Almost every part of Josh Trank's upcoming "Fantastic Four" reboot has been the subject of controversy at some point. The casting of Michael B. Jordan as Johnny Storm/The Human Torch, the updates to the story, the serious tone, the lack of marketing. And, of course, the costumes, which look nothing like what you'd expect from the Fantastic Four.
Empire recently published an exclusive new look at all four members of Marvel's First Family- Reed Richards (played by Miles Teller), Johnny Storm (Jordan), Sue Storm (played by Kate Mara) and Ben Grimm (played by Jamie Bell). And all of them, without a doubt, look incredibly scowly and serious. This is on purpose- Empire also has a quote from Josh Trank, who admits that he's purposely trying to make the franchise less "cartoonish."
Trank also talks in further detail about the series, saying
"There's the opportunity to make something that is challenging and tragic and dramatic. The director continues: "the opportunity is right there in the material. We'd rather steer it in that direction as opposed to just embracing a tone that comes right off the page."
However, "Fantastic Four" might not be as serious as you think, as Trank also describes it as a "dark Amblin" movie." Which is followed up by writer/producer Simon Kinberg (via ScreenRant): "there was an Amblin-style approach to the characterisation, and to contextualising everything in a real world."
And as you've seen in most Amblin movies (like, say "E.T.," "Gremlins," "The Goonies" or "Back to the Future"), then you know there not the most serious movies around. Trank also called his "Fantastic Four" reboot "grounded" in an interview with IGN.
But could the film be too serious? It's always a possibility- and though some super-serious superheroes like the "Dark Knight" franchise were well-received, that doesn't mean all of them are. "Fantastic Four" hits theaters on August 7, 2015- we'll find out then.
Join the Conversation