Although one can argue that the Marvel cinematic universe is as powerful as it was before 2020, the box office results of Marvel's phase four would tell a different story. Despite initially impressive opening weekends, virtually every movie in phase four's ranks has suffered a catastrophic second-week drop. One could attribute a host of factors to the growing sense of apathy around the MCU, but Marvel's increased reliance on television shows is the most common critique within certain pockets of the fandom. While many of Marvel's Disney Plus shows have garnered copious critical praise, many fans believe the ubiquity of MCU television shows has caused significant burn amongst MCU loyalists.
With the debut of the Fantastic Four serving as a hotly anticipated storyline in Marvel's upcoming phase five, one would believe that the studio would pull out the big guns for the flick. However, Marvel is seemingly looking to lean on their television department once again, as Wandavision's Matt Shakman is in talks to direct the inaugural outing for Marvel's first family.
Initially, Marvel announced that Watts would direct the Fantastic Four reboot in 2020. However, Watts left the project earlier in 2022, claiming he "[needed] a break from the superhero realm" following his successful run of Spider-Man films with Tom Holland. "Making three Spider-Man films was an incredible and life-changing experience for me," Watts said at the time. "I'm eternally grateful to have been a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe for seven years. I'm hopeful we'll work together again, and I can't wait to see the amazing vision for Fantastic Four brought to life."