One of Marvel’s funniestDoctor Strangescenes can finally be realized in theMCU, thanks to theFantastic Four. Around the world, the anticipation for Marvel’s First Family’sMCU debut inFantastic Four: First Steps.The Fantastic Four’s arrival in the MCU will bring with it a slew of new characters. It also means that one of the funniest Doctor Strange moments, as seen inNew Fantastic Four#3, can come to life.
TheNew Fantastic Fourbook followed the adventures of the so-called “New Fantastic Four,” consisting of Spider-Man, Hulk, Wolverine and Ghost Rider.
New Fantastic Four#3, first published by Marvel in 2022, was written by Peter David and drawn by Alex Robinson. Mister Fantastic and the Invisible Woman are getting cozy in bed. As they start making love, the Invisible Woman looks up, and is suddenly mortified at somethingwhich turns out to be Doctor Strange. The Sorcerer Supreme has sent his astral form to make an inquiry of the Fantastic Four.
All Doctor Strange can say is “is this a bad time?”
Doctor Strange and the Fantastic Four Are Icons, Both In the Comics and On-Screen
The Fantastic Four’s MCU Arrival Is a Cause for Celebration
Both the Fantastic Four and Doctor Strange are Marvel icons, and both have histories on the big-screen. Rumors flew for years that Doctor Strange was coming to the MCU. After being name-checked inCaptain America: The Winter Soldier, Strange debuted in his own feature film, released in 2016. He has become a fixture of the MCU, starring in not only his own movies, but others, such asAvengers: Endgame, as well. While Strange has been absent from the marketing materials surroundingAvengers: Doomsday,he is sure to make a return.
20th Century Fox clearly had issues making the Fantastic Four work on film.
The Fantastic Four took a more circuitous route to the MCU. The team’s film rights once belonged to 20th Century Fox. The studio released twoFantastic Fourfilms in the mid-2000s, both directed by Tim Story. The films were box-office hits, but received mixed to negative reviews from critics. Fox tried to make the Fantastic Four work again, this time in 2015. Starring Miles Teller as Reed Richards, the film was a notorious flop, and was dead on arrival at the box office. 20th Century Fox clearly had issues making the Fantastic Four work on film.
Then, in 2019, Marvel’s parent company Disney acquired 20th Century Fox’s assets, including the film rights to the Fantastic Four. The same deal also brought the X-Men film rights back to Marvel. While fans patiently wait for the MCU’s X-Men to make their debut, the Fantastic Four’s arrival is nigh.Fantastic Four: First Steps, starring Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, will give the team the love and respect they deserve. The film also plays a substantial role in the MCU’s currently ongoing “Multiverse Saga,” as the team’s adventures will take place on a different Earth.
Does the MCU’s Doctor Strange Know About the Fantastic Four?
Doctor Strange’s Funniest Scene Can Now Become Reality
Now that the Fantastic Four are part of the MCU, the team can interact with other heroes, including Doctor Strange. In 2022’sDoctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness,Reed Richards appeared as a member of the Illumanti, played by John Krasinski. A line of dialogue implies that Strange was aware of the Fantastic Four, but the way it was worded, he could have been referring to the Beatles as well. Given that Strange has the ability to traverse the multiverse, as seen in that movie, it is possible he knowsabout the Fantastic Four’s adventures on other Earths.
Regardless of whether Doctor Strange is already aware of the Fantastic Four, the opportunity to recreateNew Fantastic Four#3’s hilarious scene now exists. The scene is perfect, and if filmed, would add a touch of levity to the Fantastic Four (and Doctor Strange’s) adventures. Humor is not a trait traditionally associated with Doctor Strange, making this scene all the more imperative to add to a forthcoming MCU film. WhetherDoctor Strangewill return to theMCUanytime soon is still up in the air, theFantastic Four’simpending debut offers the chance to show another side of the Sorcerer Supreme.
