WandaVision director Matt Shakman has joined one high-profile blockbuster and departed another.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Shakman is in early talks to direct Marvel Studios‘ upcoming Fantastic Four reboot film. If a deal is made, he will replace Spider-Man: No Way Home‘s Jon Watts, who departed the project as director earlier this year after deciding to take a break from directing superhero fare.
Fantastic Four will kick off Phase 6 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. No casting has been announced for the titular team, which commonly consists of Mr. Fantastic, the Invisible Woman, the Human Torch, and the Thing. John Krasinski appeared as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic variant in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, but it is unknown at this time if he will return as the official MCU version of the character.
With Shakman all but confirmed to direct Fantastic Four, it means that he is no longer available to direct the new Star Trek movie. Paramount Pictures has revealed that Shakman has exited the upcoming Trek film, which is expected to reunite the Kelvin timeline’s cast for another big screen adventure.
Paramount announced Shakman’s exit in the following statement:
“Matt Shakman is an incredibly talented filmmaker, and we regret the timing didn’t align for him to direct our upcoming Star Trek film. We are grateful for his many contributions, are excited about the creative vision of this next chapter and look forward to bringing it to audiences all around the world.”
Star Trek 4 is still scheduled to open in theaters on December 22, 2023 at this time.
Are you excited to see Matt Shakman tackle the Fantastic Four? Who do you think should direct Star Trek 4? Tell us down in the comments!
