How Many Post-Credit Scenes In Fantastic Four Movies? A Complete Guide

Hey there, movie buffs and comic book aficionados! If you're anything like me, you're probably buzzing with excitement about the Fantastic Four franchise. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the original comics or a newcomer eager to dive into the world of Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm, one question that often pops up is: how many post-credit scenes can we expect in the Fantastic Four movies? Post-credit scenes, those tantalizing little extras that pop up after the main film has ended, have become a staple in superhero movies, and they're practically a tradition in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). They offer everything from humorous moments to crucial plot reveals, often setting the stage for future installments. So, let's explore the history of post-credit scenes in Fantastic Four movies and what we might expect from future films.

A Look Back at the Fantastic Four Films

To understand what the future may hold, let's take a quick journey through the Fantastic Four films that have already graced our screens. There have been several attempts to bring Marvel's First Family to the big screen, each with its own take on the beloved characters and their adventures. Let's break down each film and its post-credit scene situation:

The Fantastic Four (1994)

Ah, the infamous 1994 Fantastic Four movie! This film is legendary for all the wrong reasons. Produced on a shoestring budget by Constantin Film, it was never officially released. It was created primarily to retain the film rights to the franchise. While this version has gained a cult following for its campy charm, it doesn't adhere to the conventions of modern superhero movies. So, the big question is, did this film have any post-credit scenes? The answer is a resounding no. Given its low-budget nature and its purpose as a rights-holder, post-credit scenes were the least of the producers' concerns. Instead, the entire focus was on completing the film quickly and cheaply. Despite its lack of cinematic polish, the 1994 Fantastic Four movie remains a fascinating footnote in superhero film history. It serves as a reminder of the challenges involved in bringing complex comic book narratives to the screen. It also underscores the importance of vision, budget, and studio support in creating a successful superhero franchise. This initial attempt, though flawed, paved the way for future adaptations, teaching valuable lessons about what works and what doesn't in the superhero genre. For fans, it's a curiosity piece, a glimpse into a road not taken, and a testament to the enduring appeal of the Fantastic Four characters.

Fantastic Four (2005)

The 2005 Fantastic Four marked a significant attempt to bring Marvel's iconic family to a wider audience with a bigger budget and higher production values. Directed by Tim Story, the film stars Ioan Gruffudd as Reed Richards, Jessica Alba as Sue Storm, Chris Evans as Johnny Storm, and Michael Chiklis as Ben Grimm. The movie follows the team's origin story, where they gain superpowers after being exposed to cosmic rays during a space mission. While the film received mixed reviews, it was a commercial success, grossing over $330 million worldwide. But what about post-credit scenes? Did the 2005 Fantastic Four include any extra footage after the credits rolled? The answer is a yes, but it's a very brief one. The 2005 film features a short scene after the credits, which doesn't tease a future storyline in a significant way. It's more of a light-hearted moment than a substantial plot point. In the post-credit scene, Ben Grimm, a.k.a. The Thing, is shown in his rocky form, sitting in what appears to be a therapist's office. He's complaining about the challenges of living with his new appearance and how it affects his everyday life. It's a humorous scene that offers a glimpse into Ben's personal struggles but doesn't set up any specific villains or plotlines for a sequel. For fans hoping for a major cliffhanger or a hint at future adventures, the 2005 film's post-credit scene might seem a bit underwhelming. However, it does add a touch of humanity to the character of Ben Grimm, showing that even superheroes have their own personal issues to deal with. The inclusion of this scene suggests an awareness of the growing trend of post-credit teasers in superhero movies, even if it doesn't fully embrace the format in the way that later Marvel films would.

Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007)

The sequel, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, hit theaters in 2007, continuing the adventures of Marvel's superhero family. This time, the team faces a cosmic threat in the form of the Silver Surfer, a herald of the planet-devouring Galactus. The film aimed to build on the success of its predecessor, but it also received mixed reviews, particularly for its handling of the Galactus storyline. So, the burning question remains: Did Rise of the Silver Surfer give us any post-credit surprises? Good news for post-credit scene enthusiasts! Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer does indeed feature a post-credit scene, and this one is a bit more intriguing than the first film's offering. The post-credit scene in Rise of the Silver Surfer shows the Silver Surfer seemingly flying through space, potentially hinting at his survival and future appearances. After his apparent sacrifice to stop Galactus, the Silver Surfer is seen soaring through the cosmos, suggesting that he is still alive and well. This scene provided a glimmer of hope for fans who wanted to see more of the Silver Surfer in future movies. Given the character's rich comic book history and his potential as a compelling protagonist or antagonist, the post-credit scene fueled speculation about a spin-off film or his return in a Fantastic Four sequel. It also served to soften the impact of the film's ending, which some viewers found to be a somewhat unsatisfying resolution to the Galactus storyline. By showing the Silver Surfer's survival, the filmmakers left the door open for future adventures in the cosmic realm of the Marvel Universe. This post-credit scene is a classic example of using extra footage to tease potential storylines and keep fans engaged and speculating about what might come next. It aligns with the growing trend of superhero movies using post-credit scenes to expand their cinematic universes and build anticipation for future installments.

