Matt Shakman says ‘Fantastic Four’ don’t work in MCU timeline

Fantastic Four: First Steps, an iconic reboot of Marvel’s first family, wouldn’t work in the MCU’s main timeline, and director Matt Shakman explains why.

Shakman clarified that the movie takes place outside of Earth-616.

So, instead of being set within the MCU’s central timeline, the film centres on the beloved heroes existing on another Earth, diving into The Multiverse Saga.

Speaking to Screen Rant, the Fantastic Four director gave exclusive insights into the multiverse angle of the film.

The interviewer asked how it felt creatively to work on a self-contained MCU story without the usual crossovers or cameos, given Marvel’s tendency to load its films with interconnected characters and events.

“Yeah, they're such public figures. The idea that they were just hanging out in the '60s during our regular MCU timeline wouldn't work,” Shakman said of Marvel’s first family. “‘Where were they when Thanos came? Where were they when Loki was attacking?’ They would've done something. They would've been a part of that. So, we wanted to put them in their own universe for that reason.”

However, the director also highlighted the opportunity this offered:

“If you know nothing about Marvel, come on in. The water is warm. You'll get everything you need to know about them and you can enjoy them.”

At the same time, Shakman added that for Marvel fans, there’s a lot of stuff in the movie as well.

“And eventually these characters will merge with other MCU heroes and connect to the main storyline. So, it's a great entry point, especially for folks who think, ‘Oh gosh, I'm not up to speed on Marvel,’” Shakman concluded.

RELATED: Pedro Pascal was ‘appalled’ by his look in ‘Wonder Woman 1984’