Josh Friedman has been brought in to do a rewrite for Marvel Studios’ Fantastic Four movie. This comes after Jeff Kaplan and Ian Springer previously were tasked at writing the script for the film. Friedman recently helped with the script for Avatar 2. He also developed Snowpiercer as a TNT series.
Friedman comes on after Matt Shakman was brought on to helm this film. He previously was the key director behind WandaVision, the Marvel Studios series that aired on Disney+. Fantastic Four is expected to arrive in theaters on February 14, 2025.
Bringing in Friedman to rewrite the script for Fantastic Four could be an indicator of a change of direction for the film. Both Kaplan and Springer are known for the comedic scripts, rather than blockbuster films. Friedman has worked on the aforementioned Avatar 2 and also other big movies like War of the Worlds, which he co-wrote. He also was the writer-creator of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, a TV series. Two decades later he returned to the franchise to help write 2019’s Terminator: Dark Fate.
The Fantastic Four is the first superhero team created by artist/co-plotter Jack Kirbyand editor/co-scripter Stan Lee. The debuted in The Fantastic Four # 1 in November 1961. It is about four astronauts who gain superpowers after cosmic radiation exposure. They must then use their powers to oppose their enemy, Doctor Victor Von Doom. The group is led by Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic, a scientific genius of the group. He can stretch his body into incredible lengths and shapes. He is joined by his girlfriend and later wife Susan “Sue” Storm-Richards/Invisible Woman, who has the power of being able to make herself invisible and also project invisible force fields and blasts. Her younger brother is Johnny Storm/The Human Torch. He can create flames, fly, and surround himself with his flames. Finally Ben Grimm/Thing is Richards college roommate and friend. He has superhuman strength, durability, and endurance due to stone like flesh. He also happens to be a former college football star and pilot.
At this time, it isn’t known how close to the original story Friedman and Shakman’s story will be. Presumably more about their approach to this story will be released as the movie gets closer to its release date. It isn’t known when exactly this film will go into production, but the end goal release date is February 14, 2025. It is also known that it will kick off Phase 6 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
What do you think about Josh Friedman joining the Fantastic Four production team as the writer? Are you excited about this film? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
