Why Matt Shakman walked away from Star Trek 4 in favour of Fantastic Four

WandaVision director Matt Shakman signed on to direct Star Trek 4 two years ago, but the allure of the Marvel Cinematic Universe was strong and when he had the chance to helm the new Fantastic Four movie for Marvel Studios, he couldn’t resist.

While speaking with The Wrap, Matt Shakman explained why he walked away from Star Trek 4. “I had a great time working on ‘Star Trek’ for a little over a year, working closely with J.J. Abrams and everyone at Paramount, and I love that franchise, and I love that cast that J.J. put together, and it would have been an unbelievable pleasure to work with them on the fourth installment there,” Shakman said. “But movies have different journeys and momentums and schedules are a little bit mercurial, and so when the ‘Fantastic Four’ opportunity came up, it was just too hard to pass up, and to go back home to Marvel, a place that I worked on ‘WandaVision’ at, with those people who are wonderful collaborators.” It sounds like the ever-shifting schedules proved to be a bit frustrating, and, let’s be honest, Fantastic Four is clearly the bigger project.

Although Matt Shakman left the world of Star Trek behind, he feels there are plenty of similarities between the sci-fi franchise and Fantastic Four. “They’re very similar in some ways: they both were launched in the ’60s at the same time, they’re both about optimism and looking to the stars and technology can solve everything, and they’re about family too — the family you have, the family you make,” Shakman said. “So they’re aligned in many ways and speak to my heart and equally, so I’m excited to be working on ‘Fantastic Four.’“

The fourth installment of J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek franchise started to take shape even before the release of Star Trek Beyond, with Chris Hemsworth said to be returning as George Kirk, father of James Kirk. But talks with the stars broke down, and the project was put on hold. Then, when the sequel was announced again, the cast was said to be blindsided by the news as they hadn’t been told. After Matt Shakman left, Paramount Pictures pulled the film from the schedule, leaving Star Trek 4 in limbo once again. As for Fantastic Four, production is said to kick off early next year and is set to be released on February 14, 2025.