As Marvel fans eagerly await the MCU debut of Reed, Sue, Johnny, and Ben in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, it’s worth remembering that this isn’t the First Family’s first dance on the big screen. In fact, this week marks the 20th anniversary of Fantastic Four (2005), the original live-action blockbuster that brought Marvel’s most iconic foursome to theaters — in all their uneven, FX-friendly glory.
Released in the summer of 2005, Tim Story’s Fantastic Four grossed $333.5 million worldwide on a $100 million budget. Not bad at all, especially in the pre-MCU era. Critics were less enthusiastic, but audiences showed up — and for many fans, especially those who grew up watching it on TV reruns, the film holds a certain nostalgic charm. Let’s be honest: It’s not The Incredibles. But it is better than it gets credit for.
While much of the criticism landed on the film’s tonal inconsistencies and the undercooked romance between Reed Richards (Ioan Gruffudd) and Sue Storm (Jessica Alba), the chemistry between Chris Evans’ Johnny Storm and Michael Chiklis’ Ben Grimm was undeniable. That fiery banter (get it?), that loathing slowly curdling into mutual respect — it was the heart of the film.
Evans was still a rising star at the time, mostly known for playing cocky jerks. (Typecasting? Maybe.) And casting him as Johnny — the ultimate hothead — made sense. But knowing he’d go on to become Captain America? That felt like a huge gamble. Could audiences really accept that the guy who joy-rode in flaming convertibles and spray-painted his teammate’s face would become Marvel’s moral compass? Turns out, yes. And we take that transformation for granted now. But back then, the idea of that guy becoming the guy was a leap of faith.
How Important Are the Fantastic Four?
Since then, Fantastic Four has become something of a “cursed” property. The 2015 Fant4stic reboot was so poorly received that its own director disowned it before it even hit theaters. And the less said about the unreleased 1994 Roger Corman version, the better. It’s strange, considering how foundational the FF are to Marvel Comics. The Avengers, X-Men, Spider-Man, and the Fantastic Four — they’re the four cornerstones of the Marvel Universe. And yet, while the other three have had box-office bonanzas and Oscar buzz (Logan, No Way Home, Endgame), the FF have been… stuck.
Maybe now, with Marvel Studios finally at the helm, Marvel’s First Family can get the mainstream love it’s always deserved.
