Why Marvel Didn’t Announce The MCU Fantastic Four Reboot Cast

Marvel Studios didn’t announce the Fantastic Four reboot cast at D23 Expo — why? Kevin Feige took the stage at the famed Disney-focused convention and revealed more information about what to expect from the MCU in the next few years. The producer extraordinaire shared some significant updates for their upcoming projects, including debuting the first Secret Invasion trailer and screening the first footage fromThe Marvels. He also confirmed the main cast for the Thunderbolts movie and revealed additional details for the Anthony Mackie-led, Captain America: New World Order, set to release on May 3, 2024.

One particular project, however, that didn’t receive much attention was the Fantastic Four reboot. The film was for a November 2024 release date and is expected to introduce the MCU’s version of Marvel’s First Family. The project was supposed to be directed by Spider-Man trilogy filmmaker Jon Watts until he exited the feature. Following reports, Feige finally confirmed that WandaVision helmer Matt Shakman will spearhead Fantastic Fourat D23 Expo. But other than that, he didn’t share anything else, including its much-anticipated cast.

According to Deadline‘s Justin Kroll, the reason why Feige didn’t reveal Fantastic Four‘s cast at D23 Expo is because he wants input from his director first. This means that Marvel Studios hasn’t made any big decisions regarding who’s going to play the new Marvel First Family because Feige wants Shakman to be part of the decision-making process. Check out Kroll’s full tweet below:

Ever since news of a Fantastic Four reboot broke out, fans have been sharing their casting choices for the film. From Penn Badgley as Mister Fantastic to Jodie Comer as Invisible Woman, there have been many rumors and speculation over who could be on Marvel Studios’ list of actors for the superhero team. Of course, there have also been rumblings about favorites John Krasinski and Emily Blunt playing Reed Richards and Sue Storm. Amid all of that, this new information effectively confirms that Marvel Studios haven’t made any casting decision for the film as Feige wants Shakman involved. It’s curious, however, how far they had come in their search when Watts decided to leave the project. And, if they already had a shortlist back then. It’s interesting to wonder if that’s still the same pool of actors they are looking at now with Shakman.

With the director of MCU’s Fantastic Fournow confirmed, it’s safe to say that the pre-production process for the movie will be progressing faster. This also means that the trades will once again start reporting on supposed actor shortlists, if not the actual casting picks for the film. However, it’s also not outside the realm of possibility that Marvel Studios will be extra careful with leaks regarding the project as Feige may actually want to make a big splash out of it by announcing the cast himself.

Source: Justin Kroll/Twitter