‘Fantastic Four’ Cast Reportedly Will Be Announced By The End Of Next Week

12 months ago By Neil Ross

Marvel enthusiasts, buckle up! The big reveal we’ve all been waiting for is just around the corner – the cast of the highly anticipated “Fantastic Four” is finally on the verge of being unveiled. And who spilled the beans? None other than the director himself, Matt Shakman, renowned for his work on the iconic sitcom “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.” In a recent chat with ComicBook.com, Shakman delved into how the chemistry and comedic genius from his sitcom days will shape the blockbuster we’re all eagerly anticipating.

Shakman’s Comedy Chemistry Lessons

Let’s dive into what Shakman had to say about his time on “Always Sunny.” Directing a whopping 43 episodes between 2007 and 2017, he gained some valuable insights. According to Shakman, the cast of “Always Sunny” brings a special mix of playfulness and precision to the table. “I’ve learned so much from working on It’s Always Sunny over the years,” Shakman shared. “Those guys bring a unique combination of playfulness and precision, and I think you have to have both of those things in everything you make.”

But what’s the secret sauce? It’s the challenging nature of comedy that demands a delicate equilibrium between playfulness and precision. Shakman emphasized that making something genuinely funny requires a level of precision often more challenging than intricate special effects. The enduring popularity of “Always Sunny,” now spanning an impressive 16 seasons, is a testament to their improvisation techniques, which are set to leave an enduring mark on Shakman’s approach to the Fantastic Four. “That spirit infects, I think, or informs, I should say, everything that I do,” added Shakman, reflecting on the sitcom’s lasting impact on his directorial style.

Fantastic Four and the MCU’s Phase 6

Now, let’s shift gears to what we know about the Fantastic Four and its place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s (MCU) Phase 6. While the storyline remains shrouded in mystery, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige dropped a bombshell – there won’t be an origin story. Why? Because, in Feige’s words, the audience already knows the beginnings of the Fantastic Four.

Shakman, who previously directed the wildly successful “WandaVision,” made a pivotal decision to jump ship from the fourth modern Star Trek film to helm the Fantastic Four project. And the pen behind the script? None other than Josh Friedman, the creative mind responsible for “Avatar: The Way of Water.” The stage is set for the Fantastic Four to make their grand entrance into the MCU.

Casting Speculations

Now, onto the juicy bit – the casting speculations that have been buzzing around like excited bees. With the SAG-AFTRA strike finally resolved, casting announcements are imminent. While initial reports suggested Vanessa Kirby as a “lock” for Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn for Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm, the role of Reed Richards, aka Mr. Fantastic, remains draped in uncertainty.

But wait, here’s the plot twist – enter the wildcard, Jake Gyllenhaal. Known for his role as Mysterio in “Spider-Man: Far From Home,” Gyllenhaal is now rumored to be Marvel’s top choice for Reed Richards. Now, we know Marvel has a knack for surprises, but casting an actor who has already played a significant role in the MCU? That’s definitely breaking some rules.

Marvel’s Unconventional Move

The potential casting of Gyllenhaal has set tongues wagging, considering his previous MCU stint. While it wouldn’t be the first time an actor played more than one character in the Marvel universe, Gyllenhaal’s prominence as Quentin Beck in “Far From Home” makes this casting choice particularly intriguing. Marvel Studios, known for pushing the boundaries of conventional superhero storytelling, seems poised to deliver a fresh take on the genre. In a 2022 interview, Shakman emphasized the studio’s commitment to surpassing expectations, stating, “We’ve set a very high bar for ourselves with bringing that to the screen.”

Release Date and Beyond

As we eagerly await the cast announcement, there’s been a recent reshuffling of Disney’s film release dates. “Fantastic Four” is now slated for a grand debut on May 2, 2025. Promising a cosmic adventure, this movie is gearing up to be a game-changer in the MCU.

Influence of ‘Always Sunny’: A Marvel-ous Takeaway

Let’s circle back to the sitcom influence on the impending superhero extravaganza. Shakman’s stint on the irreverent sitcom has left an indelible mark. The intersection of playfulness and precision, imbibed from the Always Sunny cast, is set to inject a refreshing dynamic into the superhero realm. Shakman’s commitment to delivering a Fantastic Four film that transcends traditional genre boundaries signals a promising synergy.

Casting Puzzle: Jake Gyllenhaal as Mr. Fantastic?

Now, let’s unravel the casting puzzle that features Jake Gyllenhaal as the potential Mr. Fantastic. This speculation adds a captivating twist to the Fantastic Four narrative. Gyllenhaal’s emergence as Marvel’s top choice raises questions about the studio’s storytelling ambitions. While some may find this choice unconventional, it aligns seamlessly with Marvel’s penchant for surprises and pushing the boundaries of audience expectations. The potential inclusion of Gyllenhaal in a pivotal MCU role adds an extra layer of excitement to the impending cast announcement, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the revelation of the full Fantastic Four lineup.

Final Thoughts

As the countdown to the “Fantastic Four” cast announcement begins, the fusion of Shakman’s sitcom expertise and Marvel’s innovation sets the stage for a cinematic masterpiece. Whether Gyllenhaal secures the role of Mr. Fantastic or Marvel springs a surprise with an unexpected choice, one thing is certain – Phase 6 of the MCU is poised to redefine superhero storytelling in ways we never saw coming.