Fantastic Four (2005)
- Many of the practical effects used in the climax were achieved without any CGI.
- Eagle-eyed viewers have noticed a hidden easter egg referencing Tim Story's previous film in the background of the opening scene.
- Tim Story originally wanted a completely different ending for the film, but test audiences preferred the one we see today.
Fantastic Four is a 2005 American superhero film directed by Tim Story, based on Marvel's first family of superheroes. The film follows five astronauts โ scientist Reed Richards played by Ioan Gruffudd, his ex-girlfriend Sue Storm played by Jessica Alba, her hot-headed brother Johnny Storm played by Chris Evans, pilot Ben Grimm played by Michael Chiklis, and industrialist Victor Von Doom played by Julian McMahon โ who are exposed to a cosmic storm that gives them extraordinary abilities. Reed can stretch his body, Sue can turn invisible and project force fields, Johnny can engulf himself in flames and fly, and Ben is transformed into the rock-skinned Thing.
Fantastic Four took a lighter, more comedic approach to superhero filmmaking than the X-Men and Spider-Man films dominating the genre, emphasizing the family dynamics and bickering relationships between the characters. Chris Evans's charismatic, scene-stealing performance as the cocky Human Torch foreshadowed his later success as Captain America. Michael Chiklis's Thing, achieved through extensive prosthetic makeup rather than CGI, brought genuine pathos to Ben Grimm's struggle with his monstrous transformation.
The film earned $330 million worldwide on a $100 million budget, a solid commercial performance that warranted a sequel.
