The Most Epic Fantasy and Sci-Fi Website

Spider-Man: No Way Home Director Jon Watts Exits Fantastic Four Reboot


The highly anticipated Fantastic Four reboot just got its first major dilemma. Spider-Man: No Way Home director Jon Watts, who was already signed to helm the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe flick, has decided to step away from the project!

Deadline reports that Jon Watts has departed the Fantastic Four reboot. However, Watts' reason has nothing to do with creative differences with Marvel Studios or Disney. The report states that the director chose to step away from the project because he "just needs a break from the superhero realm after completing the Spidey trilogy with Tom Holland and Zendaya." Watts had reportedly "expected to make Fantastic Four his next film" but may have been overwhelmed after completing the Spider-Man trilogy.

click to enlarge

Watts shared a statement about his exit, thanking Marvel Studios for giving him the opportunity.

“Making three Spider-Man films was an incredible and life-changing experience for me. I’m eternally grateful to have been a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe for seven years. I’m hopeful we’ll work together again and I can’t wait to see the amazing vision for Fantastic Four brought to life,” Watts said.

Marvel boss Kevin Feige shared his sentiments as well. “Collaborating with Jon on the Spider-Man films has been a true pleasure. We were looking forward to continuing our work with him to bring the Fantastic Four into the MCU but understand and are supportive of his reasons for stepping away. We are optimistic that we will have the opportunity to work together again at some point down the road," Feige said.

Jon Watts was first confirmed to direct the movie back in December 2020 and although no other names were attached to Fantastic Four, fans were excited about the idea of the Spider-Man director helming the film. Unfortunately, it looks like Disney and Marvel Studios will have to look for another filmmaker to work on the reboot.

Fantastic Four has not yet been given an official release date. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

Related: Midnight Mass Star Rahul Kohli Shows Off Fantastic 4 Costume

For more articles like this, take a look at our Marvel and Geek Culture page.