The Fantastic Four: A Very Different First Look

The Lengthy Debate Over Marvel Movies

One of the most common criticisms of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is the length of its films. While the franchise has consistently delivered high-quality storytelling and action-packed sequences, many viewers find that the movies often feel unnecessarily long. Even without considering the extended runtimes of the Avengers films, it's difficult to justify why a movie like Eternals required over 150 minutes to tell its story. If every MCU film were more akin to The Marvels, which clocks in around 100 minutes, it might address many of the franchise’s issues.

However, this perspective was challenged by the release of The Fantastic Four: First Steps. This film faced a unique challenge: it had to introduce not only a new superhero team but also an entirely new universe, Earth-828. Despite having just 1 hour and 55 minutes to accomplish these tasks, the movie left many viewers feeling that it could have benefited from a longer runtime. What was cut from the final version highlights the difficulty of condensing such a complex narrative into a shorter timeframe.

What Was Cut From Fantastic Four?

The decision to shorten the film did not go unnoticed. Director Matt Shakman revealed in an interview with Variety that Red Ghost, played by John Malkovich, was completely removed from the final cut. Fans who saw the trailer were disappointed when the character did not appear in the actual movie. Shakman expressed his regret, stating that there were many elements that had to be cut due to the need to balance the story. “There was a lot of stuff to balance in this movie, and some things had to go,” he said. “It's heartbreaking not to have him in the final movie.”

Other scenes were also left out for pacing reasons. At San Diego Comic-Con 2024, fans were shown proof-of-concept clips that included Reed Richards hosting his science show and giving a tour of the Baxter Building, as well as Ben Grimm appearing on a version of The Dating Game set in Earth-828. These scenes, while intriguing, did not make it into the final cut.

A Truncated Narrative

Even the content that made it into the final film felt rushed. Ben Grimm’s romantic subplot with Rachel Rozman, played by Natasha Lyonne, was introduced but never fully developed. Their relationship began with a brief introduction at a school event, followed by a fleeting moment where Ben watches her on the street. The plot then jumps to the end of the world, with Ben visiting her in a synagogue. This abrupt transition left many viewers unsatisfied.

Additionally, the Subterranea evacuation plan was only briefly mentioned through a single line in a previous montage. This lack of development made the plot feel incomplete, especially given the complexity of the world being introduced.

No Director’s Cut?

Despite the missing elements, director Matt Shakman defended his final cut. “By the time you end up cutting it, you're doing it for a reason,” he told Collider. “You're looking at the larger picture, and you're able to make those cuts because they make sense and ultimately, it's for the greater good.” However, with so much of what could have been seen in early previews, it's hard not to wonder how different the film might have been if more time had been allowed.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is now playing in theaters, offering a glimpse into a new era of Marvel storytelling. While the film may have felt rushed to some, it also sets the stage for future adventures in Earth-828. As the MCU continues to evolve, the debate over film length and storytelling will likely remain a topic of discussion among fans and critics alike.