Marvel's first family is facing an uncertain future at the cinemas. Comicbook.com is reporting that Fox has just removed Fantastic Four 2 from its June 9, 2017 release window; following its predecessor's critical and commercial shellacking at this summer's box office.
The Josh Trank directed reboot featured a promising cast fronted by rising Hollywood stars Miles Teller, Kate Mara, Michael B. Jordan, and Jaime Bell. Despite the production's strong pedigree, the film was savaged by critics, earning a dismal 10% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The Marvel name didn't do much to boost its fortunes at the box office either. Fantastic Four opened to just $25 million in the United States - one of the lowest ever hauls for a superhero film. To date, the movie, which cost an estimated $120 million to make, has only made $167 million worldwide.
Following the film's abysmal release, Trank fired shots at the studio, blaming their constant meddling for its poor performance.
"A Year Ago I had a fantastic version of this. And it would've received great reviews. You'll probably never see it. That's reality though." Said the director on Twitter back in August.
Marvel godfather Stan Lee also chimed in, telling Ora.tv in September that he wasn't approached at all for consultation on the story.
Despite the unfavorable reception, Fox distribution chief Chris Aronson told The Hollywood Reporter that the sequel was still on the table.
"While we're disappointed, we remain committed to these characters and we have a lot to look forward to in our Marvel universe." Was his response then.
With the franchise's future on hold, many are wondering what Fox might choose to do with the characters.
The popular consensus among fans is for the studio to return the movie rights to Marvel Studios in a deal similar to what Sony Pictures brokered for Spider-Man.
