Was the 1994 ‘Fantastic Four’ the Worst Fake Movie Ever Made?

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If you’re yearning for a taste of the Fantastic Four before the upcoming reboot, here’s some good news. We aren’t referring to the 2015 or 2005 versions featuring Josh Trank and Chris Evans respectively. Instead, we’re talking about an earlier adaptation that premiered in the US on January 19, 1994 – a production by Roger Corman and Stan Lee before Disney got their hands on it. Marvel was building its empire of franchises around the same time DC was, and this one was quite different. It starred relatively unknown actors, boasted less-than-stellar special effects, and was directed by Oley Sassone, a music video director. This project is as far from Marvel’s future plans as possible. Unfortunately, it’s not available for streaming anywhere, and never will be.

In 1994, the less popular version of Marvel’s Fantastic Four comic is still cherished by a small group of fans. As stated by the creator Stan Lee, he and the entire cast and crew were deceived, essentially used as pieces on a chessboard. After the wrap party, the independent action movie with music score and special effects was inexplicably pulled from release.

The common belief is that this was a deliberate scheme, New Horizons merely creating a legal barrier to extend the film rights, but the actors were never informed of this devious plan. This unfortunate event may not have permanently hindered the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but it certainly delayed its progress for several years.

The Producers Lose the Plot (and the Footage)

Establishing the truth behind this complicated story is quite challenging as it varies depending on who you speak to. Bernd Eichinger acquired the rights, but due to mismanagement or complications, production didn’t begin until 1992, which was just before his rights expired, causing suspicion. Lee and the cast claimed that the comic adaptation was never intended for the screen. Speculation soon arose that this was all a trick, the cast feeling disheartened by the supposed cancellation. In a 2005 interview with Los Angeles Magazine, Michael Bailey Smith (Ben Grimm) accused the producers of dishonesty.

It would have been more straightforward and helpful if someone had clearly communicated, “Hey, take a look at this. This isn’t intended for release, right?” I can’t help but wonder why they didn’t share their intentions with us right away.

In a candid conversation, actress Rebecca Staab (The Invisible Woman) likened the betrayal to feeling stabbed in the heart. Similarly, co-star Alex Hyde-White (Mister Fantastic) voiced his dismay, believing that if the entire ordeal was a deception from the start, it was an elaborate and expensive scheme, involving fake ads on VHS tapes, theater trailers, press tours with actors, charity collaborations, and appearances at Comicon events.

1. The event, packed with detailed articles in science fiction and trade publications, generated excitement that demanded either fulfillment or a convincing reason. Lee maintained that Eichinger had bluffed, prolonging the process until a superior offer from a more prestigious studio with an appropriate budget emerged, all in an effort to hold onto the rights to a property he believed still held unrealized potential.

2. The gathering featured numerous articles in sci-fi and trade magazines, creating a buzz that needed resolution or justification. Lee insisted Eichinger had been bluffing, stalling for time until a more favorable deal with a reputable studio and suitable budget presented itself, as he aimed to preserve the rights to a property he felt still contained untapped opportunities.

3. The gathering included numerous articles in sci-fi and trade magazines, generating anticipation that warranted either resolution or explanation. Lee claimed Eichinger had been bluffing, delaying until a superior offer from a well-respected studio with an adequate budget surfaced, all to retain the rights to a property he believed was still full of potential.

4. The gathering featured extensive coverage in sci-fi and trade publications, fostering expectations that required either fulfillment or clarification. Lee argued Eichinger had been bluffing, buying time until a better deal with a more esteemed studio and fitting budget came along, as he sought to maintain control over the rights to a property he thought still held promise.

5. The gathering included numerous write-ups in sci-fi and trade magazines, creating a need for resolution or clarification. Lee contended Eichinger had been bluffing, stalling until a superior offer from a more prestigious studio with an appropriate budget emerged, all in the pursuit of keeping the rights to a property he felt was yet to reach its full potential.

Stan Lee vs Roger Corman

It is often speculated that Marvel played a role in the destruction of the original film print, either directly or indirectly, to distance it from their upcoming glossier films in a planned series of blockbusters. This claim is supported by the account given in the book “MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios,” where producer Gale Anne Hurd (Eichinger) states that the film was effectively killed off following a phone call from Marvel Executive Avi Arad. According to Eichinger, Arad offered a deal after praising the movie, stating, “I think what you did was great… Let’s do a deal.” The details surrounding Corman’s involvement and knowledge of the situation are disputed, with some blame being placed on him by director Sam Raimi (Lee).

Despite being recognized as a director, a significant portion of Roger Corman’s career was spent negotiating deals and funding movies, resulting in hundreds of films that some might consider questionable. He was primarily a businessman, fully grasping the tough, unforgiving nature of the film industry. This led some, including Stan Lee, to believe he participated in creating a fake movie to exploit legal loopholes. However, it should be noted that Corman had no qualms about distributing subpar films.

Art Preservation, One Illegal Upload at a Time

Despite conflicting stories about its future, the “lost” film mysteriously surfaced unofficially. Despite New Horizons’ distributor or the producers’ refusal to officially release it, a complete version found its way out through piracy. Is Corman’s The Fantastic Four any good? That’s not the main concern here. The acting and special effects are as mediocre as you would expect from a low-budget sci-fi film from 1994. This one probably won’t be considered for preservation by the Library of Congress. However, it’s not accessible through legal means, but if you’re determined to find it, you can track down Oley Sassone’s cult film from 1994. And if that doesn’t appeal to you, there’s a chance we might get another unconventional adaptation in 2035.

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2025-02-24 00:03