The Director’s Cut - A DGA Podcast The Fantastic Four: First Steps with Matt Shakman and Edward Zwick (Ep. 556)
Aug 22, 2025
Matt Shakman, known for directing The Fantastic Four: First Steps and renowned shows like Succession, joins Edward Zwick for an insightful chat. They discuss the balance of family dynamics within the superhero narrative, emphasizing relatable challenges like parental anxiety. Shakman shares his preference for practical effects, evoking a retro futuristic style, and the importance of collaboration in filmmaking. They also touch on the evolving impact of AI technology in visual storytelling, raising questions about the future of creativity in film.
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Pitching With A Personal Photo
- Matt Shakman brought a photo of himself passed out with his baby to pitch his Fantastic Four idea to Kevin Feige.
- He used that image to explain he wanted a film grounded in messy, real family life like the comics' origins.
Family Drama As The Film's Core
- Shakman built the story around parental anxiety and a marriage story to humanize the superhero narrative.
- He balanced intimate family stakes with classic Fantastic Four humor and spectacle.
Galactus As A Parental Mirror
- Galactus became a thematic antagonist who amplifies parental stakes by wanting the baby for his own purposes.
- The character lets Reed learn to surrender control and accept his child's future.
