The Fantastic Four: First Steps has finally landed in theaters, and it marks a turning point for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It’s also a turning point in the career of director Matt Shakman. He’s become Marvel Studios’ go-to-guy for nostalgic takes on superheroes. Shakman wrote every episode of the groundbreaking Disney+ series, WandaVision, which explored explored the relationship of Scarlet Witch and Vision through the lens of a 1950s family sitcom. It was Shakman who realized that many of the same sensibilities were needed when tackling the Fantastic Four, with an emphasis on the “family” aspect of the close-knit team.
I had the pleasure talking with Matt Shakman about The Fantastic Four: First Steps, and what a blast this was. We talked about his reaction when first learning that he got the job, but also any hesitation about centering their story in a 1960s retro-future version of Earth. Shakman revealed some of his comic book influences in developing the film, and also the challenge of bringing in two heavy-hitter characters in Silver Surfer and Galactus to the MCU.
All of this and a lot more. Shakman is a great interview, and I hope you’ll check it out! The Fantastic Four: First Steps is in theaters now.
