Michael Chiklis Praises Fantastic Four Movies
The Fantastic Four Films Are Having a Moment – And Michael Chiklis Knows It
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for years, the mid-2000s Fantastic Four films were… well, let’s just say they weren’t exactly showered with praise.But something interesting is happening. With the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe reboot on the horizon, and the release of a new behind-the-scenes look at the early growth of the franchise with The Fantastic Four: First Steps, fans are revisiting these earlier iterations with fresh eyes.And one of its stars, Michael Chiklis, is noticing.
A Quiet Vindication for the Frequently enough-Dismissed Films
Chiklis, who played Ben Grimm/The Thing in both Fantastic Four (2005) and Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007), recently shared his thoughts on the films’ evolving reputation. “I’ve always sort of quietly gone like, ‘Okay, say what you want to say, but the people see it,'” he explained. “And now all these years later, people are sort of acknowledging like, hey, these films are family-pleasant, fun movies… they got a lot right. They may be imperfect, but they’re really good movies.”
It’s a sentiment that resonates with a growing number of viewers. While the films weren’t initially embraced by critics – Fantastic Four currently holds a 28% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with Rise of the Silver Surfer slightly improving at 37% – they clearly connected with audiences.
Box Office Success and a Planned Trilogy That never Was
And connect they did. Chiklis pointed out the impressive commercial performance of the two films. “We made three quarters of $1 billion, those two movies,” he stated. ”So, you know, all those people can’t be entirely out of their minds, you know what I mean?” It’s a valid point. Box office numbers often tell a different story than critical reviews, and in this case, they suggest a significant audience enjoyed the films.
The success even led to plans for a third installment. Ioan Gruffudd, who portrayed Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic alongside Chiklis,revealed to Vulture that a trilogy was originally the goal. “The mindset was that we were going to do three, and I think the second movie was equally prosperous as the first and equally enjoyable for the fans,” Gruffudd said.
He fondly remembered his time working with Doug Jones as the Silver Surfer, praising Jones as ”a terrific artist and an expert in the field of movement.” Gruffudd continued, “If you want to witness somebody bringing a character to life physically, he’s just untouchable. So there was definitely that sort of momentum, and the plan was to do three movies, but these decisions are beyond my control.”
Why the Renewed Interest? Nostalgia and a Changing Viewpoint
So, what’s driving this renewed appreciation for the Fantastic Four films? A large part of it is indeed likely nostalgia. For many,these movies represent a specific era of superhero filmmaking – a time before the MCU dominated the landscape.
But it’s more than just nostalgia. As the superhero genre matures, audiences are becoming more discerning. They’re revisiting earlier films with a more nuanced perspective, appreciating them for what they are rather than what they aren’t. These Fantastic Four films, while flawed, offered a unique take on the characters and a genuinely fun, family-friendly experience.
The release of The Fantastic Four: First Steps has undoubtedly played a role, offering a glimpse behind the curtain and sparking renewed conversation about the franchise’s history. As Marvel prepares to introduce the Fantastic Four to the MCU, it’s a good time to remember - and perhaps reassess – the films that came before. They may not have been perfect, but they paved the way for what’s to come, and they clearly hold a special place in the hearts of many fans.