There’s so much we don’t know about The Fantastic Four. Although filming is slated to start in January 2024, Marvel Studios has had a tough time nailing down a director, and the main cast has yet to be announced. Despite rumblings of A-list talent suiting up as Marvel’s First Family, practically nothing has been revealed. It leaves us wondering who will face them in their MCU debut.
With the FF’s rich comic history, there are so many options. Doctor Doom and Galactus may be the most iconic, let’s dig a bit deeper for some choices we have yet to see in live-action.
ANNIHILUS
First appearance: Fantastic Four Annual #6
Going all the way back to Endgame, there have been persistent rumors that Annihilus is coming to terrorize the MCU. With the Microverse established in the cinematic universe, which should lead to an easy transition into the Negative Zone, it has led to ample speculation on when and how Annihilus and his horde could arrive on the screen.
At some point, we will see the ruler of the Negative Zone in live action…or perhaps CGI animated action. In fact, next to Doom and Galactus, Annihilus is the most likely candidate for The Fantastic Four. If only it could lead to Worthy Silver Surfer from the “Thanos Wins” timeline.
MOLECULE MAN
First appearance: Fantastic Four #20
Another Silver Age villain with a seriously Silver Age name, Molecule Man could be the most interesting pick on today’s list. After being bombarded with radiation from The Beyonder’s dimension, Owen Reece gained the ability to control all matter on an atomic level. Although he might be unassuming, Uatu the Watcher has proclaimed him the most powerful being in the Marvel Universe. Then again, that tends to be a revolving title, much like the most intelligent person on Earth-616.
As far as live-action potential, it doesn’t hurt that he is a key figure in the updated Secret Wars story arc from 2015. Many prognosticators (including myself) see that as the most likely version of SW to reach the screen. Molecule Man happens to be central to that story, and that should make his first appearance all the more tantalizing.
MOLE MAN
First appearance: Fantastic Four #1
Considering Mole Man’s connection to Marvel Comics history, I imagine Kevin Feige and company will want to bring him to the screen in some fashion. Although it’s hard to see Mole Man as a marquee villain, he is just corny enough for the MCU to absolutely adore him. There’s always the possibility of giving him a modern update, but he actually would better fit with the current product in his full ‘60s glory.
Of course, his first appearance in FF #1 is going to be out of the realm of possibility for the majority of collectors. Instead, opt for FF #22, which featured his second appearance. Truth be told, it never hurts to buy up those early FF issues anyway given the amount of Marvel history in those comics.
IT CAME FROM THE 60S
With Marvel Studios leaning so heavily on the campier side of Marvel, it makes for a great market for Silver Age villain keys. The trouble with predicting the FF’s antagonist(s) is that the First Family has had so many classic villains spring from the pages of their comics. On the plus side, it should mean the FF film franchise will have plenty of options going forward.
*Any perceived investment advice is that of the freelance blogger and does not reflect advice on behalf of GoCollect
