklis. Another adaptation was mounted in 2015, starring Miles Teller, Kate Mara, Michael B. Jordan, and Jamie Bell.
Per The Numbers, The Fantastic Four: First Steps brought in $8.6 million at...
- 31/7/2025
- de Brennan Klein
- ScreenRant
After years of being out of Marvel’s grasp, the Fantastic Four has finally, officially and fully, joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe with The Fantastic Four: First Steps – and to celebrate, we have decided to look back at the other Fantastic Four movies that have been made to put together a list of Fantastic Four Movies Ranked. Here we go, from worst to best:
Fantastic Four (2015)
The ‘94 film is the one executives tried to bury, but the making of the 2015 Fantastic Four was such a horrible mess, maybe Fox should have just scrapped it and used it for a $120 million tax write-off, Warner Bros. style. The differing opinions behind the scenes are apparent in the finished movie, where the more traditional comic book movie sensibilities of screenwriter Jeremy Slater and writer/producer Simon Kinberg come through in the first half, while director Josh Trank’s wrong-headed attempt to turn the...
Fantastic Four (2015)
The ‘94 film is the one executives tried to bury, but the making of the 2015 Fantastic Four was such a horrible mess, maybe Fox should have just scrapped it and used it for a $120 million tax write-off, Warner Bros. style. The differing opinions behind the scenes are apparent in the finished movie, where the more traditional comic book movie sensibilities of screenwriter Jeremy Slater and writer/producer Simon Kinberg come through in the first half, while director Josh Trank’s wrong-headed attempt to turn the...
- 31/7/2025
- de Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Welsh actor Ioan Gruffudd first played Reed Richards in 2005's Fantastic Four, and later reprised the role in 2007's Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. His take on Mister Fantastic remains well-liked among fans, though Gruffudd has yet to return to the blockbuster realm.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps arrived in theaters last weekend, bringing the original Fantastic Four cast back into the conversation. Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Michael Chiklis, and Chris Evans didn't appear in the Marvel Studios movie, though there were rumours about the latter showing up as Nomad (setting the stage for next December's Avengers: Doomsday).
Vulture recently spoke with Gruffudd in a piece that takes a deep dive into his role in the Fantastic Four movies. It's well worth a read to learn how he approached playing the character, and the conversation eventually turned to the infamous deleted scene with Mister Fantastic transforming into Hugh Jackman's Wolverine.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps arrived in theaters last weekend, bringing the original Fantastic Four cast back into the conversation. Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Michael Chiklis, and Chris Evans didn't appear in the Marvel Studios movie, though there were rumours about the latter showing up as Nomad (setting the stage for next December's Avengers: Doomsday).
Vulture recently spoke with Gruffudd in a piece that takes a deep dive into his role in the Fantastic Four movies. It's well worth a read to learn how he approached playing the character, and the conversation eventually turned to the infamous deleted scene with Mister Fantastic transforming into Hugh Jackman's Wolverine.
- 30/7/2025
- ComicBookMovie.com
When you think of "Twin Peaks," you probably think of David Lynch. After all, it's Lynch's bizarre stylings and penchant for the surreal that the franchise is most famous for. But it wasn't all Lynch -- far from it. The property was co-created by Lynch and writer Mark Frost, who had previously cut his teeth on the popular 1980s TV series "Hill Street Blues."
While Lynch brought his auteur filmmaker sensibilities, Frost brought recent, prominent experience from the TV drama realm -- a space where he had already experimented with the more ambitious long-term storytelling that made his collaboration with Lynch so appealing. Frost also returned alongside Lynch in 2017 for the long-awaited third season of "Twin Peaks" (aka "Twin Peaks: The Return"), ensuring that the unique combo that made the original TV show so successful stayed intact.
In between, of course, Frost worked on a number of other projects,...
While Lynch brought his auteur filmmaker sensibilities, Frost brought recent, prominent experience from the TV drama realm -- a space where he had already experimented with the more ambitious long-term storytelling that made his collaboration with Lynch so appealing. Frost also returned alongside Lynch in 2017 for the long-awaited third season of "Twin Peaks" (aka "Twin Peaks: The Return"), ensuring that the unique combo that made the original TV show so successful stayed intact.
In between, of course, Frost worked on a number of other projects,...
