Fox finds its new Fantastic Four

Marvel Comics’ First Family is all set for a fresh new start in 2015, as various entertainment and comic book sites have revealed what appears to be the definite line-up of stars in the upcoming Fantastic Four reboot from Fox.

 

^{Source: Variety}

 

Family matters

 

Variety and Newsarama reported that Miles Teller (“The Spectacular Now” and “Divergent”) has been offered the role of Dr Reed Richards, a.k.a. Mister Fantastic. While an official announcement from Fox has yet to be made, it isn’t that much of a stretch to believe that Teller will play the level-headed and incredibly intelligent leader of the Fantastic Four.

 

The casting process for Benjamin Grimm (a.k.a. the Thing) had admittedly hit rocky ground, especially when rumors started to spread that Josh Gad (“jobs”) was offered the role of the ever-loving blue-eyed bruiser of the Fantastic Four – a rumor which the actor dismissed rather humorously (http://www.aceshowbiz.com/news/view/00067909.html). However, according to numerous news sites, the part has been offered to Jamie Bell (“The Adventures of Tintin”).

 

Meanwhile, Michael B. Jordan (“The Wire” and “Parenthood”) is Jonathan “Johnny” Storm, the hot-headed Human Torch. Jordan’s name had already been attached to the role as early as last year, sparking mixed reactions and practically setting Internet message boards on fire.

 

Completing the quartet is a bit of casting news that a few may not have seen coming – Kate Mara, star of “House of Cards,” has reportedly signed on to be Susan Storm, the Invisible Woman. It remains to be seen if Mara will do justice to the team’s most powerful member (who also happens to be the wife of Mister Fantastic and sister of the Human Torch).

 

The Ultimate story of a Fantastic family

 

Introduced in 1961 as Marvel’s answer to rival publisher DC Comics’ Justice League of America, the Fantastic Four gained their powers after being exposed to massive amounts of cosmic radiation.

 

Previously, Fox had released two films under the Fantastic Four franchise, starring Ioan Gruffudd as Mister Fantastic, Jessica Alba as the Invisible Woman, Michael Chiklis as the Thing, and Chris Evans as the Human Torch. Evans eventually moved on to play a more prominent role in the pantheon of Marvel cinematic heroes as the Sentinel of Liberty himself, Captain America, under Marvel Studios.

 

Under the guidance of comics scribe Mark Millar and the direction of Josh Trank, “The Fantastic Four” is expected to follow the continuity of the Ultimate Fantastic Four comic book – a re-imagining of the Fantastic Four’s origins, set in the 2000s instead of the 1960s. The movie is based on a rewritten script by Simon Kinberg (who also handles the X-Men franchise), and will be produced by Kinberg, Matthew Vaughn, and Gregory Goodman.

 

June 19, 2015 is expected to be “clobberin’ time” in cinemas for “The Fantastic Four.” — TJD, GMA News