Fantastic Four Director Explains Earth-828 Setting and Thanos’ Role

The highly anticipated film *Fantastic Four* is set in an alternate dimension known as Earth-828, distinctly separate from the Avengers’ world. Director Matt Shakman has shared insights into this unique setting, shedding light on why the team exists in this specific universe within the Marvel multiverse.

Following Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox, Marvel fans rejoiced at the prospect of integrating iconic heroes like the Fantastic Four, X-Men, and Deadpool into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).Nevertheless, a pressing question emerged: how will the franchise address the absence of the Fantastic Four from previous storylines? The answer lies in their long-standing presence in another dimension.

Director Matt Shakman’s Vision for Earth-828

In a recent event at the BFI IMAX in London, Shakman discussed his rationale for placing the *Fantastic Four* within a 1960s aesthetic. He remarked, “The answer is pretty simple, which is that these characters were created in the ’60s by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee.”

He elaborated, pointing out that the era was filled with optimism and excitement about space exploration, encapsulating the dreams of reaching for the stars. This spirit of exploration, he believes, is fundamental to the Fantastic Four’s essence.

Shakman emphasized that by situating the team in the ’60s, they remain true to their “point of origin.” He clarified that there was no urge to link their backstory with the main MCU universe, known as Earth-616 or the cinematic universe’s designation Earth-199999. He stated, “We didn’t want them to be on this Earth with the other Marvel characters because… where were they when Thanos came, right?”

Shakman raised an intriguing point: if they had been in the same universe, they would have undoubtedly intervened during the crisis brought on by Thanos. Thus, the decision to allocate them to Earth-828 was essential to maintain narrative consistency within the broader Marvel framework.

Interestingly, the choice of Earth-828 also holds personal significance; Jack Kirby, a co-creator of the Fantastic Four, was born on August 28, lending a symbolic nod to his legacy.

As fans eagerly await its release on July 25, be sure to check out where to find the exclusive Fantastic Four popcorn buckets and catch our comprehensive overview of upcoming MCU projects.

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