- 29/7/2025
- de Rick Stevenson
- Slash Film
Jack Kirby, the iconic artist and penciller, breathed life into countless beloved comic-book heroes and villains, but couldn’t seem to get it right when it came to the Thing. As a Fantastic Four member, Ben Grimm‘s cosmically irradiated alter ego has been an instantly recognizable figure due to his distinct look, but Kirby almost wanted to ditch that rocky outfit for, wait for it, a dinosaur hide!
Instead, what Jack Kirby envisioned had more to do with animalistic strength than the stoicism of a rock. Although the fans will never be able to see Kirby’s original vision brought to life, Marvel has been through enough adventures to appreciate what the Thing’s rocky demeanor brings to the table.
Jack Kirby’s Dramatic Childhood Helped Shape a Key Fantastic Four Member Jack Kirby (center) with legendary cartoonist Will Eisner (L) [Image by Alan Light, licensed under Cc By 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons...
Instead, what Jack Kirby envisioned had more to do with animalistic strength than the stoicism of a rock. Although the fans will never be able to see Kirby’s original vision brought to life, Marvel has been through enough adventures to appreciate what the Thing’s rocky demeanor brings to the table.
Jack Kirby’s Dramatic Childhood Helped Shape a Key Fantastic Four Member Jack Kirby (center) with legendary cartoonist Will Eisner (L) [Image by Alan Light, licensed under Cc By 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons...
- 29/7/2025
- de Diya Majumdar
- FandomWire
Former Reed Richards actor Ioan Gruffudd shares his thoughts on The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Phase 6 provides the MCU with a new Reed Richards, a new Sue Storm, a new Johnny Storm, and a new Ben Grimm. After their debut movie, the McU's Fantastic Four will likely be recurring heroes in the franchise.
On Threads, the 2005 Fantastic Four Reed Richards actor Ioan Gruffudd praised Marvel Studios for The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Gruffudd describes Matt Shakman's reboot as "a superb homage to the original comics from the sixties." He also shares photos from the world premiere, which former Silver Surfer actor Doug Jones also attended. Read Ioan Gruffudd's full comments below:
"Thank you @marvel for a wonderful evening at the world premiere of @fantasticfour: First Steps.Marvel’s first family is alive and well and in safe hands. A superb homage to the original comics from the sixties. Acting,...
On Threads, the 2005 Fantastic Four Reed Richards actor Ioan Gruffudd praised Marvel Studios for The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Gruffudd describes Matt Shakman's reboot as "a superb homage to the original comics from the sixties." He also shares photos from the world premiere, which former Silver Surfer actor Doug Jones also attended. Read Ioan Gruffudd's full comments below:
"Thank you @marvel for a wonderful evening at the world premiere of @fantasticfour: First Steps.Marvel’s first family is alive and well and in safe hands. A superb homage to the original comics from the sixties. Acting,...
- 26/7/2025
- de Nicolas Ayala
- ScreenRant
At this year's Emmys, The Pitt did quite well by scoring 13 nominations overall. Its star, Noah Wyle, is currently the frontrunner to win Best Drama Actor, according to the Gold Derby predictions. He previously earned five bids in supporting for his role as John Carter on ER, but never won. If he prevails this time, this would not only mark his very first Emmy, but he'd also be the 11th performer since 2000 to have triumphed in this particular category for a first-year show.
In The Pitt, Wyle plays Dr. Michael "Robby" Robinavitch, a senior attending physician who starts a grueling 15-hour shift at the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Hospital's emergency room by welcoming four newcomers. Yet he struggles as he is still reeling from his traumatic experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The following 10 Best Drama Actor champs since 2000 have been for first-year shows:
Michael Chiklis, The Shield (2002) James Spader, Boston Legal (2005) Bryan Cranston,...
In The Pitt, Wyle plays Dr. Michael "Robby" Robinavitch, a senior attending physician who starts a grueling 15-hour shift at the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Hospital's emergency room by welcoming four newcomers. Yet he struggles as he is still reeling from his traumatic experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The following 10 Best Drama Actor champs since 2000 have been for first-year shows:
Michael Chiklis, The Shield (2002) James Spader, Boston Legal (2005) Bryan Cranston,...
