’94 ‘Fantastic Four’: A Look Back 30 Years On

By August Tales

Marvel Universe boasts a roster rich with characters who’ve transitioned from comic book pages to the silver screen. Yet, the Fantastic Four seem to have grappled with this transition more than most. Tim Story’s films have been met with mediocre reception at best. Let’s not delve into the 2015 disaster. Now, as Marvel Studios is attempting to steer the franchise back on course with The Fantastic Four: First Steps, we turn our attention to a less conventional iteration of the familiar quartet.

Unseen 1994 Roger Corman’s Release

The LA Comic-Con panel discussion ventured as far back as 1994 to remember a Fantastic Four film etched into fans’ minds, but never officially released. The movie, produced by Roger Corman, has since achieved a cult-like following. Unofficial tapes of it have been circulated among fans who express hope for its public screening. Curious fans might consider watching Doomed! The Untold Story of Roger Corman’s Fantastic Four for a more detailed sneak-peek.

Inside the 1994 Production

The Comic-Con discussion panel saw participation from notable contributors to Corman’s project: Ben Wan and Andrew Bush from the Superhero Stuff You Should Know Podcast, Jay Underwood who played Johnny Storm, Glenn Garland who was the film’s editor, and co-writer of the screenplay, Craig Nevius. Doctor Doom’s portrayor, Joseph Culp, kicked off the panel with a taped introduction.

Was the Fantastic Four Cursed?

After the introduction, the panel dove into the contentious debate over whether the Fantastic Four franchise was ever cursed on screen. Once the discourse ensued, Nevius discussed his contribution to the screenplay, noting his consultation with the late Stan Lee. Budget constraints and a comic movie landscape far different from today’s market required careful choices.

Recollections and Reflections

A highlight of the panel was when Nevius, Garland, and Underwood shared their favorite memory from the set. They reminisced about the well-remembered wedding scene between Reed Richards and Sue Storm, along with Ben Grimm’s infamous catchphrase scene. Shifting the focus to Corman, Garland depicted him as “equivalent parts businessman and filmmaker”, with Nevius sharing anecdotes about the eccentric pitches he had received from Corman.

Concluding Tribute

The panel ended on a nostalgic note, with Oley Sassone, the director of Fantastic Four ’94, and Underwood delivering closing remarks. Underwood recited Johnny’s heartfelt, final monologue from Fantastic Four #587, a moment that resonated deeply with the gathered audience. Regardless of whether Fantastic Four ’94 ever sees a theater screening, it’s evident that it continues to hold a special place in the hearts of its cast and crew — even 30 years on.