Matt Shakman Believes Removed Scenes from 'Fantastic Four' Were Necessary for 'Superior Outcome'
The much-anticipated Marvel film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, has recently graced the silver screen. Director Matt Shakman, in an interview, mentioned that the film was released as he wanted it to be, with no interference from executives, a rarity in the Marvel universe [1].
However, the film had a longer cut initially, with extensive backstory sequences and more screen time for certain characters and villains [2]. Shakman admitted that some scenes from the trailers, such as those featuring John Malkovich as Red Ghost, did not make it to the final cut. Malkovich, the founder of Steppenwolf Theater Company, was meant to play the Fantastic Four's longtime rival, but his role was cut due to the movie already having a multitude of elements, including a world-eating villain, a surfing harbinger, legacy cameos, a tangle with Mole Man, and a superpowered baby [3].
The absence of Red Ghost and the streamlining of the narrative were done to maintain pacing and focus on the present-day story, particularly around the key plot point of the pregnancy that shifts the story's direction. Shakman explained that while these deleted scenes were wonderful and added texture to the characters and world, they did not serve the best possible narrative flow for the final cut. The edits aimed at delivering a tighter, more streamlined story rather than overwhelming the audience with too much material [1][2][3].
Despite the loss of Malkovich's performance as Red Ghost, Shakman lamented his absence, stating that Malkovich is one of his favorite humans and a major inspiration. The film, clocking in at a little under two hours, includes elements of Marvel's First Family and introduces new cataclysmic threats such as the Silver Surfer and Galactus.
Online fans have speculated that the film is missing at least 30 minutes of content, with scenes featuring a tour of the Baxter Building, Reed Richards' "Mr. Fantastic Show," and Ben Grimm participating in a dating game. These scenes, although cut, would have added more character-building moments to the film [2].
As for upcoming releases, the Marvel universe is set to expand with new installments of Star Wars, Star Trek, DC Universe, Doctor Who, and more. The Fantastic Four: First Steps is currently playing in theaters, offering audiences a concise, focused, and action-packed Marvel adventure.
[1] The Direct
[2] ComicBook.com
[3] ScreenRant
- The movie website io9 and technology blog Gizmodo have discussed the forthcoming advancements in entertainment and technology, highlighting upcoming releases like Star Wars, Star Trek, and the DC Universe, with The Fantastic Four: First Steps adding to the list of movies-and-tv content for viewers to enjoy.
- In an interview with The Direct, director Matt Shakman discussed the initial cut of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, which included extended backstory sequences and more screen time for certain characters, including Red Ghost played by John Malkovich.
- Thelead actor John Malkovich's character, Red Ghost, did not make it to the final cut of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, due to the movie already featuring a multitude of elements, and his absence was regretted by Shakman, who considers Malkovich as one of his favorite humans and a significant inspiration.
