Hi everyone, I’ve just read an article on Bleedingcool.com claiming that 20th Century Fox studios are looking to replace Josh Trank (Chronicle) as the director of their upcoming ‘Fantastic Four’ reboot.
They also report that the studio is also seeking a replacement screenwriter to rewrite the current screenplay by Simon Kinberg (X-Men: DOFP, This Means War, Sherlock Holmes).
However it doesn’t stop there as they also report that the studio also has issues with the casting so presumably this can only be the casting of the four leads as no other casting has yet been announced for the film.
Now Bleeding Cool have said that this all comes from a very well connected source that they have within 20th Century Fox and although Screencrush.com has reported that high level Fox execs are denying this.
They remain confident in their source and reiterate that Fox have been approaching other directors in relation to ‘Fantastic Four’.
Though they are confident in their source, I can only advise to take this with a pinch of salt as at present no other evidence has been presented by Screencrush to defend their sources claims.
However, in my personal opinion, I choose to believe them on this as after over ten years of following film development including the development of the Bryan Singer directed X-Men movies.
I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if production was delayed on ‘Fantastic Four’ as the director, screenwriter, and cast had all been changed.
This reboot has been controversial among fans because of its choice of director but more so because of its casting choices and the rumoured plot of the script which if true would be a radical departure from the source material.
Now in the minds of Fox exec’s, they have a lot riding on this reboot of the ‘Fantastic Four’ as they need it to be successful after the critical and fan hatred of their last two efforts coupled with the facts that they are not only looking for a successful new franchise but also one that can be used as part of a shared universe of the Marvel properties they own.
This reboot is crucial to their future Marvel plans and in particular trying to compete with Marvel Studios cinematic output so if the fans are not behind this reboot and let’s not forget that they are the key market for Marvel Studios and a crucial part of their movies’ success, then the Fox execs are certain to be re-evaluating their decisions.
Whether or not this means that they’re going back to the drawing board with only six months before production due to start remains to be seen as though it is not unheard of in Hollywood, it is still a highly risky move with such a big budget feature.
Now what do you think everyone, do you believe that Fox are planning to start over with ‘Fantastic Four’ or do you feel that it’s just wishful thinking and nothing more than speculation?
Comment here on the blog or on the facebook, twitter, or tumblr pages and let me know.
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