If time is any indication, another Fantastic Four franchise premiering in 10 years wouldn’t be surprising. Is it likely? Perhaps not. But the fact that, since 2005, Marvel has released a Fantastic Four film every 10 years is a strange coincidence.
On July 25, Marvel’s first family makes its MCU debut when The Fantastic Four: First Steps is released in theaters. The trailers have made it clear it isn’t simply an origin story, diving into F4 lore in a way no movie has before. In 2015, 20th Century Fox tried its hand at a Fantastic Four film based on the Ultimate Fantastic Four comics. But it was nothing more than a standalone film that became a flop.
But Fox’s first foray with the superhero group was in 2005, when it released Fantastic Four.
The movie celebrates its 20th anniversary this month, originally released in theaters on July 8, 2005. Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans and Michael Chiklis starred in the titular roles and are the actors many associate with their respective characters. After The Fantastic Four: First Steps premieres, that may change. But, for some, the aforementioned group will always be the Fantastic Four. They’re the ones who brought the superpowered characters to life on the big screen first, and they’re the ones who helped pave the way for the new quartet of Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn and Ebon Moss-Bachrach.
Fantastic Four (2005) had its issues — like a simplified, rushed narrative and misogynistic aspects. But even if it wasn’t perfect, the movie still serves as a solid film that introduces the Fantastic Four. Twenty years later, the fun moments and noteworthy elements are worth reminiscing about.
Johnny Storm and Ben Grimm’s Dynamic
The relationship between Chris Evans’s Johnny Storm and Michael Chiklis’s Ben Grimm was a joy to watch when the movie first premiered 20 years ago, and it’s a delight to watch now. Johnny’s confidence, cockiness and annoying little brother vibes complement Ben’s tough, grumpy demeanor so well. Their dynamic is established well early on and benefits from the innate chemistry between Evans and Chiklis. From their banter in the hospital room after the cosmic storm to the shaving cream bit, their moments are some of the best and most memorable in the film.
Johnny is incredibly eager to embrace and utilize his powers after the storm. Meanwhile, Ben wants nothing to do with his new abilities. That contrast lends so well to their love-hate relationship, because it heightens the divide they already have. Ultimately, Johnny and Ben’s relationship ends up being the most fleshed out of any in Fantastic Four (2005).
The Trauma of Ben Grimm Becoming The Thing
The best scene in Fantastic Four (2005), this moment is also the saddest. After the to-be-named Fantastic Four save civilians during the bridge accident, Ben’s fiancée, Debbie is at the site and sees yet again what he has become. Emotional and unaccepting of who Ben is now, Debbie removes her wedding ring. She places it on the ground before fleeing the scene in tears. She doesn’t say a word, and she never gives Ben the chance to explain anything.
Their complicated breakup has become a public event for the world to see. To make matters worse, Ben can’t even pick the ring up himself. His fingers have become too thick and stubby in his rock-like form that he literally cannot grasp the small object. He tries over and over, and it’s heartbreaking. He had no say in the breakup and can’t even accept the physical gesture himself. It’s not until Reed Richards picks the ring up for his friend that Ben gets it back.
That scene speaks volumes about the hardship, turmoil and trauma Ben goes through because of his unwilling physical transformation. It characterizes his grief brilliantly. That moment is also a great catalyst for Reed to work on reversing the storm’s effects.
Julian McMahon as Victor von Doom in Fantastic Four (2005)
The Doctor Doom in Fantastic Four (2005) may not have had the villainous look or power set to satisfy diehard fans of the superhero group. But the late Julian McMahon still delivered a convincing Victor von Doom. His Doom was poised and menacing. He was charismatic enough to make people initially trust him but also sly enough to make people eventually question him. It would’ve been nice if the villain was better incorporated into the plot, but McMahon did well with what he was given as the classic Fantastic Four villain. His Doom served as a proper antithesis for Reed from his first scene, being the rich, renowned, successful scientist that Reed wasn’t.
The Domestic Lifestyle in the Baxter Building
Given how Fantastic Four (2005) is an origin story, it’s fair that the group doesn’t quite live up to the moniker of “Marvel’s first family.” But the 20-year-old movie offers glimpses at the family the four heroes will become.
From sharing living spaces to eating breakfast together, the Fantastic Four turn the Baxter Building into more than just the place where Reed lives and (over)works. It’s where each person learns about the extent of their powers — like Johnny learning that achieving supernova is bad. It’s where Reed and Sue Storm go from exes on bad terms to reconciled friends (and eventually more). It’s where Ben can’t take a nap without Johnny playing tricks on him.
The montage of them all just living together and getting used to being in each other’s space feels true to the early 2000s it’s set in. As cool as it is to see heroes in action, just seeing them as people is nice. That’s what makes them relatable to audiences.
Fantastic Four (2005) is available to stream on Disney+.