- 25/7/2025
- de Jeffrey Kare
- Gold Derby
"No one's gonna run over me, I'll guarantee you that." Angel Studios has revealed an official trailer for The Senior, a sports comedy being played as an uplifting sports drama. At age 59, Mike Flynt returns to college football to confront the past and change his future. This first premiered back in 2023 at the Fort Lauderdale Film Festival, but was never released. Religious distributor Angel Stu&dios picked it up it and is dropping it in theaters this fall. The story follows Mike Flynt, a man who, 37 years ago, was kicked off of his collegiate football team for an altercation. Now at 59, he still carries that burden... He decides to go back to school to get his degree and try out for the team to redeem his past. Michael Chiklis stars as aging football player Mike Flynt, with Mary Stuart Masterson, Brandon Flynn, James Badge Dale, and Rob Corddry. Yep this...
- 25/7/2025
- de Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
It’s been 20 years since Fantastic Four hit theaters in 2005, bringing Marvel’s first family to the big screen. The movie wasn’t a huge hit with critics, but fans still remember the fun action, cool powers, and the cast who brought these characters to life. After all, before the MCU became a billion-dollar franchise, this film gave us a glimpse of what superhero movies could be.
Now, two decades later, in the wake of the new Fantastic Four movie starring Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby, fans are looking back and wondering what the original cast is doing today. From Chris Evans to Jessica Alba, fans are wondering where each actor is now. Turns out, most stars are thriving in Hollywood, while Julian McMahon tragically passed away.
So, whether you watched Fantastic Four back in 2005 or recently discovered it on streaming, let’s take a look at where the original team is now.
Now, two decades later, in the wake of the new Fantastic Four movie starring Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby, fans are looking back and wondering what the original cast is doing today. From Chris Evans to Jessica Alba, fans are wondering where each actor is now. Turns out, most stars are thriving in Hollywood, while Julian McMahon tragically passed away.
So, whether you watched Fantastic Four back in 2005 or recently discovered it on streaming, let’s take a look at where the original team is now.
- 25/7/2025
- de Krittika Mukherjee
- FandomWire
Longtime actor Michael Chiklis is gearing up to play real-life linebacker Mike Flynt in the official trailer for The Senior, an upcoming sports drama that will be distributed by Angel Studios later this year. The two-minute footage showcases Flynt returning to his alma mater, Sul Ross State, after getting expelled from the institution in the early 1970s for fighting. At age 59, Flynt returned to Sul Ross State University and rejoined his former college team, later becoming the oldest college linebacker in NCAA history. "I told him I thought he was crazy," said Jerry Larned, who coached Flynt during his time at Sul Ross in 1969 and supported him at the start of his comeback. But Flynt wouldn't take no for an answer. With his undeniable grit and unwavering determination, Flynt proved that he was up for the challenge.
According to Variety, Chiklis will star alongside Mary Stuart Masterson (The Stepford Wives...
According to Variety, Chiklis will star alongside Mary Stuart Masterson (The Stepford Wives...
- 24/7/2025
- de Karelle McKay
- MovieWeb
I’ve yet to see The Fantastic Four: First Steps, but it seems that the movie, which comes out today, might have finally gotten things right after four truly terrible previous films. First there was the low-budget, never-released Roger Corman-produced film in 1994 made simply to hold onto the film rights of the characters. Then, in 2005, came Fox’s near-universally panned movie by Tim Story and its 2007 sequel that did about as well as the first. Most recently, there was the stupidly-titled 2015 Fant4stic that everyone hated even more than the two Fox films from a decade earlier.
Still, I’d argue that none of these four films are entirely without merit. Here’s one actually fantastic thing from each of them…
[subtitle]4Young Reed and Ben Are Charming in ‘Fant4stic’[/subtitl35the]
While Fant4stic isn’t the worst Fantastic Four movie (that distinction belongs to the 1994 Corman film), it’s the hardest to...
Still, I’d argue that none of these four films are entirely without merit. Here’s one actually fantastic thing from each of them…
[subtitle]4Young Reed and Ben Are Charming in ‘Fant4stic’[/subtitl35the]
While Fant4stic isn’t the worst Fantastic Four movie (that distinction belongs to the 1994 Corman film), it’s the hardest to...
