Imagine this: a blockbuster superhero team debuting on the big screen, only to be hammered by critics despite winning over audiences everywhere. That's the story of the 2005 Fantastic Four film—and it's a tale that still sparks debate today. But here's where it gets controversial: one of the original stars is now claiming the naysayers were dead wrong. Stick around as we dive into this cinematic saga, unpacking why these movies might deserve a fresh look, even two decades later.
Twenty years back, Marvel's iconic family of heroes leaped from comic books to theaters for the first time. Produced by 20th Century Fox, the 2005 "Fantastic Four" film, helmed by director Tim Story, featured Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans, and Michael Chiklis bringing the characters to life. This marked the first major live-action take on the team, though some fans point to Pixar's "The Incredibles" from the year before as a comparable, and arguably even better, animated superhero outing. (For a deeper dive, check out this piece on why some argue Pixar's film edges out Marvel's: https://www.slashfilm.com/1921752/best-fantastic-four-movie-not-marvel-pixar-the-incredibles/)
Even with mixed-to-negative buzz from reviewers, the movie raked in enough cash for 20th Century Studios to fund a follow-up. Directed again by Story in 2007, "Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer" kept the core cast intact, added the team's arch-nemesis Doctor Doom (played by Julian McMahon), and introduced the cosmic Silver Surfer, voiced by Laurence Fishburne with Doug Jones handling the physical portrayal. Yet, just like its predecessor, it drew lukewarm reviews and underperformed at the box office. Consequently, plans for a third installment were ditched in favor of a reboot directed by Josh Trank, which hit screens in 2015 and flopped spectacularly. (Learn more about that reboot's disastrous run here: https://www.slashfilm.com/1921567/josh-trank-fantastic-four-marvel-most-important-box-office-flop/) Fast-forward to now, and one of the stars from Story's originals is speaking up, insisting these films should get more recognition than they've received.
Actor Michael Chiklis, who rocked as Ben Grimm, aka The Thing, in Tim Story's duo, believes the films were unfairly criticized by reviewers. Chiklis' grounded, relatable take on the character—combined with the effective practical effects that made the tragic, endearing hero feel real and tangible—stood out as a highlight, delivering what many still consider the finest version of The Thing on screen. It's worth noting that practical effects, like suits and makeup crafted by hand, create a tangible authenticity that CGI sometimes struggles to match, making characters feel more human and immediate for viewers.
In a recent chat with Collider, Chiklis admitted he hadn't yet seen "Fantastic Four: First Steps," the new film introducing the team into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. (Read the full interview here: https://collider.com/fantastic-four-legacy-audience-love-michael-chiklis/) But he had high praise for the actor behind the MCU's Thing, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, calling him a "terrific actor." Reflecting on Story's films, Chiklis shared his view that critics missed the mark back then, and even now:
"There were a lot of people, I think, critically who got it wrong. They really maligned our films, and they were very underrated considering ... they were very loved by the audience. It was one of those cases where critics weren't great to those films, but the audience was, and that still remains. I've always sort of quietly gone like, okay, say what you want to say, but the people see it. And now all these years later, people are sort of acknowledging like, hey, these films are family-friendly, fun movies ... they got a lot right. They may be imperfect, but they're really good movies."
These films were released smack in the middle of the superhero genre's explosion in the 2000s. Think about it: while blockbusters like "X-Men" and "Spider-Man" soared to massive success, Tim Story's "Fantastic Four" entries—and 2003's "Daredevil"—often faced mockery from fans. This even got a comedic nod in last year's "Deadpool & Wolverine," where Chris Evans' Johnny Storm, the Human Torch, meets a hilariously grim end at the hands of villain Cassandra Nova (Emma Corrin). (For more on that cameo, see this article: https://www.slashfilm.com/1637786/chris-evans-deadpool-and-wolverine-cameo-condition/) On the brighter side, some Fox-Marvel characters, like Jennifer Garner's Elektra Natchios, got a more dignified farewell in the storyline.
And this is the part most people miss: Story's films quickly got eclipsed by genre-defining hits that shaped the decade ahead. Released in the same year as "Fantastic Four," "Batman Begins" grossed over $300 million worldwide, just like Story's movie, but Christopher Nolan's dark knight reboot left a far deeper cultural footprint. "Rise of the Silver Surfer" competed directly with "Spider-Man 3" that summer, which, despite its flaws, topped the highest earnings in Sam Raimi's trilogy. Then, 2008 brought "Iron Man" and "The Dark Knight," setting the gold standard for superhero flicks in the 2010s and relegating efforts like Story's to the sidelines, largely forgotten. For beginners curious about this era, it's like comparing a fun, lighthearted team-up adventure to the gritty, origin stories that redefined the genre—both have their place, but the latter often gets more critical acclaim.
With "Fantastic Four: First Steps" now in theaters, the conversation around these original films feels more relevant than ever. But here's the real debate: Should we reevaluate these 'underappreciated' gems, or were critics spot-on in their pans? Chiklis argues they captured a wholesome, entertaining spirit that resonated with families, emphasizing fun over flawlessness. Yet, some might counter that technical shortcomings or pacing issues doomed them to second-tier status. What do you think—were these movies unfairly dismissed, or is Chiklis just nostalgic? Do audiences always trump critics, or is there room for both perspectives? Share your thoughts in the comments below; we'd love to hear if you've rewatched them and changed your mind, or if you still side with the reviewers. "Fantastic Four: First Steps" is now playing in theaters—go check it out and join the discussion!
