A batch of Fantastic Four rumors are gaining traction on various social media platforms that include Steven Spielberg, Penn Badgley, and even Supergirl actress Melissa Benoist.
Fantastic Four is in development for the MCU but recently lost director Jon Watts and the flick doesn’t even have a release date, so take these with a grain of salt (I find it hard to believe Benoist would be up to play Sue Storm).
Related: Doctor Doom concept art leaks.
Fantastic Four Steven Spielberg rumors
Regarding Steven Spielberg, it has been claimed that Marvel approached the legendary director for Fantastic Four, but it doesn’t look to be happening as writers for Variety and Vulture shoot the Fantastic Four Steven Spielberg rumors down.
“Shocking news, everyone: I’ve heard the wildly implausible rumor that Steven Spielberg is directing the Marvel Studios reboot of Fantastic 4 is absolutely not true. Sorry!” tweeted Adam B. Vary.
“Ok I’m not in the scoop game anymore, but have heard that Marvel did reach out to Spielberg’s team to gauge interest in directing Fantastic Four, but that’s as far as the ‘discussions’ went presumably because SS has no interest,” tweeted Mike Samson.
Fantastic Four rumors include Penn Badgley
The other batch of rumors comes from 4Chan where it’s claimed the John Krasinski Mr. Fantastic cameo in Doctor Strange 2 is a one-and-done as Krasinksi won’t be coming back.
The info also says Bryce Dallas Howard directing FF is false, which is something Howard also shot down.
Jason Segel is also said to be not playing The Thing, but Penn Badgley (Gossip Girl) is on the top of the list to play Reed Richards, with Simon Baker (The Mentalist) wanted as the villain. Interestingly enough both Badgley and Baker starred together in Margin Call from Kraven the Hunter director J.C. Chandor.
The list also includes Logan Lerman, Freddy Carter, Melissa Benoist, Callan McAuliffe, Natalia Dyer, and Jharrel Jerome:
John Krasinski’s not coming back – Bryce Dallas Howard directing rumor’s false – Jason Segel won’t be playing The Thing – No director attached as of now – They are looking for actors in their 20s – 30s for the main characters – Penn Badgley’s one of the top choices for Reed – Simon Baker’s wanted for the villain – Other names thrown around for the F4 are: Logan Lerman, Freddy Carter, Melissa Benoist, Callan McAuliffe, Natalia Dyer and Jharrel Jerome – No offer has been sent out to any actor yet – Casting started a couple months ago and should be announced at D23
Marvel Studios will be at the San Diego Comic-Con next week, so maybe we’ll find out more about FF, and as noted, the D23 takes place in September.