- 24/7/2025
- Cracked
After chasing the elusive, once-upon-a-time success of the MCU for the past 6 years, Kevin Feige ultimately found it with Marvel’s first family. The franchise has now hit the golden pot at the end of the rainbow with The Fantastic Four: First Steps, which takes a step back from the current timeline to travel back to the retrofuturistic past of the 1960s.
Meanwhile, Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby‘s blockbuster success comes at the tail end of a long, rocky, and often backbreaking odyssey at 20th Century Fox with the Fantastic Four property. Despite the studio’s unrelenting attempt to reboot the franchise, F4 has always managed to bomb at the box office, each time somehow worse than the last.
Below is a list of every Fantastic Four movie ever made, ranked in order of their runtime, from shortest to longest.
5. The Fantastic Four (1994): 90 minutes The Fantastic Four (1994) [Credit: New Concorde]
Roger Corman’s 1994 film,...
Meanwhile, Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby‘s blockbuster success comes at the tail end of a long, rocky, and often backbreaking odyssey at 20th Century Fox with the Fantastic Four property. Despite the studio’s unrelenting attempt to reboot the franchise, F4 has always managed to bomb at the box office, each time somehow worse than the last.
Below is a list of every Fantastic Four movie ever made, ranked in order of their runtime, from shortest to longest.
5. The Fantastic Four (1994): 90 minutes The Fantastic Four (1994) [Credit: New Concorde]
Roger Corman’s 1994 film,...
- 24/7/2025
- de Diya Majumdar
- FandomWire
It’s no stretch to say that cinematic adaptations of the Fantastic Four have been off to a rocky start. The team has been brought to screen a few times already, with a 1990s film rendered culturally invisible and a 2015 franchise attempt doomed from the beginning. Although 2005’s “Fantastic Four” received a sequel, a planned third film ultimately burst into flames.
That brings us to “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” the fourth go at bringing Marvel’s First Family to the big screen. Directed by “WandaVision” helmer Matt Shakman, the film introduces the superhero team to the MCU in an alternate retro-futuristic 1960s landscape.
In the film, the team of Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/The Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm/The Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) and Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) face off against the cosmic world-eating being Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his herald,...
That brings us to “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” the fourth go at bringing Marvel’s First Family to the big screen. Directed by “WandaVision” helmer Matt Shakman, the film introduces the superhero team to the MCU in an alternate retro-futuristic 1960s landscape.
In the film, the team of Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/The Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm/The Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) and Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) face off against the cosmic world-eating being Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his herald,...
- 23/7/2025
- de Casey Loving
- The Wrap
Michael Chiklis provides some veteran locker room presence in the first trailer for “The Senior,” a sports drama from Angel Studios.
The footage introduces the unlikely athletic journey of Mike Flynt, a real life linebacker who was expelled by his college shortly before graduating in the ’70s. Decades later and on the other side of middle-age, Flynt decided to make a comeback by rejoining his college roster, becoming the oldest linebacker in the history of NCAA football.
Along with Chiklis, “The Senior” also stars Mary Stuart Masterson, Brandon Flynn, James Badge Dale and Rob Corddry. Rod Lurie directs. Robert Eisele wrote the screenplay, after being introduced to Flynt by producer Mark Ciardi in 2008 — one year after Flynt’s record-breaking season for Sul Ross State University in Texas.
“I love football — everything about it: the intensity, the strategies, the artfulness of the athleticism… but mostly, I am imbued with it as...
The footage introduces the unlikely athletic journey of Mike Flynt, a real life linebacker who was expelled by his college shortly before graduating in the ’70s. Decades later and on the other side of middle-age, Flynt decided to make a comeback by rejoining his college roster, becoming the oldest linebacker in the history of NCAA football.
Along with Chiklis, “The Senior” also stars Mary Stuart Masterson, Brandon Flynn, James Badge Dale and Rob Corddry. Rod Lurie directs. Robert Eisele wrote the screenplay, after being introduced to Flynt by producer Mark Ciardi in 2008 — one year after Flynt’s record-breaking season for Sul Ross State University in Texas.
“I love football — everything about it: the intensity, the strategies, the artfulness of the athleticism… but mostly, I am imbued with it as...
- 23/7/2025
- de J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
With 130 reviews now counted, The Fantastic Four: First Steps sits at 86% on Rotten Tomatoes. The Marvel Studios movie has been Certified Fresh by the review aggregator, marking another win for the MCU at a time when the superhero genre needs one.
