How Many Post-Credit Scenes Do The Fantastic Four Movies Have?

Hey there, movie buffs! If you're anything like us, you're probably a huge fan of superhero flicks, especially those featuring the Fantastic Four. And if you're a true Marvel aficionado, you know that the real fun often begins after the credits roll. Post-credit scenes have become a staple in superhero movies, teasing future storylines, introducing new characters, or simply adding a humorous touch to the end of the film. So, how many post-credit scenes do the Fantastic Four movies have? Let's dive into the history of the Fantastic Four on the big screen and explore each movie's post-credit offerings.

The History of Fantastic Four in Cinema

The Fantastic Four, Marvel's original superhero family, has had a somewhat turbulent journey in Hollywood. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in 1961, the team—comprising Mister Fantastic, Invisible Woman, Human Torch, and Thing—quickly became fan favorites due to their complex relationships and compelling adventures. However, translating this beloved comic book series to the big screen has proven challenging. Over the years, there have been several attempts, each with varying degrees of success.

The first notable attempt was an unreleased 1994 film, a low-budget production made primarily to retain the rights to the characters. This version, while capturing some of the essence of the comics, never saw a theatrical release and is mostly known for its campy effects and limited budget. Then came the 2005 Fantastic Four and its 2007 sequel, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, starring Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans, and Michael Chiklis. These films, while commercially successful, received mixed reviews from critics and fans alike. The 2015 reboot, featuring a younger cast, aimed for a darker and grittier tone but was critically panned and considered a box office disappointment. Given this history, it's essential to look closely at each film to determine its post-credit scene situation.

The Unreleased 1994 Fantastic Four Movie

Let's start with the unreleased 1994 Fantastic Four movie. As mentioned earlier, this film was made on a shoestring budget and primarily intended to retain the rights to the characters. Directed by Oley Sassone, the movie stars Alex Hyde-White as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, Rebecca Staab as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Jay Underwood as Johnny Storm/Human Torch, and Michael Bailey Smith as Ben Grimm/Thing. While the film is not considered canon and was never officially released in theaters, it has gained a cult following over the years due to its unique charm and behind-the-scenes story. So, does this movie have a post-credit scene?

The answer is no. Given its low-budget nature and the circumstances surrounding its production, the 1994 Fantastic Four movie does not feature a post-credit scene. The film's primary goal was to fulfill contractual obligations, and adding a post-credit scene was likely not a priority. However, the film itself is a fascinating piece of superhero movie history, offering a glimpse into what a Fantastic Four movie could have been in the pre-Marvel Cinematic Universe era. For fans interested in the origins of superhero cinema, this unreleased film is worth exploring, even without the extra treat of a post-credit scene. It’s a unique artifact that showcases the challenges and ambitions of bringing comic book heroes to the big screen before the advent of modern special effects and blockbuster strategies.

Fantastic Four (2005): Post-Credit Scene or Not?

The 2005 Fantastic Four, directed by Tim Story, marked a significant attempt to bring Marvel's first family to a wider audience. The film stars Ioan Gruffudd as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, Jessica Alba as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Chris Evans as Johnny Storm/Human Torch, and Michael Chiklis as Ben Grimm/Thing. While the movie was a commercial success, it received mixed reviews, with many critics pointing to its light-hearted tone and deviations from the comic book source material. But the burning question remains: does the 2005 Fantastic Four have a post-credit scene?

Yes, the 2005 Fantastic Four does indeed have a post-credit scene! This scene is relatively short and straightforward but provides a glimpse into potential future storylines. In the scene, we see Victor Von Doom, played by Julian McMahon, back in his native Latveria. He is seated at his desk, wearing a mask to conceal his scarred face—a result of the accident that transformed him into Doctor Doom. A mysterious figure approaches Doom, offering him some sort of deal or proposition. Doom, ever the cunning strategist, uses his powers to electrocute the figure, declaring, “I will not be denied.”

