Top Five Choices to Direct Fantastic Four

With Jon Watts exiting the project, who should Marvel replace him with?

Alex Garland — He’s a director whose work heavily emphasizes how humans and technology interact with each other. He’s probably too artsy to say “Yes” and Marvel will have to neuter what made Ex Machina and Annihilation so compelling, but he’s the most exciting option here. 

John Krasinski — Assuming Krasinski is also starring as Mr. Fantastic, alongside his real life wife Emily Blunt as Sue Storm. I’m fine with that, but even if he’s not cast as Reed Richards, I like Krasinski enough as a director of tight sci-fi thrillers. His Quiet Place movies do an excellent job of creating a believable family unit amidst the chaos of world annihilation; I’m sure Marvel could use that.

Justin Lin — He’s newly available and needs another chance at non-Fast and Furious franchise work after how bland Star Trek Beyond ended up being. 

Matthew Vaughn — Vaughn is always interesting and already has comic book credentials (X-Men First Class, Kick Ass, the Kingsman movies). He’s also well-equipped to keep up Marvel’s signature lighter tone without sacrificing emotional or narrative gravitas. 

Edgar Wright — This is the least likely option, but Wright would be so perfect for Fantastic Four. If there were a way for Marvel and Wright to patch things up and give the latter enough autonomy to do what he wants, there’s an amazing MCU movie waiting to happen.