What’s Next for Director Matt Shakman After Leaving The Fantastic Four Sequel?

Director Matt Shakman, known for his work on The Fantastic Four: First Steps, will not be returning for the sequel. Instead, he is set to direct a new installment in The Planet of the Apes franchise. This shift comes amid scheduling conflicts and the evolving Marvel film slate. Shakman's impressive career includes directing acclaimed series like WandaVision and Game of Thrones. As he embarks on this new project, fans are eager to see how he will shape the future of the beloved Planet of the Apes series. Read on for more details about his upcoming endeavors and the impact on the Marvel universe.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 10, 2026, 21:21 IST

Matt Shakman Takes the Helm of a New Planet of the Apes Film

Earlier this month, it was announced that director Matt Shakman will direct a new chapter in the The Planet of the Apes franchise for 20th Century Studios. Shakman previously found success with The Fantastic Four: First Steps, which became the highest-grossing film in the Fantastic Four series by adopting a retro-futuristic style. The film featured actors like Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn in key roles. However, recent reports suggest that Shakman will not be returning for the sequel and will instead focus on a different franchise.

Shakman Steps Away from The Fantastic Four Sequel

Matt Shakman won't be back for The Fantastic Four sequel

During an episode of The Hot Mic podcast, insider Jeff Sneider revealed that Matt Shakman will not reprise his role for the Fantastic Four sequel. Several factors, including potential scheduling conflicts, may have contributed to this decision. The sequel's production timeline is uncertain, and Shakman has already committed to another project. Marvel's upcoming film slate includes Spider-Man: Brand New Day in July, Avengers: Doomsday in December, and Avengers: Secret Wars, scheduled for December 17, 2027.

Shakman seems to be moving on for the time being, and there is no official word on when the Fantastic Four sequel will begin production. Following the impressive global earnings of First Steps, which grossed $521.9 million, a sequel was greenlit. The characters Reed Richards (Pascal), Sue Storm (Kirby), Ben Grimm (Moss-Bachrach), and Johnny Storm (Quinn) are also set to appear in future Avengers films, where they will have significant roles. Marvel Studios is likely aiming to manage the exposure of these characters in upcoming releases.

Details on Shakman's Upcoming Planet of the Apes Film

More about Matt Shakman's The Planet of the Apes film

Shakman is collaborating with screenwriter Josh Friedman on the new The Planet of the Apes film. Friedman, who also wrote the screenplay for First Steps and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, which is set to debut in 2024, is part of this exciting project. Shakman will also take on the role of producer alongside Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver. This new installment will continue to delve into the ongoing conflict between intelligent apes and humans.

A Look at Matt Shakman's Acclaimed Career

Matt Shakman's filmography

Shakman has directed several notable television series in recent years, including Succession, The Good Wife, Game of Thrones, The Boys, and Monarch: Legacy of Monsters. He also helmed the critically acclaimed Marvel series WandaVision, featuring Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany. Additionally, he has directed episodes of the upcoming Apple TV series Wild Things, starring Jude Law and Andrew Garfield as the famous magicians Siegfried & Roy.