Director Matt Shakman Addresses Discrepancy Between 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' and Marvel's Post-Credit Scenes

What's Happening?

Director Matt Shakman has addressed the confusion surrounding the lack of continuity between 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' and the post-credit scenes in Marvel's 'Thunderbolts' and 'The New Avengers'. Fans were left puzzled as the anticipated connection between the films did not materialize. Shakman explained that the post-credit scene in 'Thunderbolts' was created after his work on 'The Fantastic Four' was completed, leading to the disconnect. The film, which received a 7 out of 10 from IGN, is described as a family dramedy that struggles with its superhero elements. Despite the mixed reviews, the film performed well at the box office, grossing $240.3 million domestically and $434.2 million globally.

Why It's Important?

The lack of continuity in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) highlights the challenges of coordinating storylines across multiple films and directors. This situation underscores the complexity of maintaining a cohesive narrative in a sprawling franchise like the MCU. The discrepancy could impact fan engagement and expectations, as audiences anticipate interconnected storylines. The financial success of 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' suggests that while narrative continuity is important, it may not be the sole factor driving box office performance. The film's reception and the director's comments may influence future MCU projects and how they are planned and executed.

What's Next?

Fans will have to wait until the release of 'Avengers: Doomsday' in December 2026 to see how the storyline involving the Fantastic Four progresses. The anticipation for the next installment may drive further interest and speculation among audiences. Marvel Studios may need to address the narrative gaps to maintain fan loyalty and ensure the success of future films. The situation also presents an opportunity for Marvel to refine its approach to storytelling across its cinematic universe, potentially leading to more integrated and satisfying narratives for viewers.