Fantastic Four (2015)

Then came the 2015 Fantastic Four reboot, directed by Josh Trank. This film aimed to offer a darker, more grounded take on the characters, with a younger cast and a focus on the science fiction elements of the story. However, the film was plagued by production issues and received overwhelmingly negative reviews. It's often cited as one of the worst superhero movies ever made. Given its troubled history, did the 2015 Fantastic Four bother with a post-credit scene? Sadly, the answer is no. The 2015 Fantastic Four does not have a post-credit scene. Given the film's critical and commercial failure, it's perhaps not surprising that there was no additional scene to tease a sequel or a larger cinematic universe. The movie's production was fraught with difficulties, and the negative reception made any continuation of this particular storyline highly unlikely. The absence of a post-credit scene can be seen as a reflection of the film's overall troubles and the lack of confidence in its future prospects. In the modern superhero movie landscape, where post-credit scenes have become a standard expectation, the omission is notable. It underscores the fact that post-credit scenes are not just about adding extra content; they also serve as a sign of a studio's commitment to a franchise and its desire to keep audiences engaged. The 2015 Fantastic Four's failure to include one speaks volumes about its place in the superhero movie pantheon. It remains a cautionary tale of the challenges involved in rebooting a beloved franchise and the importance of aligning creative vision with execution. For fans, it's a reminder that not all superhero adaptations can capture the magic of the source material, and sometimes, the best course of action is to start fresh with a new approach.

What to Expect from the MCU's Fantastic Four

Now, let's fast forward to the future! With the Fantastic Four now firmly under the umbrella of Marvel Studios and the MCU, expectations are sky-high. Kevin Feige and his team have a proven track record of crafting interconnected and engaging superhero narratives, and fans are eager to see how they'll integrate Marvel's First Family into the MCU. So, what can we realistically expect in terms of post-credit scenes for the upcoming MCU Fantastic Four movie? Given Marvel Studios' consistent use of post-credit scenes to set up future movies and storylines, it's almost a certainty that the MCU Fantastic Four will include at least one, if not more, post-credit scenes. These scenes will likely serve several key purposes:

Introducing New Characters

One of the most common uses of post-credit scenes in the MCU is to introduce characters who will play a significant role in future films. Think about the first Avengers movie, which teased Thanos, or the various scenes that introduced characters like Captain Marvel and Adam Warlock. For the Fantastic Four, this could mean the introduction of iconic villains like Doctor Doom or Galactus, or even allies from other corners of the Marvel Universe. Imagine a scene where a shadowy figure is observing the Fantastic Four's activities, or a glimpse of a cosmic entity looming in the distance. These types of teases are classic Marvel post-credit fare and would instantly generate excitement among fans.

Setting Up Future Storylines

Post-credit scenes are also perfect for planting the seeds of future storylines. The MCU is known for its intricate web of interconnected narratives, and these scenes often provide crucial links between movies. For the Fantastic Four, this could involve setting up a crossover event with other MCU teams, such as the Avengers or the X-Men. Perhaps a scene shows Nick Fury or another key figure discussing the emergence of the Fantastic Four and their potential impact on the world. Or maybe a post-credit scene hints at a major comic book storyline that the film series will adapt in the future, such as the Secret Wars or the Annihilation Wave. By giving fans a taste of what's to come, these scenes keep them invested in the long-term narrative of the MCU.

Adding Humorous Moments

Not all post-credit scenes are about serious plot developments. Many of them are purely for comedic effect, offering a light-hearted moment after the intensity of the main film. The MCU has mastered the art of blending humor with superhero action, and post-credit scenes are a perfect opportunity to showcase this. For the Fantastic Four, a humorous post-credit scene could involve the team bickering over something trivial, or a funny interaction with another MCU character. These scenes not only provide a fun payoff for fans who stay until the very end but also reinforce the tone and personality of the characters. They can also serve as a palate cleanser, offering a brief respite before the next major storyline kicks off.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, while the Fantastic Four's cinematic history has been a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to post-credit scenes, the future looks bright. With the MCU's track record and the anticipation surrounding the new Fantastic Four movie, we can confidently expect some exciting post-credit surprises. Whether it's introducing new characters, setting up future storylines, or adding a touch of humor, these scenes are sure to be a highlight for fans. So, the next time you watch a Fantastic Four movie, make sure to stay seated until the very end—you never know what Marvel might have in store for you!

So, guys, keep your eyes peeled and your expectations high. The Fantastic Four are coming to the MCU, and the post-credit scenes are just one of the many reasons to be excited! What are your predictions for the post-credit scenes in the new Fantastic Four movie? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let's geek out together!