Fox to Reboot Fantastic Four

[goldenboy]

http://www.toplessrobot.com/fantastic_four.jpg
Fox sets 'Fantastic' reboot

Akiva Goldsman has been set as producer
By MICHAEL FLEMING

While Disney lays down a $4 billion bet on the future of Marvel's superheroes, 20th Century Fox has already begun overhauling one of its big Marvel franchises, "Fantastic Four," to take the property beyond the two films already made.

Akiva Goldsman has been hired to oversee the reboot as producer. Michael Green, the co-exec producer of TV's "Heroes" who co-wrote "Green Lantern," will write the script for the new "Fantastic Four."

Fox wouldn't comment on its plans, but the moves are evidence that Marvel franchises do have enduring lifespans.

As "Spider-Man 4" moves toward an early 2010 production start, Columbia Pictures recently hired James Vanderbilt to write a fifth and sixth installment with the understanding that one or both of those films would give the franchise a makeover with a new director and cast (Daily Variety, Aug. 16).
More than one option

The 2005 "Fantastic Four" and 2007 sequel "Rise of the Silver Surfer" were directed by Tim Story and starred Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans and Michael Chiklis. Since the deals for the reboot are just getting made, it is unclear if any of them will return.

Though Marvel Entertainment owns and finances properties like "Iron Man" and "Thor," Fox controls "Fantastic Four" in perpetuity -- as long as it continues making the films. Fox has the same arrangement on Marvel Comics properties "X-Men," "Daredevil" and "Silver Surfer." Marvel is a producer and financial participant through a licensing agreement.

Though the related Silver Surfer character soared in the "Fantastic Four" sequel, that iconic personality has remained a priority project for his own film at the studio.

Fox has so far done one "X-Men" spinoff in "Wolverine." The studio is working on a sequel to that film and has scripts for "X-Men Origins: First Class," and "X-Men Origins: Magneto." Potential spinoffs for the Gambit and Deadpool characters have also been discussed.

As producer, Goldsman is involved with several DC Comics transfers, including "Jonah Hex," "The Losers" and "Teen Titans." He was also producer of the Will Smith-Charlize Theron superhero film "Hancock," for which a sequel is being developed.
Fox sets 'Fantastic' reboot - Entertainment News, Film News, Media - Variety (http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118007959.html?categoryid=13&cs=1)

[Jill Monroe]

the fact that FOX controls the X-men properties explains why the X films have been so SHITTY. look at how much "BETTER" films like Iron Man (produced directly by Marvel) have been.

the article seems to overlook the previous 3 (or 4) cartoon series for FF through the years...itll be interesting to see how this one turns out but so far they've all had very short runs.

I think with all these cartoon projects SOMEBODY should remember that its better to STICK WITH continuity rather than trying to reinvent everything, ignore history of characters etc. maybe THAT would help ensure a successfull "launch" of a cartoon version of well known characters.

[goldenboy]

Agreed. The first two FF flicks were truly weak :mad:

Apparently Tom Rothman at Fox got a promotion so he's not directly overseeing the film division now. Maybe there won't be as much horrendous studio interference with this one (one can dream).

He has said they want the new one to be "less bubblegum", whatever that might mean to them. He cited Dark Knight as something to emulate cos it had a director with a clear vision (not the tone per se).

[Black King]

alright i needs to be said everyone needs to stop using the Dark Knight as their guiding light. Its really starting to get annoying.

I hope this reboot will capture the feel of the FF. They're like the spirit of the Marvel U

[goldenboy]

The spirit of The Fantastic Four makes me think of the early 60s Kennedy optimism more than any other comic. It's gotta be funny and magical and bigger than life. It doesn't have to be dumbed-down or 'kiddiefied', I don't think. They could go to other planets, other dimensions.

There was that Peyton Reed scenario way back when...they were contemplating actually setting the film in the 1960s.

[J.Gumb]

He has said they want the new one to be "less bubblegum"
It couldnt be anymore bubblegum; I did enjoy them though, but when I think of comic book adaptations I dont really think of those movies. They are more just a lighthearted romp thru the universe and not a true FF adaptation, but I think thats what they were supposed to be.

[Jill Monroe]

but arent comic books rooted in "bubble gum" or "cartoon"ish presentation? thats part of their allure. The Fantastic Four and X-men have both dealt with very ADULT issues against their ink/paint backdrops. I agree with BK...the fact that everyone is trying to jump on the "Dark Knight" presentation as if THAT should be the standard is VERY annoying.


If you take these characters and totally rearrange them , remove their trademark appearences, costumes etc ( like they did the X-men in the films) what do you have left? the x-men film franchise KILLED alot of the love i had for that team and i grew up with them in the glorious reign of Claremont...what is going on NOW? garbage.

[goldenboy]

I would love to see the X-Men, live action in their proper uniforms. Spidey proves it can work just fine. It's a different medium, but it can be made to work.

The reason I dislike the FF films is mainly the casting of Alba and Ioan and Doom's portrayal. Seemed way off.

[J.Gumb]

but arent comic books rooted in "bubble gum" or "cartoon"ish presentation? thats part of their allure.
I agree completely; thats why I said I liked FF. I think the tone of 'comics' was whenever they stopped being comic books and became graphic novels.

I blame Frank Miller. Or you! Someone is to blame, I know that much. But honestly, I think the medium changed to match society. I feel that the 'growing up' of comic book is simply a byproduct of the isolationists that we have become; we no longer need the 'escape' that the comic books offered in the past as we get it everyday from the internet, our phones, etc so in turn we expect our senses and experiences to be pushed further and further into ultrarealism.

[Black King]

I agree completely; thats why I said I liked FF. I think the tone of 'comics' was whenever they stopped being comic books and became graphic novels.

I blame Frank Miller. Or you! Someone is to blame, I know that much. But honestly, I think the medium changed to match society. I feel that the 'growing up' of comic book is simply a byproduct of the isolationists that we have become; we no longer need the 'escape' that the comic books offered in the past as we get it everyday from the internet, our phones, etc so in turn we expect our senses and experiences to be pushed further and further into ultrarealism.

The graphic novel change has a few people to blame Frank Miller and Alan Moore at the top of the list with James Robinson in there too. but yeah i don't think comics are escape any more i think they're more of a new mythology

[goldenboy]

It is possible to find comics that haven't 'grown up' too, if you want. All ages Marvel stuff. Some of it's actually pretty entertaining.

I personally like the massive variety of styles, genres, writing, art that are out there now.

[JoeDotPadilla]

I hope they make another movie with the same actors.
I loved the first too, I have all the lines memorized.
And Chris Evans...talk about major eye candy ;)