This is potentially very exciting news for fans of Marvel Studios’ expanded comic-verse. According to reports, Dinsey and Fox are currently in negotiations to strike a deal that will see Marvel reclaim rights to key characters from the FANTASTIC FOUR license. In return, Fox will be granted an extension on the rights to DAREDEVIL, which were set to revert to Marvel this October.
Whilst it doesn’t sound as if the FANTASTIC FOUR itself will return to Marvel, the deal will apparently include important characters such as Silver Surfer, Galactus, and The Watcher. This would a huge coup for Marvel Studios upcoming slate of films – firstly because ‘Phase Two’ is set to go intergalactic with the arrival of Thanos and THE GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, and secondly because Marvel is fast running out of bankable villains.
Whilst some fans would be keen to see Daredevil also return to the Marvel-verse (unlikely according to recent news), there’s little doubt that the F4-related characters will fit the tone of Marvel’s films far better.
The FANTASTIC FOUR itself is still set for the big screen once again, with Fox having reportedly hired CHRONICLE director Josh Trank to take care of reboot duties. Whilst the loss of such key characters may come as a blow for the potential franchise, it’s likely that Doctor Doom will still take the role of lead villain against the F4 (and not be utter shite this time around). It’s possible the F4 may even crossover with X-Men, especially if the studio sets the reboot back in the 1960s (seriously – how perfect would that be?).
Either way, it’s exciting times for comic book fans.
Source: Variety
