Why Jon Watts Exited the Fantastic Four Reboot for Marvel

With The Fantastic Four: First Steps approaching its summer release, the Marvel Cinematic Universe movie’s original director, Jon Watts, opened up about the reasons behind his departure from the project. After successfully creating the world of WandaVision, Matt Shakman is now rebooting Marvel’s First Family for the MCU timeline with the upcoming film, which will launch Phase 6 this summer.

The journey to this moment has been anything but straightforward. Originally, Jon Watts, known for directing Tom Holland’s Spider-Man trilogy, was set to helm this long-awaited reboot. However, he exited the film in April 2022, allowing Shakman to step in later that same year.

In a candid discussion during a panel at the Mediterrane Film Festival, moderated by Collider’s Steven Weintraub, Watts reflected on his reasons for stepping down. After navigating the challenges of filming Spider-Man: No Way Home amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, he realized he wasn’t the right fit to bring the Fantastic Four back to the big screen. He summarized his experience, saying:

“The emotional strain of having to go through all of those COVID protocols while also trying to make something creative… I was like, ‘I am out of gas.’ The COVID layer on top of making a giant movie, I knew I didn’t have what it took to make that movie great.”

Watts described the meticulous challenges of post-production, where international supply chain disruptions added another layer of difficulty. Ultimately, he felt it was better to step aside than risk compromising the film’s quality. “If you can’t do it at the level you need to for it to be great, then it’s better to not do it,” he stated.

Despite his exit, Watts expressed excitement for what’s to come, remarking, “I can’t wait to see it, though, I’m very excited to see it.” When asked if any of his original concepts made it into The Fantastic Four: First Steps, he shared that while he may not know the specifics, he believes the core elements of the story remain intact.

“I think it’s pretty close to what we had initially come up with. The main villain, the broad strokes… It’s going to be a totally surreal experience for me to go and watch that movie.”

Underpinning Jon Watts’ Exit: Implications for the MCU

Watts’ candidness highlights the immense pressure directors face in the current cinematic climate, especially post-COVID. Many can relate to his feelings of exhaustion after working on No Way Home—a massive undertaking during unprecedented times. To pivot towards reinventing Marvel’s First Family requires not only creativity but also emotional resilience.

His self-awareness showcases the importance of recognizing when one is not in a position to deliver the high standards audiences expect. This allowed Shakman to pick up the mantle for these beloved characters, and the shift could lead to a fresh perspective on the franchise.

The silver lining of Watts stepping away is the opportunity for him to tackle future Marvel properties once re-energized. With a new vision, he may provide an even richer storytelling experience in potential collaborations with Marvel Studios down the line.

The Significance of Watts’ Departure

Watts’ honesty about why he left The Fantastic Four: First Steps is commendable. It’s a human quality to admit when conditions aren’t conducive to creative success. His enthusiasm for Shakman’s direction demonstrates that the original vision remains alive, albeit in a different form.

As the release date approaches, it will be exciting to see the blend of ideas and innovations between Watts and Shakman. With just a month to go until The Fantastic Four: First Steps hits theaters, fans are eagerly anticipating the introduction of Marvel’s First Family.

Source: THR