This post-credit scene serves multiple purposes. First, it confirms that Doctor Doom survived the events of the film, despite seemingly being defeated. Second, it sets the stage for his return as a major antagonist in future installments. The scene hints at Doom's ambition and ruthlessness, suggesting that he will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. Lastly, it leaves the audience with a sense of anticipation, wondering what Doom's next move will be and who the mysterious figure was. For fans, this scene was a classic example of a post-credit tease, sparking speculation and excitement for a potential sequel. It adhered to the growing trend in superhero movies of using these scenes to expand the cinematic universe and keep audiences engaged beyond the main storyline. This scene is crucial for understanding the narrative arc intended for the Fantastic Four franchise at the time.

Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007) and Its Post-Credit Scene

Following the moderate success of the 2005 film, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer hit theaters in 2007, bringing back the original cast and director Tim Story. This time, the team faced off against the cosmic entity known as the Silver Surfer, played by Doug Jones (with Laurence Fishburne providing the voice), and the world-devouring Galactus. The sequel aimed to address some of the criticisms of the first film, with a bigger budget and more action-packed sequences. But does Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer have a post-credit scene, and what does it entail?

Yes, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer does have a post-credit scene, and it's a significant one for fans of the Silver Surfer. In this scene, we see the Silver Surfer, who appeared to sacrifice himself at the end of the movie to defeat Galactus, flying through space. The scene then shows the Surfer suddenly regaining consciousness, his silver form glowing with renewed energy, and he speeds off into the cosmos. This post-credit scene implies that the Silver Surfer survived his encounter with Galactus and is still out there in the universe. It opens the door for potential future appearances of the character, either in a Fantastic Four sequel or even a standalone movie.

The post-credit scene in Rise of the Silver Surfer serves as a glimmer of hope for fans who were intrigued by the Silver Surfer's character. The scene offers a sense of closure while also teasing the possibility of more adventures to come. Given the Silver Surfer's rich comic book history and his complex relationship with Galactus, this scene was a welcome addition for those hoping to see more of the cosmic side of the Marvel Universe. It provided a narrative thread that could have been picked up in subsequent films, although, as history shows, the franchise took a different turn. This moment is a testament to the potential that the character held and the filmmakers’ attempt to keep those avenues open. It’s also a classic example of how post-credit scenes can leave fans with a sense of optimism and anticipation, even if future installments don’t always materialize as envisioned.

The Fantastic Four Reboot (2015): Any Post-Credit Surprises?

The 2015 Fantastic Four reboot, directed by Josh Trank, was a bold attempt to reimagine Marvel's first family for a new generation. Starring Miles Teller as Reed Richards, Kate Mara as Sue Storm, Michael B. Jordan as Johnny Storm, and Jamie Bell as Ben Grimm, the film aimed for a darker and more grounded take on the superhero team. However, the movie faced numerous challenges during production, and the final product was met with widespread negative reviews and box office disappointment. So, in the midst of all the turmoil, did the 2015 Fantastic Four have a post-credit scene?

Interestingly, the 2015 Fantastic Four does not have a post-credit scene in the theatrical release. This is quite notable, especially considering the prevalence of post-credit scenes in superhero movies, particularly those from Marvel. The absence of a post-credit scene is often seen as an indicator of a lack of confidence in the film's future or a disconnect from the broader cinematic universe. In the case of the 2015 Fantastic Four, the decision to forgo a post-credit scene may have been influenced by the film's troubled production and the negative reception it received leading up to its release.

However, there's a bit more to this story. Initially, there were reports and rumors about a post-credit scene being filmed, which allegedly introduced a character named Annihilus, a major villain from the Fantastic Four comics. This scene was intended to tease a potential sequel or future storyline. But due to the film's poor performance and the behind-the-scenes issues, the post-credit scene was ultimately scrapped. The lack of a post-credit scene for the 2015 Fantastic Four underscores the challenges the film faced and the uncertainty surrounding the franchise's future at that time. It serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of a cohesive vision and a smooth production process in superhero filmmaking. For fans, it’s a reminder of what could have been and the missed opportunities to connect this version of the Fantastic Four to a larger cinematic world.

