When things become highly questionable, I like to talk to myself to search for answers. Today, I must talk to myself about the reveal of
So what do you want to complain about today?
Complain is a bit harsh and I will let the Internet complain about this for me. But I'd like to discuss the new origin of Doom in The Fantastic Four.
Greeeeeat. Since you really want to do this, let me first ask you why there has been no trailer or concept art or imagery released by Fox for this reboot?
The reboot was pushed back from a June 2015 release to an August 2015 release and my guess is that we will start seeing imagery and a trailer for The Fantastic Four starting in January or February 2015. Usually the marketing schedule for a movie starts 6-8 months before its theatrical release.
Fair enough. So let's get right to the point here... thoughts on Doom, the blogger?
Oh man... where to start... I think I'll start by saying that it makes perfect sense why so many fans are upset at the reveal of Doom's new origin, by actor Toby Kebbell, the other day. Not only are the Fantastic Four the first family of Marvel but it was the team that started Marvel comics' rise to prominence as a publisher in the 1960s. Then add in Doom being one of the most popular villains in comic book history and you have a highly passionate fan base for one of the oldest super hero teams created.
Yeah, yeah stop pandering. What about Doom?
The idea around Doom is surely questionable and, to me, it seems like Fox is trying to give a reboot to Fantastic Four in the biggest way possible by rewriting its origin completely. Doom as a blogger is just the next piece of information that is being changed with this team along with Johnny Storm's change of skin color. Sometimes a movie adaptation takes its liberties. Some are good and some are bad and no one outside of Fox's executives and the production team know how these changes will pan out until some footage is released.
But this is Doom we are talking about here...
I know. Doom is arguably one of the most popular villains ever but he's also tough to pull off in a way that doesn't come off cheesy. In Fox's previous Fantastic Four films, I enjoyed actor Julian McMahon's portrayal of Victor von Doom but didn't like him as Doom with the mask on. The voice was off and the look of Dr. Doom was acceptable albeit had its own issues of being too comic book-inspired.
Regarding this version of Doom, I think everyone needs to take a wait and see approach to see how he looks and sounds in a trailer. But at the same time, I will openly admit that I am not optimistic about Doom in this reboot at all solely based on what is known about the villain.
In other words, you hate it but you could love it based on seeing Doom in action first?
Pretty much. Especially since I'm not familiar with the actor and his past work.
Fine. Then what can you say to all the "haters" who are already writing off The Fantastic Four reboot?
All I will say is that sometimes being too open with your opinion can hurt you and make you look like a fool... just ask all those who hated the idea of Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man or Heath Ledger as the Joker. I understand those are two extreme comparisons but the point remains that if Kebbell is amazing as Doom, then everyone who hated on the role before seeing any footage first will have to collectively swallow that lump of guilt and regret down their throat.
Let's wait and see then.
Exactly. Although you may still occasionally vomit in your mouth at the thought of Doom as an evil blogger while we are waiting to see him in action, and waiting to learn more about the character.
In closing, I will say that this is Fox's last chance to get Fantastic Four right in a movie otherwise they may have to swallow a lump of failure down their throat and let the rights revert back to Marvel Studios just like they did with Daredevil's rights a couple of years ago.
The Fantastic Four releases in theaters on August 7, 2015.
Related Posts: THE FANTASTIC FOUR: DR. DOOM to be a Blogger and "Anti-Social Programmer" in the Reboot? Whaaa... ?
THE FANTASTIC FOUR: "Containment Suits" Instead of Hero Costumes? "Disabilities" Instead of Powers?
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