The rumor mill has birthed several reports about the highly-anticipated Fantastic Four reboot in the MCU. Several sources have pushed out conflicting casting details and premise overviews. Which actors will ultimately be shortlisted to play Reed Richards and the rest of the team remains shrouded under the veil of mystery.

Fantastic Four in Marvel Comics
However, one purported claim regarding the endeavor has always suggested that the film’s backdrop will be in the 60s. According to a recent report, the upcoming reboot may draw thematic similarities to Captain America: The First Avenger, Chris Evans’ 2011 endeavor. This has left many fans wondering: Is Marvel Studios attempting to replicate its past success? Let’s find out.

MCU’s Fantastic Four May Emulate $370M Chris Evans Movie

Captain America: The First Avenger
Captain America: The First Avenger was set in 1942 America. Similar to how Steve Rogers subsequently became a man out of his time, the upcoming Fantastic Four may mimic a similar vibe. It may potentially showcase the famous quartet against the backdrop of a historical setting, specifically in the 1960s. Later, they will find their way into the present day. Sounds similar, doesn’t it?

This rumor has gained momentum yet again after Beyond The Trailer mentioned having heard the possibility of it happening. Following is what was said:
“I heard it’s going to be in the 1960s and then they find themselves out of time. It’s a little bit like Captain America. They’re going to be out of time as well. While Captain America comes from 1940s America, they will come from 1960s America.”
The upcoming MCU endeavor may have similarities to another film
If the period piece setting turns out to be factual, then we’d be witnessing a narrative structure that has already taken precedence in MCU’s history. Regarding the reboot, Kevin Feige previously stated that the studio intends to provide something unique to the audience. This suggested that the film would veer off course from going in-depth with the quartet’s origin story.

The Fantastic Four made their comic book debut in the 1960s. Keeping that in mind, the decision to base the narrative around 1960s America doesn’t seem too far-fetched. It’d be intriguing to see how the plot unfolds.

However, relying on a trope that has been used time and again in the superhero genre doesn’t seem to justify Feige’s promise of offering the fans something fresh. Perhaps this is Marvel Studios’ only chance to regain its lost glory. Given the lackluster nature of its recent endeavors, the franchise needs something to revitalize it. Whether or not Fantastic Four will be the studio’s saving grace remains to be seen. Only time will tell.

Who Will Play MCU’s Reed Richards?

Who will embody Mister Fantastic?
As per Beyond The Trailer, the shortlisted candidates for the role of MCU’s Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic are the same names that many insiders and scoopers have consistently vouched for. Adam Driver, Matt Smith, and Dev Patel seem to be in the race. Just a few weeks back, back-and-forth reports have alluded to Driver’s purported non-participation and uninterest in the role.

Matt Smith‘s involvement seems murky as well. The actor’s representatives initially denied his connection to the project. Later on, they outright declined to comment on the matter. According to some other claims, Dev Patel might be a front-runner to play Reed Richard. Alas, no official confirmations have yet been given on the matter.
Which actor will be the final pick?
Speculations and rumors tend to spread quickly and wildly. While they may generate excitement and anticipation among fans, they can also lead to disappointment if the outcome doesn’t align with what was originally anticipated. Regardless, the possibilities are endless.

With the ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, it remains uncertain whether or not Fantastic Four‘s casting and production details will be confirmed any time soon.

Source: Beyond The Trailer