Did Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2 Explain Fantastic Four’s MCU Absence?

Discover How Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2 May Have Explained The Absence Of The Fantastic Four In The Marvel Cinematic Universe

By Amitabh Mukherji
May 15,2023
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The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has left fans wondering about the absence of the Fantastic Four. However, a possible explanation may have been subtly provided in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. While the team’s introduction in the MCU has been highly anticipated, none of the previous 30 movies have addressed the whereabouts of Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm on Earth-616, despite their significance in the comic books.

Doctor Strange And The Short-Lived Reed Richards:

Reed Richards

In Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, fans caught a glimpse of Earth-838’s Reed Richards, portrayed by John Krasinski, who was a popular choice to play Mister Fantastic in the MCU. Unfortunately, the Scarlet Witch swiftly disposed of this version of Reed, dashing hopes of seeing the Fantastic Four on the big screen anytime soon. Nevertheless, following Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox in 2019, Marvel began planning to fully integrate the team into the MCU. With Fantastic Four set to release on February 14, 2025, casting is currently underway. However, the film must address the years between Iron Man and Avengers: Endgame to explain the team’s absence, and a clue to this answer may lie in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’s Potential Explanation:

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Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 introduced Jump Points in the MCU, which could serve as a plausible explanation for the Fantastic Four’s absence. These hexagonal portals allow space travelers to navigate the universe quickly. However, if mishandled, one could easily become lost. This raises the possibility that Reed, Sue, Johnny, and Ben accidentally entered a Jump Point during their space mission and were transported to the far reaches of the galaxy. It may have taken them years to find their way back to Earth-616, allowing them ample time to adapt to their newfound powers. By utilizing Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’s Jump Points, the Fantastic Four movie can conveniently fill the plot hole surrounding their absence and explain why no other characters have mentioned them in the MCU. If everyone believed they were deceased and unaware of their powers, their absence would make sense.

The MCU Benefits From The Fantastic Four’s Absence:

Fantastic Four
Fantastic Four

Considering that there have been two previous film adaptations of the Fantastic Four, both featuring their origin stories, the MCU doesn’t necessarily need to reiterate this aspect in the upcoming movie. In fact, it might be more effective if the first act of the Fantastic Four film doesn’t focus on how they became superheroes, much like Spider-Man: Homecoming. Furthermore, if Reed, Sue, Johnny, and Ben have been present in New York City since the events of Iron Man, it would create significant plot holes that can be easily resolved. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 provides a straightforward explanation for their absence in the MCU and establishes that they are already acquainted with their powers.

While fans eagerly await the Fantastic Four’s arrival in the MCU, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 may have subtly provided an explanation for their absence. By introducing Jump Points, the film offers a plausible reason why the team has been missing and why no characters have mentioned them. With the upcoming Fantastic Four movie set to fill in the gaps of their whereabouts, the MCU can avoid revisiting their origin story and maintain a seamless narrative.