Disney and Marvel have not announced Fantastic Four 2, and new reports suggest bringing back director Matt Shakman could prove difficult.
In recent weeks, Shakman has attached himself to multiple major projects outside the MCU. While none of this rules out a sequel, it raises questions about the franchise’s future after the next two Avengers films. After last summer’s Fantastic Four: First Steps underperformed at the box office, many fans wondered whether it represented the third failed attempt to bring Marvel’s First Family to the big screen.
Shakman’s Schedule Is Filling Up
According to Deadline, Shakman has signed on to direct the pilot and three additional episodes of Discretion, a Paramount+ legal thriller series from A24. He will also serve as an executive producer on the project, which stars Nicole Kidman and Elle Fanning. The series is expected to enter production later this year and represents a significant commitment outside Marvel.
The Thing and Herbie the Robot in Fantastic Four: First Steps – YouTube, Marvel Entertainment
READ: Spencer Pratt Shuts Down Jimmy Kimmel After U-Haul Joke
That announcement follows an earlier report revealing that Shakman will direct a new Planet of the Apes film for 20th Century Studios, which is also owned by Disney. Rumors suggest that it will be a soft-reboot on the long-running franchise, and not a continuation. The project reunites him with Fantastic Four: First Steps screenwriter Josh Friedman. A production start date has not been announced. However, based on his current commitments, Shakman may be unavailable to direct a potential Fantastic Four 2 until sometime after 2028.
Shakman has an established history with both Disney and Marvel. Before Fantastic Four: First Steps, he directed and executive produced the Disney+ series WandaVision. The show helped launch Marvel’s streaming era and served as the opening chapter of Phase Four.
That history makes his growing slate of non-Marvel projects all the more noteworthy.
Marvel May Wait Until After Secret Wars
Ultimately, Marvel may choose to delay any decision on Fantastic Four 2 until after Avengers: Secret Wars arrives in 2027. The studio is still determining the future of several major franchises, and the Fantastic Four’s long-term role in the MCU remains unclear.
Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards in Fantastic Four: First Steps – YouTube, Marvel Entertainment
READ: EPCOT PLAY Pavilion Flag Removed From Park Entrance, Years After Bob Chapek Announcement
Pedro Pascal, who plays Reed Richards, has also failed to establish himself as a reliable box-office draw. Both Fantastic Four: First Steps and this year’s The Mandalorian and Grogu, which he headlined, were expensive Disney productions. Yet neither film appeared to resonate strongly with audiences, with the latter suffering a catastrophic box office collapse.
Some fans have also noted that Pascal has downplayed Richards’ role in Avengers: Doomsday, despite claims from Shakman that Richards would be the leader of the team. Notably, the character has largely been absent from the film’s marketing. Off-screen, the actor has been outspoken on political and social issues, which some critics argue may alienate portions of the audience.
The cast of Fantastic Four: First Steps – YouTube, Marvel Entertainment
READ: GoFundMe Restores Reckless Ben’s $450K Fundraiser After Sudden Removal
As a result, the bigger question facing Fantastic Four 2 may not be finding a director, but whether Disney remains confident in its lead actor.
The Future Of The Fantastic Four Remains Uncertain
For now, Fantastic Four 2 remains unannounced, and Marvel’s attention appears focused on Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. Even if the studio ultimately moves forward with a sequel, Shakman’s increasingly crowded schedule could make a reunion difficult.
Combined with lingering questions about the franchise’s box-office appeal, its lead actor, and its place in the MCU’s future, the Fantastic Four’s next chapter appears closed.
Do you think there will be a Fantastic Four 2? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