Thunderbolts* was a critical hit, but struggled at the box office (it tapped out at $382 million). Captain America: Brave New World, however, received largely negative reviews and barely passed $400 million worldwide.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps has quickly become one of Marvel Studios' best-reviewed movies, marking a phenomenal start for the McU's First Family that breaks an unfortunate streak for the Fantastic Four franchise.
Every single Fantastic Four movie until now has been rated "Rotten" on Rotten Tomatoes; First Steps is the only one produced by Marvel Studios, and the first to not only be deemed Fresh, but Certified Fresh.
In 2005, Tim Story's Fantastic Four movie, starring Ioan Gruffudd,...
Thunderbolts* was a critical hit, but struggled at the box office (it tapped out at $382 million). Captain America: Brave New World, however, received largely negative reviews and barely passed $400 million worldwide.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps has quickly become one of Marvel Studios' best-reviewed movies, marking a phenomenal start for the McU's First Family that breaks an unfortunate streak for the Fantastic Four franchise.
Every single Fantastic Four movie until now has been rated "Rotten" on Rotten Tomatoes; First Steps is the only one produced by Marvel Studios, and the first to not only be deemed Fresh, but Certified Fresh.
In 2005, Tim Story's Fantastic Four movie, starring Ioan Gruffudd,...
- 23/7/2025
- ComicBookMovie.com
It can be tough to pass the torch, especially of the human variety, but Michael Chiklis – who played The Thing 20 years ago in 2005’s Fantastic Four – is doing so in a noble way, wishing the cast of the MCU’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps the best of luck as the next wave of superheroes gives it a go.
Michael Chiklis recently took to social media to thank the fans who have shown their support for him and his interpretation of The Thing leading up to the release of First Steps, while also giving due respect to the cast. “I want to thank everyone for all the Fantastic Four love this last couple of months during the run up to the new F4 flick. Speaking of which, I want to wish the cast and crew of First Steps the best of luck and success. I admire these actors and look...
Michael Chiklis recently took to social media to thank the fans who have shown their support for him and his interpretation of The Thing leading up to the release of First Steps, while also giving due respect to the cast. “I want to thank everyone for all the Fantastic Four love this last couple of months during the run up to the new F4 flick. Speaking of which, I want to wish the cast and crew of First Steps the best of luck and success. I admire these actors and look...
- 22/7/2025
- de Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Even though they are considered some of the most important characters in Marvel Comics, even earning the title of “Marvel’s First Family,” the Fantastic Four doesn’t have the strongest history on the big screen.
Now that the Fantastic Four is finally joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe in The Fantastic Four: The First Steps — well, after cameos from John Krasinski as Reed Richards in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and Chris Evans as Johnny Storm in Deadpool & Wolverine — it’s time to look back on every adaptation we have seen.
Fans hoping that director Matt Shakman (WandaVision) would redeem the superhero team were thankfully rewarded with The First Steps, but where does it stack up against the other Fantastic Four adaptations?
5. Fantastic Four (2015)
Despite being co-written by Simon Kinberg, hot off the tails of the highly acclaimed X-Men: Days of Future Past, 2015’s Fantastic Four has...
Now that the Fantastic Four is finally joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe in The Fantastic Four: The First Steps — well, after cameos from John Krasinski as Reed Richards in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and Chris Evans as Johnny Storm in Deadpool & Wolverine — it’s time to look back on every adaptation we have seen.
Fans hoping that director Matt Shakman (WandaVision) would redeem the superhero team were thankfully rewarded with The First Steps, but where does it stack up against the other Fantastic Four adaptations?
5. Fantastic Four (2015)
Despite being co-written by Simon Kinberg, hot off the tails of the highly acclaimed X-Men: Days of Future Past, 2015’s Fantastic Four has...
- 22/7/2025
- de Sean Boelman
- FandomWire
The critics have spoken and agree that The Fantastic Four: First Steps lives up to the heroic team's name, with initial reviews on Tuesday celebrating the film for its character-driven storytelling and strong performances.
