July 22, 2025

S15 Ep812: Fantastic Four (2015)

1 hour 53 minutes

“I’d have preferred they made no movie at all…” - Eric

On this week’s episode, the Summer Blockbuster Extravaganza has us chatting about the total misfire of a superhero reboot, Fantastic Four (2015)! Yikes, folks! Why are all members of the Fantastic Four under legal drinking age in this movie? Why did we need to see Reed and Ben as little kids at the beginning like it’s some bad studio comedy from the 1990s? Why did so many people think this gritty, harsh take on a traditionally goofy property was a smart move? Why are the Storms snooping around high school science fairs looking for children to snatch up? And couldn’t they have pumped just a little more money into this Doctor Doom costume? PLUS: Look out for the most dangerous member of the Marvel Universe — The Pebble!

Fantastic Four (2015) stars Miles Teller, Kate Mara, Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Bell, Toby Kebbell, Tim Blake Nelson, Dan Castellaneta, Chet Hanks, Tim Heidecker, and the late, great Reg E. Cathey as Dr. Franklin Storm; directed by Josh Trank.

[EDITOR’S NOTE: While he’s not in this FF film, we do mention Julian McMahon’s performance as Dr. Doom in the Tim Story Fantastic Four films from 2005 and 2007. We recorded this about a month before Julian passed, so that’s why it’s not referenced here. McMahon was a great actor who, as we say in this episode, understood the assignment when playing Dr. Doom in those aughts films. Rest easy, Julian, a talented and very nice guy from all reports. — Andrew]

Throughout 2025, we’ll be donating 100% of our earnings from our merch shop to the Center for Reproductive Rights. So head over and check out all these masterful designs and see what tickles your fancy! Shirts? Phone cases? Canvas prints? We got all that and more! Check it out and kick in for a good cause!

Original cover art by Felipe Sobreiro.

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