THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS Director Matt Shakman Says a Director’s Cut Is “Not Possible”

If you watched The Fantastic Four: First Steps and noticed scenes missing that were featured in the trailers, you’re not alone. While the film has been largely embraced by audiences, some fans have been vocal about its awkward pacing.

Because of that, fans have been holding out hope that a longer cut might be released down the road, perhaps restoring deleted scenes like the extended space sequence, Johnny Storm’s fiery descent back to Earth, John Malkovich’s Red Ghost, or the emotionally charged exchange between Reed and Sue. Unfortunately, it looks like that won’t be happening.

In a recent interview with Elite Daily, director Matt Shakman was asked directly if a director’s cut of First Steps might someday see the light of day. His answer was brief but definitive:

“No unfortunately not there’s so much VFX involved... not possible.”

This confirmation lines up with Marvel Studios’ typical approach. The studio rarely releases alternate cuts of its films, opting instead for theatrical versions that fit neatly into two-hour runtimes. While extended scenes or deleted footage occasionally make their way onto home media releases, fully reworked “director’s cuts” are virtually unheard of at Marvel.

Before the movie’s release, Shakman already revealed that John Malkovich’s villain, Red Ghost, had been cut entirely. That omission was just the start. Fans quickly realized a number of shots from trailers and TV spots were nowhere to be found in the finished product.

Despite the trims, First Steps has enjoyed a solid reception overall, with many praising the new take on Marvel’s first family. Still, it’s clear there was more material that never made it to the big screen, and Shakman’s comments suggest we won’t be seeing it—even in unfinished form.

As of now, fans will have to make peace with the version we got. Whether deleted scenes appear on the Blu-ray remains to be seen, but if you're hoping for a fully fleshed-out director’s vision, it’s best to adjust expectations.