David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter praises Marvel for shifting its focus toward character development. “There’s a fresh willingness to prioritize character over the usual barrage of interchangeable CG action sequences that often overwhelm them, instead giving us relatable folks to invest in,” Rooney writes, highlighting the film’s commitment to emotional depth amid the spectacle.
Directed by Matt Shakman, the film is set in the early 1960s and stars Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Reed’s wife Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn as Sue’s brother Johnny, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm. Julia Garner appears as the mysterious Silver Surfer known. Rooney notes, “The actors are so terrific and their chemistry...
David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter praises Marvel for shifting its focus toward character development. “There’s a fresh willingness to prioritize character over the usual barrage of interchangeable CG action sequences that often overwhelm them, instead giving us relatable folks to invest in,” Rooney writes, highlighting the film’s commitment to emotional depth amid the spectacle.
Directed by Matt Shakman, the film is set in the early 1960s and stars Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Reed’s wife Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn as Sue’s brother Johnny, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm. Julia Garner appears as the mysterious Silver Surfer known. Rooney notes, “The actors are so terrific and their chemistry...
- 22/7/2025
- de Mia McNiece
- Gold Derby
The reviews are in for The Fantastic Four: First Steps, and that means we have an all-important Rotten Tomatoes score. Love or hate it, the review aggregator plays a crucial role in helping many moviegoers decide whether a new release is worth buying a ticket for.
As we write this, The Fantastic Four: First Steps has 88% based on 88 reviews. That number will fluctuate in the coming days as more verdicts are counted (we'd expect at least 300+), but like Superman, we wouldn't expect the number to change too much.
The movie is also "Certified Fresh," another win for Marvel Studios at a time when one is needed.
The only place for The Fantastic Four: First Steps to go was up after the team's previous movies. 2015's Fantastic Four, directed by Josh Trank and starring Miles Teller, Kate Mara, Jamie Bell, and Michael B. Jordan, is one of the worst-reviewed superhero movies ever,...
As we write this, The Fantastic Four: First Steps has 88% based on 88 reviews. That number will fluctuate in the coming days as more verdicts are counted (we'd expect at least 300+), but like Superman, we wouldn't expect the number to change too much.
The movie is also "Certified Fresh," another win for Marvel Studios at a time when one is needed.
The only place for The Fantastic Four: First Steps to go was up after the team's previous movies. 2015's Fantastic Four, directed by Josh Trank and starring Miles Teller, Kate Mara, Jamie Bell, and Michael B. Jordan, is one of the worst-reviewed superhero movies ever,...
- 22/7/2025
- ComicBookMovie.com
Fourth time’s the charm. First there was the low-budget version of “The Fantastic Four,” produced by Roger Corman, which Marvel managed to bury before it hit theaters (though bootlegs abound). The comic-book company was far more enthusiastic about a pair of early-2000s adaptations at Fox, which boasted a fun cast — including Jessica Alba, Chris Evans and Michael Chiklis — but couldn’t get the tone right, skewing corny in both the dialogue and effects departments. Then came the 2015 reboot, which was a bomb, turning the characters into sullen, moody versions of themselves (and Doctor Doom into an emo megalomaniac).
As live-action adaptations of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby’s pulp quartet go, Marvel’s back-to-the-drawing-board “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” succeeds where earlier attempts have faltered — and good thing, too, since the studio has a lot more riding on this franchise now. At their peak, Marvel movies earned upwards...
As live-action adaptations of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby’s pulp quartet go, Marvel’s back-to-the-drawing-board “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” succeeds where earlier attempts have faltered — and good thing, too, since the studio has a lot more riding on this franchise now. At their peak, Marvel movies earned upwards...
- 22/7/2025
- de Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
Original “Fantastic Four” star Michael Chiklis is sending well wishes to the team behind Marvel’s upcoming reboot.
In a post on X Monday, Chiklis, who played The Thing in 2005’s “Fantastic Four,” sent his best regards to the cast and crew of “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.”
“I want to thank everyone for all the ‘Fantastic Four’ love this last couple of months during the run up to the new ‘F4’ flick,” Chiklis wrote. “Speaking of which, I want to wish the cast and crew of ‘First Steps’ the best of luck and success. I admire these actors and look forward to seeing them take on these iconic roles. #F4Forever #TheThing.”
