The Fantastic Four: First Steps spoilers follow.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps director Matt Shakman has revealed that a major change regarding Franklin Richards was made from the original script.
The superhero film, the 37th entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, follows the titular quartet as they battle the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner) and Galactus (Ralph Ineson) to save their world from their destruction.
One subplot sees Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal) and Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby) prepare for the arrival of their child, with Sue giving birth to Franklin as the team return to Earth-828. The child becomes a focal point of the narrative, though this wasn’t always the case.
Speaking to EW, Shakman revealed that Franklin’s birth was originally written to take place in the outset of the film, explaining: “We realised it would be wonderful to see the baby-proofing, the preparation and to see them [Reed and Sue] get ready for the child.
Marvel Studios
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“So, moving Franklin’s birth to the midpoint was something that we decided to do, which also then allowed me to combine it with some of these other moments. Franklin was always born in space [but] he used to be born at a space station rescue at the opening of the [film].”
“Having him born in space while being chased by the Silver Surfer [and] sling-shotting around a neutron star, it just felt like taking the already stressful birth idea and just magnified it by a thousand – a very Fantastic Four thing to do,” he added.
Marvel Studios
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First Steps has proved to be a success with critics following its release on Friday (25 July), with the superhero film currently boasting an impressive approval rating of 88% on Rotten Tomatoes from 293 reviews.
“The central foursome are all perfect fits for their roles, sharing a believably lived-in chemistry and their dynamic works from their very first scene,” we wrote in our review of the film, adding that it was “entertaining enough summer fare”.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is in cinemas now.
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Reporter, Digital Spy George is a freelance writer who specialises in Movies and TV. After graduating with a degree in Film Studies and Journalism from De Montfort University, in which he analysed the early works of Richard Linklater for his dissertation, he wrote for several websites for GRV Media. Â His film tastes vary from blockbusters like Mission: Impossible and John Wick to international directors such as Paolo Sorrentino and Hirokazu Kore-eda, and has attended both the London and Berlin film festivals.
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