Marvel fans worldwide are familiar with the common refrain: nothing is ever predictable in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). From spectacular plot twists to mind-blowing character introductions, the MCU constantly keeps its fans on their toes. One such unexpected curveball generating quite a buzz is the potential arrival of the ‘New Fantastic Four,’ a unique spin on the classic superhero team.
The Origin: Marvel’s First Family
Before diving into the latest developments, let’s rewind a bit. The Fantastic Four, often called Marvel’s First Family, have been stalwarts of the Marvel Universe since their comic debut in 1961. The original quartet consisted of Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic), Sue Storm (Invisible Woman), Johnny Storm (The Human Torch), and Ben Grimm (The Thing).
“When most Marvel fans hear ‘The Fantastic Four,’ they will understandably picture Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic), Sue Storm (Invisible Woman), Johnny Storm (The Human Torch), and Ben Grimm (The Thing) defending New York City in the classic comics.”
Yet, it seems that these iconic characters may not be the ones stepping into the MCU spotlight—at least, not yet.
The Anticipated Debut: An Unconventional Team-Up
Although fans eagerly await the debut of the original Fantastic Four, the MCU has other plans. A deep dive into Marvel’s comic book lore reveals an intriguing alternative: at one point, Spider-Man, Wolverine, Ghost Rider, and the Incredible Hulk joined forces to form a unique variation of the Fantastic Four. This motley crew called the ‘New Fantastic Four,’ made for a vibrant and entertaining twist in Marvel’s early years. So popular was this combination that it even scored a reboot series in 2022.
“Without going into the depths of comic book lore, there was a time when Spider-Man, Wolverine, Ghost Rider, and the Incredible Hulk joined forces to be ‘The New Fantastic Four.’ Undoubtedly a mixed bag of a superhero team, this colorful cast of characters made for an entertaining entry in Marvel’s early years.”
Intriguingly, three of these four heroes have already been woven into the MCU’s fabric.
The Exciting Potential: Who’s On Board?
As the MCU expands, it has absorbed various characters from Marvel’s vast roster, creating a rich and diverse universe. Among these characters are three of the ‘New Fantastic Four’: Spider-Man, Wolverine, and the Hulk. Tom Holland and Mark Ruffalo, who play Spider-Man and the Hulk, respectively, are still active in the MCU, and the legendary Hugh Jackman is set to return as Wolverine in Deadpool 3.
“With Tom Holland and Mark Ruffalo reprising their roles as Spider-Man and the Hulk (the variant that appears in the comics), and Hugh Jackman set to return as Wolverine for Deadpool 3, the pieces are certainly there.”
Only Ghost Rider, whose character is yet to be established in the current MCU narrative, remains uncertain.
Could the ‘New Fantastic Four’ Work in the MCU?
The introduction of the ‘New Fantastic Four’ presents an exciting opportunity for MCU. Although the team composition deviates from the original, their unique personalities and powers could create a dynamic and captivating storyline. They could feature in a spinoff series or an episode of Marvel’s popular ‘What If..?’ series.
There are potential roadblocks, of course. Holland has reportedly taken a break from his Spider-Man role, and the absence of Ghost Rider remains a sticking point. However, these hurdles are far from impossible, especially considering the creative agility that MCU has displayed over the years.
“Of course, this is all wishful thinking, as Holland has reportedly taken a break from Spider-Man and the MCU has yet to see its Johnny Blaze for Ghost Rider, but it would be an impressive feat for the series.”
Indeed, the prospect of this unique team-up could be enough to tide over the eager fanbase until the MCU manages to negotiate a faithful adaptation of the original Fantastic Four.
Final Thoughts: A Game-Changing Move
In an ever-evolving multiverse like the MCU, change is the only constant. As we look forward to new plotlines, introducing the ‘New Fantastic Four’ could serve as a groundbreaking twist in the narrative. While the absence of the original team is a notable void, the assembly of Spider-Man, Wolverine, the Hulk, and potentially Ghost Rider could herald an intriguing new chapter in the MCU’s history.
After all, MCU is renowned for its remarkable crossovers and unexpected team-ups. Whether it’s the assembling of the Avengers or the surprise partnerships in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy,’ Marvel has always excelled in bringing together diverse characters for shared missions. In this light, the formation of the ‘New Fantastic Four’ is a possibility that fits seamlessly into the Marvel narrative.
The MCU may not have introduced the traditional Fantastic Four as swiftly as fans might have liked. Still, the potential arrival of the alternative ‘New Fantastic Four’ might be an even more thrilling prospect. As always, the ever-expanding multiverse is full of surprises, and fans can’t wait to see what’s next. Regardless of who constitutes the Fantastic Four in the MCU, one thing’s for sure: it will be a thrilling ride.
