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6d ago

Jon Watts Cites Pandemic Fatigue in Leaving Fantastic Four: First Steps

The first MCU Phase 6 release has unveiled final trailers and secured record-breaking pre-sales

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Overview

  • Jon Watts said at a Mediterrane Film Festival masterclass that COVID-19 protocols and post-production strain on Spider-Man: No Way Home left him too drained to continue on Fantastic Four: First Steps.
  • Watts stepped down in April 2022 but remains on good terms with Marvel Studios and may collaborate on future projects.
  • Matt Shakman, fresh from directing WandaVision, replaced Watts and has steered the film toward its July 25, 2025 theatrical debut.
  • Recent marketing highlights include final trailers showcasing the 1960s retro-futuristic aesthetic and confirmation that Doctor Doom will not appear in First Steps.
  • Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn and Ebon Moss-Bachrach lead the Fantastic Four and are set to reprise their roles in upcoming Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.