In an era where nostalgia is deeply engraved in fans’ minds, the idea of bringing back the original Fantastic Four cast is more than just fan service; it’s a brilliant narrative opportunity. With ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ shaping up to be a massive multiversal collision, Marvel Studios seems to be planting the seeds for the return of the original Fantastic Four.
This includes Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Michael Chiklis, and, yes, Chris Evans as Johnny Storm. Marvel may have already set up this moment twice in 2025’s slate of MCU movies.
‘Thunderbolts’ And ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Clues Make Way For Another Fantastic Four Team
At first glance, ‘Thunderbolts*’ and ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ seemed like standalone entries, cool, bold, and each serving its piece of the grand MCU puzzle. However, both movies included breadcrumbs that point directly to the possibility of the original Fantastic Four returning, specifically in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’. The post-credits scene in ‘Thunderbolts’ showcased a ship with four legs, teasing the Fantastic Four’s arrival.
However, in ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’, the team’s ship, the Excelsior, has three legs. Additionally, Kevin Feige himself confirmed they aren’t the same ship. That tiny detail is incredibly telling. It opens the door to an alternate Fantastic Four team arriving in Earth-616, and what better candidates than the original 2005 Fox team? Let’s not forget, this team isn’t just beloved by long-time fans; it’s also part of superhero movie history.
Chris Evans’ Human Torch was one of the earliest bright spots in Marvel’s pre-MCU era. These actors defined their roles in the mid-2000s, and with the MCU now embracing its multiversal potential, this is the perfect moment to reintroduce them. Meanwhile, ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ shocked fans by not killing off their Earth. Many assumed Galactus would destroy it, forcing the team into the MCU’s main continuity.
Instead, they beat Galactus with the help of Julia Garner’s Silver Surfer and kept their Earth intact. With their Earth still intact, the MCU doesn’t need to use them again right away… leaving room for other Fantastic Four variants to step into ‘Avengers: Doomsday’. This is also where the Fox-era Fantastic Four can come in.
‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Is The Perfect Opportunity To Bring The OG Fantastic Four Back
Chris Evans’ cameo as Johnny Storm in ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ might have ended with his death. However, its impact was immense. It was bold, hilarious, and emotional for longtime fans who’ve watched Evans evolve from Human Torch to Captain America and now, possibly, back again. Sure, he was taken out by Cassandra Nova, but death is barely a speed bump in the multiverse.
In case you missed it: ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Being Set In Another Timeline Exposes Marvel’s Biggest Mistake
More importantly, Evans’ return wasn’t just a gag; it was a test. And judging by the fan reaction, it passed with flying colors. Even more exciting? The rest of the original cast is willing and waiting. Ioan Gruffudd, who played Mr. Fantastic, recently appeared at ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ premiere and made it very clear: “If they invited me… in a heartbeat.” Jessica Alba has said she would “jump at the chance” to return.
With ‘Avengers: Doomsday‘ exploring incursions, multiversal crossovers, and possibly even the collapse of universes, this is the best time to bring in characters who helped define an era. And let’s be honest, it’s now or never. The Multiverse Saga is Marvel’s best shot at paying homage to its cinematic past while preparing for its future. They’ve already brought back the Fox X-Men and other Marvel variants. If Doomsday truly wants to capture the emotional weight of Endgame, it might need this.
