In this post, we’ll break it all down in clear language. Whether you’re a curious 5th grader or someone new to Marvel, we’ll make it simple. And we’ll answer some popular questions like What is Fantastic Four based on, Was Fantastic Four a Marvel movie, and How many Fantastic Four films are there. Let’s get started.
What is Fantastic Four Based On?
Fantastic Four is based on a Marvel comic book series that was first published in 1961, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. The story is about four people who go into space, get hit by cosmic rays, and come back with superpowers.
Reed Richards becomes Mr. Fantastic, who can stretch his body like rubber.
Sue Storm becomes the Invisible Woman, who can turn invisible and make force fields.
Johnny Storm becomes the Human Torch, who can light himself on fire and fly.
Ben Grimm becomes The Thing, a rock-like super strong hero.
The story was made up. Nobody got powers from space in real life. But it was inspired by the space race of the 1960s, when the U.S. and the Soviet Union were trying to reach the moon. People were excited about space, and the comic used that feeling to make something fun and adventurous.
Is Fantastic 4 an Actual Family?
No, they are not a real family in real life. But in the story, they are like a superhero family.
Reed and Sue are married.
Johnny is Sue’s younger brother.
Ben is Reed’s best friend from college.
So even though they’re not all related by blood, they act like a real family—full of love, fighting, teamwork, and drama.
How Many Fantastic 4 Films Are There?
There have been four main Fantastic Four movies so far:
The Fantastic Four (1994) – Never released in theaters. It was super low-budget and only made to keep the movie rights.
Fantastic Four (2005) – Big-budget Hollywood movie starring Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans, and Michael Chiklis.
Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007) – A sequel to the 2005 movie.
Fantastic Four (2015) – A reboot with a younger cast. It didn’t do very well at the box office.
And now, there’s a brand new Fantastic Four movie coming in 2025. Let’s talk about that next.
Is There a New Fantastic 4 Movie Coming Out?
Yes! A brand-new Fantastic Four movie is coming out on July 25, 2025. It’s called:
The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Here are some cool facts about it:
Director: Matt Shakman
Writers: Josh Friedman and Eric Pearson
Producer: Kevin Feige
Music: Michael Giacchino
Studio: Walt Disney Studios
Part of: Marvel Cinematic Universe Phase Six
Setting: A retro-futuristic world inspired by the 1960s
Filming: Took place in England and Spain
Technology Used: IMAX format, practical effects, and stunning visual work by ILM and other top studios
Cast:
Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards
Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm
Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm
Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm
Ralph Ineson as Galactus
Julia Garner as Silver Surfer
Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom (post-credits scene)
Will Fantastic 4 Be an Origin Story?
Yes, the 2025 movie will be an origin story, but with a twist. It’s not the same story we’ve already seen in the 2005 or 2015 versions. This time, Marvel is placing the team in a parallel Earth, with 1960s retro-futuristic vibes. So even though they get their powers in space, the world around them will look and feel different.
We also get to see them face Galactus, a giant space villain who eats planets, and Silver Surfer, his mysterious helper. These are classic Marvel characters with tons of history.
What Happened to 1994 Fantastic Four?
The 1994 version of Fantastic Four is like a ghost movie. It was never meant to be seen by the public. It was only made so that the company could keep the rights to the characters. The budget was tiny, the effects were cheesy, and the cast had no idea the movie wouldn’t be released.
Years later, fans found bootleg copies and started watching it online. Now it’s like a secret treasure in the superhero fan world—so bad, it’s kinda fun.
Was Fantastic Four a Marvel Movie?
Yes, Fantastic Four has always been part of Marvel Comics. But for many years, the movie rights were owned by 20th Century Fox, not Marvel Studios. That’s why Iron Man and the Avengers were in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), but the Fantastic Four weren’t.
Now that Disney owns Fox, Fantastic Four is officially in the MCU. The 2025 movie will be their first real MCU appearance.
Is Fantastic Four (2015) Hit or Flop?
The 2015 reboot was a flop. Here’s why:
It made about $168 million worldwide, but cost $155 million to make, not counting marketing.
Fans and critics both hated the story and characters.
The director, Josh Trank, had creative disagreements with the studio.
The film was dark, slow, and not fun like a superhero movie should be.
So yes, the 2015 version did not succeed.
Where to Learn More: Is the Story True?
If you’re ever wondering Is story true or need to find story facts, you can check out Istruestory for answers to all your questions. Whether it’s superheroes, movies, or real events, they cover what’s real and what’s not.
What Makes This New Fantastic Four Special?
The upcoming movie isn’t just another version. It’s the start of something big in the Marvel world:
First movie in Phase Six of the MCU
Set in a new world that connects to the multiverse
Features Galactus and Silver Surfer, two of the most powerful characters in Marvel history
Introduces the team to future Avengers crossovers
Marvel fans have been waiting a long time for the Fantastic Four to get the spotlight they deserve. And this time, it looks like Marvel is doing it right.

I am Jeremy Jahns – Your Cinematic Explorer
Immerse in movie reviews, Hollywood insights, and behind-the-scenes stories.