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Fantastic Four Copying Spider-Man’s MCU Success?

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The Fantastic Four: Initial Ventures”

This upcoming film will mark the long-awaited introduction of Marvel’s Original Family into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The production team is drawing inspiration from the approach used in “Spider-Man: Homecoming” for this movie. Although they are among Marvel’s most beloved superheroes, both Spider-Man and the Fantastic Four have entered the MCU at a later stage due to rights complications.

Eight years have passed since a young Tom Holland introduced Peter Parker to the MCU in “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” and this summer will see the premiere of “First Steps” featuring an impressive ensemble cast consisting of Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Mass-Bachrach.

How The Fantastic Four Is Taking Inspiration from Spider-Man: Homecoming

In terms of its journey from conception to the screen release on July 25, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” shares three significant similarities with “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” but it also exhibits three notable differences in Marvel Studio’s methodology.

SIMILARITY: Joining the MCU After Rights Issues

Prior to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Marvel Studios relinquished the movie rights for numerous superheroes. For instance, Spider-Man was handed over to Sony Pictures, while the Fantastic Four and X-Men were given to 20th Century Fox.

In 2016, Spider-Man was granted entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) through a beneficial partnership between Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios. This deal benefited both parties – Sony was able to distribute the films and retain ownership of the rights, while Marvel took care of production, effectively giving Spider-Man permission to play in the MCU’s playground.

Initially, Marvel Studios couldn’t utilize the Fantastic Four because their rights belonged to 20th Century Fox. However, this changed when Disney purchased Fox, thereby gaining control over the Fantastic Four and expanding their roster of available Marvel characters.

DIFFERENCE: They’re Not on Earth-616

In my perspective, one significant distinction between these two approaches lies in their integration into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Unlike Peter Parker who’s been Earth-616’s Spider-Man for approximately a year, the Fantastic Four have been residing elsewhere in the multiverse and will make their entrance to our primary timeline during Avengers: Doomsday.

In this scenario, having The Fantastic Four operate within an alternate universe (Elseworlds) keeps things simpler since they can avoid direct involvement with the Avengers. Given their celebrity status and extensive heroic experience in individual adventures, it would be challenging to justify why they weren’t acknowledged or involved in the fight against Thanos.

SIMILARITY: Skipping the Origin Story

Instead of delving into the origin story during his initial solo adventure, Marvel Studios assumed that fans were already well-acquainted with it for Tom Holland’s Spider-Man, considering they had seen it portrayed by Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield earlier.

In a similar vein, the Fantastic Four will dive headfirst into their superhero professions following several years that have passed since a cosmic incident bestowed upon them extraordinary abilities. Although their upcoming MCU film won’t delve into their origin story, there’s a strong possibility of flashbacks depicting how they obtained their powers, as teased by the trailers showing a pre-Thing Ben Grimm.

Despite the fact that viewers didn’t witness how Spider-Man from Holland gained his powers, director of “No Way Home” Jon Watts referred to his entire first trilogy as a tale about his “beginnings.”

DIFFERENCE: No Ties to Existing Heroes

Due to Spider-Man’s appearance in the movie “Captain America: Civil War”, he had previously encountered or clashed with the main Avengers of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Notably, he was allied with Tony Stark, played by Robert Downey Jr., who served as a mentor and even provided him with some technological enhancements.

Instead, The Fantastic Four is set in a separate universe, with these characters being the sole superheroes. Officially, there will be no appearances by Avengers in this series.

In my perspective, though they may not initially share a connection within the grand tapestry of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, I eagerly anticipate the day when the Fantastic Four, whom we’ll first meet in their solo venture, will cross paths with other heroes as part of Marvel Studios’ ensemble for Avengers: Doomsday.

SIMILARITY: Multiple Villains from Day One

In Spider-Man: Homecoming, Michael Keaton’s character, Vulture, played the principal antagonist role. However, he wasn’t alone; other web-swinging adversaries such as Shocker, Tinkerer, and Aaron Davis (also known as Prowler) were also part of his scheme. These characters had some connection to his overall operation.

In a similar vein, The Fantastic Four is expected to include several antagonists from their collection of enemies. There are whispers about the Mole Man, Red Ghost, and Doctor Doom making an appearance, while Galactus and his emissary, Silver Surfer, are tipped to assume the role of the main villains.

DIFFERENCE: This Isn’t a New Fantastic Four

Absolutely! When Peter Parker entered the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he was well into his role as Spider-Man, but it had only been about half a year since he started. Most of his activities during this period were focused on dealing with petty crimes at street level.

A Deadline report confirmed what fans suspected about The Fantastic Four – it’s not an origin story. Instead, it shows they have been heroes for four years before the movie starts, making them more experienced than a relatively new character like Spider-Man, who is still finding his feet. In other words, Marvel’s First Family will already be well-versed in heroics by the time the film begins.

Instead of searching for an inexperienced newcomer like Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures did with Spider-Man (Tom Holland), the makers of The Fantastic Four are opting for a unique strategy. These iconic heroes will be portrayed by seasoned and well-known actors: Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Ebon Mass-Bachrach, and Vanessa Kirby.

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2025-05-14 09:01

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