Chiklis starred in the Marvel blockbuster alongside Ioan Gruffudd (Mr.Fantastic), Jessica Alba (Invisible Woman), Chris Evans (Human Torch) and Julian McMahon (Dr. Doom). Tim Story directed the film, which went on to gross over $330 million at the worldwide box office.
In a post on X Monday, Chiklis, who played The Thing in 2005’s “Fantastic Four,” sent his best regards to the cast and crew of “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.”
“I want to thank everyone for all the ‘Fantastic Four’ love this last couple of months during the run up to the new ‘F4’ flick,” Chiklis wrote. “Speaking of which, I want to wish the cast and crew of ‘First Steps’ the best of luck and success. I admire these actors and look forward to seeing them take on these iconic roles. #F4Forever #TheThing.”
Chiklis starred in the Marvel blockbuster alongside Ioan Gruffudd (Mr.Fantastic), Jessica Alba (Invisible Woman), Chris Evans (Human Torch) and Julian McMahon (Dr. Doom). Tim Story directed the film, which went on to gross over $330 million at the worldwide box office.
- 22/7/2025
- de Jack Dunn
- Variety Film + TV
Twenty years after playing Ben Grimm, Aka the Thing, in “Fantastic Four,” Michael Chiklis is revisiting his own “first steps” in the franchise. The acclaimed actor congratulated the cast of the franchise reboot, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” prior to the film debuting in theaters July 25.
“I want to thank everyone for all the ‘Fantastic Four’ love this last couple of months during the run up to the new ‘F4’ flick,” Chiklis wrote on X. “Speaking of which, I want to wish the cast and crew of ‘First Steps’ the best of luck and success. I admire these actors and look forward to seeing them take on these iconic roles. #F4Forever #TheThing”
Chiklis played the Thing in the 2005 20th Century Fox film “Fantastic Four” and its 2007 sequel, “The Silver Surfer.” The franchise was rebooted with 2015’s “Fantastic Four,” prior to Marvel acquiring the property in 2017. The new “Fantastic Four...
“I want to thank everyone for all the ‘Fantastic Four’ love this last couple of months during the run up to the new ‘F4’ flick,” Chiklis wrote on X. “Speaking of which, I want to wish the cast and crew of ‘First Steps’ the best of luck and success. I admire these actors and look forward to seeing them take on these iconic roles. #F4Forever #TheThing”
Chiklis played the Thing in the 2005 20th Century Fox film “Fantastic Four” and its 2007 sequel, “The Silver Surfer.” The franchise was rebooted with 2015’s “Fantastic Four,” prior to Marvel acquiring the property in 2017. The new “Fantastic Four...
- 21/7/2025
- de Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s friends and peers in the industry are paying tribute to the late “Cosby Show” star after he died from drowning while on vacation in Costa Rica on Sunday. He was 54.
“I love you, Malcolm. First I met you as Theo with the rest of the world then you were my first TV husband,” his “Reed Between the Lines” co-star Tracee Ellis Ross wrote on Monday. “My heart is so, so sad. What an actor and friend you were: warm, gentle, present, kind, thoughtful, deep, funny, elegant. You made the world a brighter place. Sending so much love to your family. I’m so sorry for this unimaginable loss.”
“R.I.P. King. My big little brother,” the late actor’s “Malcolm & Eddie” co-star Eddie Griffin added.
Warner became a household name after starring as Theo Huxtable for all eight seasons of the NBC sitcom “The Cosby Show” from...
“I love you, Malcolm. First I met you as Theo with the rest of the world then you were my first TV husband,” his “Reed Between the Lines” co-star Tracee Ellis Ross wrote on Monday. “My heart is so, so sad. What an actor and friend you were: warm, gentle, present, kind, thoughtful, deep, funny, elegant. You made the world a brighter place. Sending so much love to your family. I’m so sorry for this unimaginable loss.”
“R.I.P. King. My big little brother,” the late actor’s “Malcolm & Eddie” co-star Eddie Griffin added.
Warner became a household name after starring as Theo Huxtable for all eight seasons of the NBC sitcom “The Cosby Show” from...
