The clock is ticking for 20th Century Fox to put its "Daredevil" reboot into production before character rights revert to Marvel -- but Fox chairman Tom Rothman and Marvel brass have been talking about a tradeoff that would allow the comicbook franchise to remain at Fox past its Oct. 10 deadline.
One reason for the backroom dealings: Fox is in discussions with Joe Carnahan to direct what's been described as a "Frank Miller-esque, hardcore 70s thriller" take on blind Hell's Kitchen superhero Matt Murdock -- a vision that would deviate from Disney/Marvel's family-friendly tone. Carnahan has yet to receive an official offer, though multiple sources tell Variety that he's the choice.
But Fox also has something Marvel wants.
Sources say Marvel would give Fox more time to make "Daredevil" in return for the rights to use characters from the "Fantastic Four" universe, including the giant, world-devouring supervillain Galactus, rumored to play a key role in future Marvel pics. Marvel is also eyeing future use of the Silver Surfer, who in the comicbooks brokered a deal to serve as Galactus' herald in order to save his home planet.
Fox owns rights to the Silver Surfer as part of its deal for "Fantastic Four," which the studio is also rebooting with "Chronicle" helmer Josh Trank.
At this point, the ball is said to be in Fox's court, with talks expected to resume later this week. But as of right now, Fox needs to start lensing by the Oct. 10 deadline to keep "Daredevil" in-house.
Neither Fox, Marvel nor reps for Carnahan would comment on the dealings.
David Slade was previously attached to direct the "Daredevil" reboot, which boasts a recent draft by David James Kelly. Chernin Entertainment is producing the pic.
"Daredevil" would mark a return to the Fox lot for Carnahan, who butted heads with the studio while directing "The A-Team"; the two sides appear to have worked out their differences. After the success Open Road Films had with Carnahan's Liam Neeson-starrer "The Grey," Fox quickly began developing Carnahan's actioner "Continue," which was believed to be his next project. CAA-repped helmer is also developing a fresh take on "Death Wish" for MGM.
#5905508 - 08/06/1204:50 PMRe: Fantastic Four Characters Could Go Back to Marvel
[Re: Black Lantern]
Kevin76Kevin76
FACT if I stop posting, trillions and trillions of transistors would be out of work.
Registered: 08/18/02
Posts: 4794
Fantastic Four back to Marvel is more of a prize than Daredevil, Which is why Marvel is willing to let Daredevil slide a bit longer. Marvel Studios would make a proper FF movie as well have crossovers with other films. Which would be pretty amazing.
Registered: 05/30/10
Posts: 8342
Loc: Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Originally Posted By: Kevin76
Fantastic Four back to Marvel is more of a prize than Daredevil, Which is why Marvel is willing to let Daredevil slide a bit longer. Marvel Studios would make a proper FF movie as well have crossovers with other films. Which would be pretty amazing.
Just what I was thinking. +1
I hope Marvel gets back FF and it's arsenal of characters.
#5905524 - 08/06/1204:55 PMRe: Fantastic Four Characters Could Go Back to Marvel
[Re: Kevin76]
Maccai3Maccai3
The Post-man always rings twice. Uhm... ring ring?
Registered: 06/17/12
Posts: 1501
Loc: Manchester, UK
why not, there's no saying that this Daredevil idea would work anyway and could end up getting that back anyway, FF would allow Marvel to get Doom back!
I think you guys have misread it. It doesn't say they would get back the Fantastic Four. It says they could get back characters FROM the Fantastic Four such as Galactus and Surfer.
#5905557 - 08/06/1205:11 PMRe: Fantastic Four Characters Could Go Back to Marvel
[Re: Racetrack]
gaz973gaz973 Basically you're asking for people to use common sense? Um...... good luck with that.
TOTAL NEWBIE
Registered: 12/10/06
Posts: 7111
Loc: UK
Originally Posted By: Anfield Fox
I think you guys have misread it. It doesn't say they would get back the Fantastic Four. It says they could get back characters FROM the Fantastic Four such as Galactus and Surfer.
Registered: 02/16/11
Posts: 9856
Loc: Your mom's house.
Originally Posted By: Anfield Fox
I think you guys have misread it. It doesn't say they would get back the Fantastic Four. It says they could get back characters FROM the Fantastic Four such as Galactus and Surfer.
We need those two for Marvel to take a run at Infinity Gauntlet. Galactus for the recognition of cosmic beings, and Silver Surfer to be the expositional narrative.
I think most don't realize that Fox owns Nova and I think Marvel wants him more than Silver Surfer and Galactus. Nova was part of the deal with Fox for the Fantastic Four characters.
The Skrulls and Kree are owned by both Fox and Marvel. Both can used by any studio if needed.
