Fantastic Four: First Steps Director May Leave Sequel — Matt Shakman Eyes Planet of the Apes Instead

Matt Shakman Might Not Be Coming Back for the Fantastic Four Sequel

If you were one of the millions who caught The Fantastic Four: First Steps in theaters last year, you probably remember how exciting it felt to finally see Marvel’s first family done right. Directed by Matt Shakman, the film starred Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as the lovable Ben Grimm. It was a massive success, earning over $700 million worldwide and proving that the MCU still knows how to launch a franchise the right way.

But now, just months after the film’s triumph, a fresh twist has emerged — and it’s got fans worried.

The Director Who Made It Work Might Be Walking Away

According to reports from Variety and Comic Book Movie, Matt Shakman may not return to helm the Fantastic Four sequel. Instead, the director has been tapped by 20th Century Studios to direct a brand-new Planet of the Apes film. That’s right — the guy who successfully rebooted Marvel’s first family might be jumping ship to another beloved sci-fi franchise.

To be fair, this isn’t exactly a surprise. The Planet of the Apes series has been a steady cash cow for 20th Century Studios, with the last four films collectively earning over $2 billion worldwide. Shakman bringing his blockbuster pedigree to that universe makes total sense from a studio standpoint. But for Marvel fans who loved what he did with the Fantastic Four, it’s a bittersweet development.

The news has already sparked concern online, with fans pointing out that Shakman’s understanding of the team’s dynamics was one of the strongest elements of First Steps. His ability to balance spectacle with genuine character moments — especially the chemistry between Pascal’s Reed and Kirby’s Sue — elevated the film above typical superhero fare.

What’s Next for Marvel’s First Family?

Marvel Studios has not yet confirmed whether Shakman will officially depart the sequel. Sources suggest the studio is actively looking for a replacement director, but no names have been floated publicly so far. Given how closely First Steps was tied to Shakman’s vision — including his retro-futuristic 1960s aesthetic and the way he handled the introduction of Galactus as the film’s main villain — finding someone who can match that energy won’t be easy.

There’s also the matter of Mole Man, played by Paul Walter Hauser, whose role was reportedly cut significantly during editing. Fans have been vocal about wanting to see more of the character in future installments, and whoever takes over the sequel will need to decide how to handle that subplot.

The good news? The Fantastic Four franchise is far from dead. With a strong foundation, beloved cast, and Kevin Feige at the helm of Marvel Studios, the sequel is almost certainly happening. The only question is who’s going to direct it — and whether the new filmmaker can capture what made Shakman’s version so special.

What do you think? Should Marvel fight to keep Shakman on board, or do you trust them to find someone equally capable? Drop your thoughts below — because this one is far from settled. (ง •̀_•́)ง