Is the 1994 Fantastic Four Film Part of the MCU?

Are you curious about the connection between the 1994 Fantastic Four film and the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)? Many fans wonder whether this older movie is part of the larger Marvel universe. In this article, we will delve into the complexities of the Marvel multiverse and how it affects the status of this film.

Technical Considerations

Technically speaking, yes, the 1994 Fantastic Four film could be considered part of the MCU—given the expanded multiverse concept. The MCU is set in Earth-199999, while the 1994 film unfolds in Earth-94000. This distinction means that both films exist in separate realities, and with the multiverse now a fundamental aspect of the MCU, all previous non-MCU projects can be deemed canon, albeit in their own universes.

Spider-Man Crossover in No Way Home

This concept is similar to the crossover event in No Way Home, where Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield’s Spider-Men from the ‘Sam Raimi’ trilogy could join Tom Holland’s Spider-Man in the MCU. This phenomenon happened despite the original trilogy not being intended for the MCU. The key is that the films were still plucked from their original universes and brought into the larger MCU framework.

Future Possibilities

There are indications that Marvel might eventually adapt the 2015 Secret Wars into the MCU. This adaptation could potentially reintroduce or incorporate multiple multiversal variants of the Fantastic Four and other heroes and villains together. However, don't get too excited; there's a possibility that Marvel might intend to bring back the 1994 Fantastic Four for reimagined storylines or nostalgic tributes. Ultimately, Marvel’s legal and creative teams may have mixed feelings about this version of the team due to the poor quality of the 1994 film and its reception.

Official Ruling

Officially and canonically, the answer is no. The 1994 Fantastic Four film was never intended to be a part of the larger MCU. It was essentially a placeholder to maintain the film rights for Marvel’s First Family. Created by Bernd Eichinger's Constantin, the film was never widely distributed and was not considered canon with any Marvel properties.

Further Information

Bernd Eichinger also produced the 2005 and 2007 Fantastic Four movies, which are also not part of the MCU. These films were made to maintain the rights for the Fantastic Four characters, with no intention of integrating them into the larger Marvel narrative.

While the 1994 Fantastic Four film is not officially part of the MCU, its existence in a separate, but related, universe is a fascinating aspect of the multiverse theory. Marvel fans continue to explore the possibilities and connections, keeping the debate alive and the universe rich with lore and potential storylines.