Since Spider-Man: No Way Home director Jon Watts decided to step down from making the reboot for the Fantastic Four, the question now lingers on who would take on such a large task. Marvel’s Kevin Feige has said they are interested in finding a “big name” director to make this reboot, leading us to throw in our two cents on who we think could possibly bring back Marvel’s first family. Our picks come from the idea of a director’s who are known for their work on creating balance between multiple characters, great humor, exciting visual storytelling and a lot of heart at its core.
Akiva Schaffer
This one might come as a bit of a long shot, but we think it could possibly work. Known for his work with the comedic music group The Lonely Island, Akiva Schaffer has managed to come into his own within film. Most recently Akiva was the director behind Disney’s Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers, which was a surprise success upon its release. You might doubt this entry on our list, Marvel has been known to bring the best out of their directors to handle what is now a behemoth of a franchise.
Matthew Vaughn
Matthew Vaughan has already dipped his toes in Marvel with 2011’s X-Men: First Class, which came as a film nobody asked for but ended up breathing life into Fox’s X-Men universe. Years ago Vaughn had expressed interest in making a Fantastic Four film, but it never came to fruition. Vaughn has proven himself to create compelling characters and stylized action that could work out great with a team like the Fantastic Four, if you need an example just check out Kick-Ass or the Kingsman films.
Jeff Fowler
Back to a director with lesser experience than some of our other entries, Jeff Fowler is a new director coming off the success of Sonic The Hedgehog and its sequel. And you can say what you want about the Sonic films, they actually were not all that terrible. Fowler was able to craft an interesting narrative for a character we never thought we would be able to see adapted to film and done correctly, but managed to pull it off. Just think, if he could do it with Sonic then why wouldn’t he be able to do it with superheroes.
Jason Reitman
If you want to talk about a director who can deliver a film with heart, look no further than the director of 2007’s Juno. Jason Reitman has followed in his father’s footstep to craft some very memorable films on his resume. Especially with four Oscar nominations under his belt, there is plenty of experience for Reitman to take the Fantastic Four on a journey of adventure and purpose. But if that doesn’t impress you enough, just take a look at the work he did with Ghostbusters: Afterlife.
Shawn Levy
This director has finally been given the credit he deserves. Shawn Levy has been around since the 90’s making romantic or family comedies, from Just Married to Night at the Museum. It wasn’t until recently when Levy began receiving the credit he deserved after the success of Free Guy and The Adam Project. However, Levy is currently working on a third Deadpool installment that will take place in the MCU. But with Ryan Reynolds currently taking a break on acting, perhaps this could be Levy’s chance to step in for the Fantastic Four.
Phil Lord/Chris Miller
Lord and Miller are best known for their work in animation as producers on a number of projects such as The Lego Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Managing to prove their capabilities with their visual storytelling in animation they have also managed to work behind the camera to create meaningful comedies with the reboot of 21 Jump Street and its sequel. However, they might not have the best relationship with Disney after the Solo: A Star Wars Story situation.
Joseph Kosinski
After Kosinski manage to revitalize the Tron series with 2010’s Tron: Legacy, he managed to pull the same kind of magic when he blew everyone away with Top Gun: Maverick. Managing to prove just how far this director is willing to go to create something special for audiences. With his background in creating exhilarating action and mesmerizing sci-fi, his blend would be incredible for a Fantastic Four film. Can you imagine the imaginative flight sequences he could create with the Human Torch or the Fantasti-Car?
Edgar Wright
This one is kind of a long shot, but one we would love to see. If you’re an MCU fan, then you remember how Edgar Wright removed himself from the Ant-Man movie due to the creative differences with Marvel. However, that hasn’t stopped Wright from producing more spectacular films with Baby Driver and Last Night in Soho. He continues to show his incredible filmmaking ability, so maybe let’s give him another chance at a superhero. Especially one that would fit his style or creativity.
The Duffer Brothers
You probably have seen this name before but not quite sure where. That’s ok, just turn to Netflix and you’ll see the show that streaming platform is built on. The Duffers have managed to create one of the most insane and intriguing television shows to date with Stranger Things. And as the duo continue to expand their talents, we think it’s time to see what they can do with a feature length film. Stranger Things basically already is a superhero series, so even if they are not given the Fantastic Four we are fine with any marvel or comic book property thrown at them.
The Daniels
At the beginning of 2022 I wouldn’t have put the Daniels on this list but ever since their critically acclaimed film Everything Everywhere All at Once, my mind was changed. The creativity and originality behind that film showed just what these two are capable of. Which is something the Fantastic Four needs after the bombs of the first three films, creativity and originality. There is no doubt in my mind this director combo would provide everything a Fantastic Four movie would need to be done justice.
