The Fantastic Four’s Alternate Universe Theory Would Fix A Long-Standing Problem In Superhero Movies

The Fantastic Four’s alternate universe theory would help fix a common problem in superhero movies. Despite the existence of impressive technologies and superpowers, it’s not often that the settings and locations are just as advanced. However, this could be something that gets addressed when and if the next live-action version of The Fantastic Four lives somewhere beyond the primary MCU known as Earth-616.

Releasing in 2025, Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four will be coming from director Matt Shakman (WandaVision). Starring Pedro Pascal as a new version of Reed Richards’ Mister Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm’s Invisible Woman, Joeseph Quinn as Johnny Storm’s The Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm’s The Thing, it’s been theorized that this new Fantastic Four may debut in another universe apart from the primary MCU. If so, here’s how an alternate universe for The Fantastic Four would help address a classic superhero movie problem.

The Fantastic Four Movie Is Set In An Alternate Universe In The MCU Theory Explained

Allowing The FF To Have A Unique Origin In The Multiverse

Official artwork from Marvel Studios has featured some exciting reveals concerning the potential time and setting for The Fantastic Four. As seen in the first promotional art which confirmed The Fantastic Four’s cast on Valentine’s Day, various clues point to the movie being set in the 60s. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it will be the 60s of the primary MCU. As has been heavily theorized, the idea is that this new version of The Fantastic Four will initially come from another reality.

This is not unlike the X-Men who were recently confirmed to exist in their own separate reality thanks to The Marvels post-credits scene starring Hank McCoy’s Beast in the X-Mansion. Likewise, it’s already been established that versions of The Fantastic Four exist in other realities such as John Krasinski’s Reed Richards of Earth-838 who was briefly featured in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Furthermore, existing in an alternate universe would help The Fantastic Four skirt questions such as where they were during major events such as the Battle of New York or Thanos and the Decimation in the main MCU.

The Fantastic Four Being Set In A Different Universe Fixes 1 Superhero Movie Problem

Super-Geniuses And True Advancement

The Fantastic Four movie being set in an alternate universe would also help solve the key problem many superhero movies have when it comes to advanced technologies and super geniuses like Reed Richards’ Mister Fantastic (or even Tony Stark’s Iron Man). Why is the world so similar to the one in real life when there are geniuses who can open portals to other dimensions, invent unstable molecule garments that can fit anyone, and/or create unlimited energy supplies? These are things Mister Fantastic can canonically do in the comics, and have also been seen to a degree on-screen with previous iterations.

By having this new version of The Fantastic Four in another universe, Marvel Studios can make it so people like Reed Richards have made key changes to their worlds. It can be revealed that Pascal’s Mister Fantastic has made major impacts thanks to his brilliant mind and advanced tech, creating a world that would logically be far more advanced than actual reality. However, it remains to be seen what might become of this universe or how The Fantastic Four presumably ends up in the main MCU (though clues pointing to Galactus as the villain certainly don’t bode well).

The MCU Already Skirted Around This Problem With Wakanda’s Introduction

Isolated From The Outside World

To a degree, the MCU has skirted around this problem when it comes to the nation of Wakanda. The most advanced location in the MCU is undoubtedly Wakanda, though its isolation and rare vibranium resources help explain why the rest of the world isn’t as advanced right along with it. That said, it’s also created unique narratives ever since Wakanda opened up its borders following the first Black Panther movie. Now, the rest of the world wants a piece of their technology and advancement, particularly when it comes to vibranium.

Regardless, the existence of super-solider serums, advanced suits of armor, shrinking technology and more does present the argument that Earth-616 should be more advanced than it is. As such, it’s a big reason why an alternate universe for The Fantastic Four is so compelling. Audiences might be able to see the true effects superpowers and super-geniuses have on a world in its entirety, while also providing the opportunity for Earth-616 to finally progress further than real life when and if the new team of heroes gets integrated into the main MCU.

The Fantastic Four’s Alternate Universe Theory Also Explains Its Futuristic 60s Setting

More Tomorrowland Than NYC (Thanks To Mister Fantastic)

The alternate universe theory for The Fantastic Four can also help explain the more recent poster released by Marvel Studios which features artwork of Joseph Quinn’s Human Torch. The background is quite notable with a white city which looks to be quite futuristic in its appearance. Essentially, it looks more like Disney’s Tomorrowland than it does New York City where the Fantastic Four’s Baxter Building is traditionally located as seen in the comics and past movies from Fox.

With consideration to this futuristic cityscape, The Fantastic Four being set in the 60s only really makes sense if it’s in another universe. Perhaps Mister Fantastic and his family have motivated true innovation and advancement, surpassing what was accomplished in the actual 1960s. At any rate, it should be very interesting to see when and where The Fantastic Four will take place in light of these exciting reveals from Marvel Studios.