'Fantastic Four' Director Matt Shakman Clears Up One Marvel Misconception About His Upcoming MCU Movie

Marvel Studios has been actively dabbling in the Multiverse for several movies and television shows, keeping audiences on their heels regarding what (or better said, who) could show up in an upcoming Marvel movie. The biggest shock might have been when Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) came across the Multiversal Illuminati in the twisty "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness." The group consisted of Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell), Captain Marvel (Lashana Lynch), CHarles Xavier (Patrick Stewart), and Reed Richards (John Krasinski) of The Fantastic Four. Well, of ONE version of "The Fantastic Four." We’re going to meet another version when Matt Shakman’s movie "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" reaches theaters in July 2025. Just, don’t expect that team to be familiar with any other MCU superheroes.

Following Marvel Studios’ blowout presentation in Hall H at San Diego Comic Con – where they confirmed that Robert Downey Jr. was returning to the MCU, but as Doctor Doom – CinemaBlend spoke with "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" director Matt Shakman. During the chat, we asked him about the alternate universe the team resides in, which has been teased on promotional images and was shown during the panel. We have been learning about alternate Earths in various MCU projects. But when we asked Shakman if this Earth has variants of other Marvel heroes, he clarified for us.