Matt Shakman Shifts Focus from Fantastic Four to Planet of the Apes
Matt Shakman Takes on New Project
Recently, it was revealed that director Matt Shakman will helm a new installment in the The Planet of the Apes series for 20th Century Studios. Last year, he directed The Fantastic Four: First Steps, which became the highest-grossing film in the Fantastic Four franchise, taking a retro-futuristic approach. The film featured actors Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn in the roles of Mister Fantastic, Invisible Woman, The Thing, and Human Torch, respectively. However, a recent update indicates that Shakman will not return for the sequel and is instead pursuing a different franchise.
No Return for 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 disclosed that Matt Shakman will not be directing the sequel to The Fantastic Four. Various factors, including scheduling conflicts, may have influenced Shakman's choice. The sequel is expected to take a while before production begins, and Shakman has already committed to his next project. Currently, Marvel's upcoming film slate includes Spider-Man: Brand New Day set for July, Avengers: Doomsday in December, and Avengers: Secret Wars scheduled for December 17, 2027.
Shakman appears to be moving on for the time being, and there is no official word on when the Fantastic Four sequel will commence. Following the success of First Steps, which earned $521.9 million worldwide, a sequel was greenlit. The characters Reed Richards (Pascal), Sue Storm (Kirby), Ben Grimm (Moss-Bachrach), and Johnny Storm (Quinn) are also set to return in the upcoming Avengers films, where they will play significant roles. Marvel Studios likely aims to avoid overexposure of these characters in future features.
Details on Matt Shakman's New 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 project. Friedman, who also penned the script for First Steps, contributed to Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, which is set to release in 2024. In addition to directing, Shakman will serve as a producer alongside Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver. The franchise continues to explore the conflict between intelligent primates and humans.
Matt Shakman's Notable Works
Matt Shakman's filmography
Shakman has directed several acclaimed television series, including Succession, The Good Wife, Game of Thrones, The Boys, and Monarch: Legacy of Monsters. He also directed the highly popular 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 magicians Siegfried & Roy.