The Successful Screenwriter with Geoffrey D Calhoun: Screenwriting Podcast Ep 279 – Fantastic Four: Why This Version Finally Gets It Right
Jul 29, 2025
32:36
Geoffrey D. Calhoun welcomes back friend of the show, screenwriter Katie Presto, for a no-holds-barred breakdown of the new Fantastic Four film. From emotional arcs to cosmic stakes, they cover what worked, what surprised them, and why the movie isn’t the camp-fest some critics claim it to be.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
00:22 – First reactions and the film’s 60s retro-futurism
03:05 – Why the Thing’s arc is the emotional core
06:20 – Reed and Sue’s realistic relationship struggles
11:40 – The space birth scene: creative or confusing?
17:14 – The film’s family theme and emotional payoff
20:09 – Franklin’s powers and tragic comic book future
21:08 – Is Reed neurodivergent? A subtle exploration
27:02 – The director’s surprising TV background
About the Guest:
Katie Presto is a screenwriter and longtime friend of the show. She brings a sharp eye and grounded insight into storytelling, structure, and character, especially in genre films. About the Host:
With films on network television, streaming platforms, and in theaters, Geoffrey D. Calhoun is a screenwriter, author of The Guide for Every Screenwriter, and a passionate mentor in the industry. He hosts The Successful Screenwriter podcast to empower writers and filmmakers at every level.
Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
🌐 Podcast Website
📸 Instagram @screenwriterpod
🎵 TikTok @screenwriterpod
If you loved this breakdown or have your own take on the new Fantastic Four, comment, share, and subscribe. Don’t forget to let us know if we missed anything in those post-credit scenes!
#FantasticFour2025 #ScreenwritingPodcast #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter #ComicBookMovies #MovieBreakdown
Explore Free Resources & Membership
👉 Visit TheSuccessfulScreenwriter.com for free tools, guides, and podcast extras.
Members unlock Virtual Geoffrey, the AI screenwriting assistant built to transform good drafts into great scripts.
Connect with Geoffrey
📸 Instagram: @screenwriterpod
▶️ YouTube: The Successful Screenwriter
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe. Share it with a fellow screenwriter who’d find it valuable!
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- Why the Thing’s character arc hits differently this time
- The subtle emotional depth behind Reed and Sue’s relationship
- How world-building and set design enhance story
- Casting choices that seemed risky but paid off
- How the theme of “family” drives the entire film
00:22 – First reactions and the film’s 60s retro-futurism
03:05 – Why the Thing’s arc is the emotional core
06:20 – Reed and Sue’s realistic relationship struggles
11:40 – The space birth scene: creative or confusing?
17:14 – The film’s family theme and emotional payoff
20:09 – Franklin’s powers and tragic comic book future
21:08 – Is Reed neurodivergent? A subtle exploration
27:02 – The director’s surprising TV background
About the Guest:
Katie Presto is a screenwriter and longtime friend of the show. She brings a sharp eye and grounded insight into storytelling, structure, and character, especially in genre films. About the Host:
With films on network television, streaming platforms, and in theaters, Geoffrey D. Calhoun is a screenwriter, author of The Guide for Every Screenwriter, and a passionate mentor in the industry. He hosts The Successful Screenwriter podcast to empower writers and filmmakers at every level.
Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
- Fantastic Four (2025)
- The Guide for Every Screenwriter by Geoffrey D. Calhoun
- Matt Shakman’s filmography (Wandavision, Succession, Game of Thrones)
🌐 Podcast Website
📸 Instagram @screenwriterpod
🎵 TikTok @screenwriterpod
If you loved this breakdown or have your own take on the new Fantastic Four, comment, share, and subscribe. Don’t forget to let us know if we missed anything in those post-credit scenes!
#FantasticFour2025 #ScreenwritingPodcast #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter #ComicBookMovies #MovieBreakdown
Explore Free Resources & Membership
👉 Visit TheSuccessfulScreenwriter.com for free tools, guides, and podcast extras.
Members unlock Virtual Geoffrey, the AI screenwriting assistant built to transform good drafts into great scripts.
Connect with Geoffrey
📸 Instagram: @screenwriterpod
▶️ YouTube: The Successful Screenwriter
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe. Share it with a fellow screenwriter who’d find it valuable!