Quick Recap: Fantastic Four Post-Credit Scenes

Alright, guys, let's do a quick recap to make sure we've got all our bases covered. Here’s a rundown of the post-credit scenes in the Fantastic Four movies:

• Unreleased 1994 Fantastic Four: No post-credit scene. It was a low-budget film made to retain rights.
• Fantastic Four (2005): One post-credit scene. Victor Von Doom is seen in Latveria, electrocuting a mysterious figure, hinting at his return.
• Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007): One post-credit scene. The Silver Surfer is shown regaining consciousness and flying off into space, suggesting his survival.
• Fantastic Four (2015): No post-credit scene. A planned scene was scrapped due to the film's poor reception.

So, to answer the main question directly: out of the released Fantastic Four movies, the 2005 film and the 2007 sequel both have one post-credit scene each. The 1994 unreleased film and the 2015 reboot do not have any post-credit scenes.

What This Means for the Future of Fantastic Four

So, what does this all mean for the future of the Fantastic Four on the big screen? Well, with Disney's acquisition of 20th Century Fox, the rights to the Fantastic Four have reverted to Marvel Studios. This is huge news for fans, as it opens up the possibility of the Fantastic Four finally joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Marvel Studios has a proven track record of delivering high-quality superhero films, and the prospect of seeing Mister Fantastic, Invisible Woman, Human Torch, and Thing alongside the Avengers is incredibly exciting.

Marvel Studios has officially announced a new Fantastic Four movie, set to be directed by Matt Shakman. This highly anticipated film is slated to be a part of the MCU's Phase Six, and fans are eagerly awaiting casting announcements and plot details. Given Marvel's penchant for post-credit scenes, it's almost certain that this new Fantastic Four movie will include at least one, if not more, post-credit teases. These scenes could introduce new characters, hint at future storylines, or connect the Fantastic Four to other corners of the MCU. The possibilities are endless, and the anticipation is building.

For now, we can look back at the previous Fantastic Four movies and their post-credit scenes as interesting chapters in the team's cinematic history. While some attempts were more successful than others, each film has contributed to the ongoing legacy of Marvel's first family. As we look forward to the MCU's take on the Fantastic Four, we can only imagine the exciting adventures and post-credit surprises that await us. The inclusion of the Fantastic Four in the MCU marks a pivotal moment, offering a chance to fully integrate these iconic characters into a sprawling and interconnected universe. It’s not just about bringing these heroes back to the screen; it’s about giving them a platform where they can truly shine and interact with a vast array of other beloved Marvel characters.

Conclusion: The Post-Credit Legacy of the Fantastic Four

In conclusion, while not every Fantastic Four movie has graced us with post-credit scenes, the ones that did have certainly added to the excitement and anticipation surrounding the franchise. The 2005 and 2007 films offered glimpses into potential future storylines, keeping fans engaged and speculating about what might come next. The absence of a post-credit scene in the 2015 reboot, on the other hand, spoke volumes about the film's troubled production and uncertain future. But now, with the Fantastic Four joining the MCU, the future looks brighter than ever. We can expect plenty of post-credit surprises in the years to come, as Marvel Studios weaves the Fantastic Four into its ever-expanding cinematic tapestry. So, keep those eyes peeled and those seats warm—the best may be yet to come for Marvel's first family!

We hope this comprehensive guide has answered all your questions about the post-credit scenes in the Fantastic Four movies. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, there's no denying the enduring appeal of these iconic characters. As we eagerly await their MCU debut, let's celebrate the rich history of the Fantastic Four and the many exciting adventures that lie ahead. And remember, always stay until the very end—you never know what surprises might be waiting for you!