- 21/7/2025
- de JD Knapp
- The Wrap
Bmf Season 4 arrives with the weight of empire on its shoulders, and this time, it’s carrying the load with surprising grace. The Black Mafia Family saga continues its dramatized dive into the real-life drug empire that Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory and Terry “Southwest T” Flenory built from Detroit’s streets, now expanding into Atlanta’s glittering, dangerous 1990s landscape. Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson’s executive production touch remains evident, but the series has matured beyond its initial growing pains into something more focused and emotionally resonant.
The casting coup of having Demetrius Flenory Jr. portray his own father adds an authenticity that no amount of method acting could achieve. There’s something both haunting and healing about watching a son embody his father’s criminal legacy on screen. This season pushes the timeline into the late 1980s and early 1990s, a period when hip-hop culture was exploding and Atlanta...
The casting coup of having Demetrius Flenory Jr. portray his own father adds an authenticity that no amount of method acting could achieve. There’s something both haunting and healing about watching a son embody his father’s criminal legacy on screen. This season pushes the timeline into the late 1980s and early 1990s, a period when hip-hop culture was exploding and Atlanta...
- 13/7/2025
- de Ben Carter
- Gazettely
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is getting very, very retro with its marketing campaign.
Mimicking the style of old-timey, 1960s-era commercials, Marvel's latest trailer for the First Family's MCU debut promises a new experience presented "in brilliant Fantastivision" amidst clips from the movie. Other retro techniques include using old animation styles, voiceover narrations, musical cues, aspect ratios, and title boxes introducing each of its four stars as Reed Richards, Susan Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm. Additionally, the trailer features several new scenes like the Fantastic Four launching themselves into space, using their powers, the Fantasticar, and their faithful robot H.E.R.B.I.E. watching over baby Franklin Richards.
Unlike previous Marvel Cinematic Universe films, this Fantastic Four iteration will be the only established heroes in their universe, a reto-futuristic timeline influenced by the Space Race and Stanley Kubrick's 1968 sci-fi masterpiece 2001: A Space Odyssey. This, according to director Matt Shakman,...
Mimicking the style of old-timey, 1960s-era commercials, Marvel's latest trailer for the First Family's MCU debut promises a new experience presented "in brilliant Fantastivision" amidst clips from the movie. Other retro techniques include using old animation styles, voiceover narrations, musical cues, aspect ratios, and title boxes introducing each of its four stars as Reed Richards, Susan Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm. Additionally, the trailer features several new scenes like the Fantastic Four launching themselves into space, using their powers, the Fantasticar, and their faithful robot H.E.R.B.I.E. watching over baby Franklin Richards.
Unlike previous Marvel Cinematic Universe films, this Fantastic Four iteration will be the only established heroes in their universe, a reto-futuristic timeline influenced by the Space Race and Stanley Kubrick's 1968 sci-fi masterpiece 2001: A Space Odyssey. This, according to director Matt Shakman,...
- 12/7/2025
- de Ben Wasserman
- CBR
On July 8, 2005, 20th Century Fox brought the Fantastic Four to the big screen, launching the Marvel superheroes to a $330 million worldwide gross and a quickly greenlit sequel. The Hollywood Reporter’s original review of the Tim Story-directed film is below:
Given the sheer number of screenwriters and directors who have come and gone along the way, the comic book-to-motion picture journey taken by Fantastic Four has been fraught with enough obstacles to make that DNA altering cosmic radiation storm encountered by the Marvel superheroes look like a gentle breeze by comparison.
Now, 44 years after the quartet made its comic book debut, Mr. Fantastic, Invisible Woman, Human Torch and the Thing arrive on the big screen courtesy of a script officially credited to Mark Frost and Michael France, direction by Tim Story and about 800 visual effects shots.
And the result? Fantastic Four‘s a colossal snore.
After all the fussing...
Given the sheer number of screenwriters and directors who have come and gone along the way, the comic book-to-motion picture journey taken by Fantastic Four has been fraught with enough obstacles to make that DNA altering cosmic radiation storm encountered by the Marvel superheroes look like a gentle breeze by comparison.
Now, 44 years after the quartet made its comic book debut, Mr. Fantastic, Invisible Woman, Human Torch and the Thing arrive on the big screen courtesy of a script officially credited to Mark Frost and Michael France, direction by Tim Story and about 800 visual effects shots.
And the result? Fantastic Four‘s a colossal snore.
After all the fussing...
- 12/7/2025
- de Michael Rechtshaffen
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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