Jon Watts, the filmmaker behind Marvel Studios’ hugely successful Spider-Man trilogy, has spoken in detail for the first time about his surprising decision to walk away from directing The Fantastic Four. Watts was originally attached to direct Marvel’s reboot of the beloved superhero team, but stepped down from the project in April 2022, shortly after the record-breaking success of Spider-Man: No Way Home.
Now, three years later, during an appearance at the Mediterrane Film Festival, Watts has opened up about the toll that pandemic-era filmmaking took on him and why stepping away was a necessary choice.
🎥 Watts on Why He Left ‘Fantastic Four’
In his own words:
“I was completely out of gas. The COVID layer on top of making a giant movie was too much. People could’ve died if you did things wrong. It was emotionally draining. I didn’t have what it would take to make another big Marvel movie great.”
Watts explained that while he was excited about the opportunity to direct Marvel’s version of the Fantastic Four, he ultimately realized he was too exhausted to meet the expectations — his own and the fans’.
“It was such a personal decision. I knew if I couldn’t give it 110%, I shouldn’t be doing it. Marvel was incredibly supportive. They said, ‘Take a break, recharge.’ And that’s what I did.”
🕸️ The Spider-Man Trilogy Burnout
Watts’ Spider-Man trilogy — Homecoming (2017), Far From Home (2019), and No Way Home (2021) — were all commercial and critical hits. No Way Home, in particular, became one of the highest-grossing films of all time and brought together three generations of Spider-Men in an emotionally charged cinematic event.
However, that success came at a cost. No Way Home was shot under strict COVID-19 protocols, with worldwide travel restrictions, lockdowns, and intense post-production delays due to supply chain issues. Watts described the experience as “an emotional rollercoaster.”
“I don’t think audiences understand how fragile the system was during those shoots. One outbreak could’ve shut us down. And we were dealing with hundreds of people. It was a miracle we pulled it off.”
🌌 What’s Next for the Fantastic Four?
After Jon Watts’ departure, Marvel Studios brought in Matt Shakman, the acclaimed director behind WandaVision, to helm the reboot. Shakman, a Marvel favorite known for his ability to handle large ensembles and multiverse-level complexity, was announced as the new director in September 2022.
The film, officially titled The Fantastic Four: First Steps, is scheduled to hit theaters on July 25, 2025. The cast includes:
- Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards / Mr. Fantastic
- Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm / Invisible Woman
- Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm / Human Torch
- Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm / The Thing
With a new vision under Shakman, Fantastic Four is expected to play a major role in shaping the MCU’s Phase Six, tying into Avengers: Secret Wars and expanding the multiverse saga.
🌟 Jon Watts’ Post-Marvel Career
Since stepping away from Fantastic Four, Jon Watts has returned to smaller, passion-driven projects. He wrote and directed Wolfs, a noir action-comedy starring George Clooney and Brad Pitt, which is set for release on Apple TV+ later this year. He is also producing Final Destination: Bloodlines, a fresh reboot of the horror franchise, and is credited as a key creative on Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, a Disney+ series featuring Jude Law.
“It was liberating to do something different,” Watts said. “After Marvel, I wanted to rediscover the fun of filmmaking. Smaller sets, new genres, less pressure. That’s what I needed.”
📌 A Look at the Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Jon Watts announced as Fantastic Four director | December 2020 |
| Spider-Man: No Way Home release | December 2021 |
| Jon Watts steps down from Fantastic Four | April 2022 |
| Matt Shakman hired as replacement | September 2022 |
| Fantastic Four: First Steps set to release | July 25, 2025 |
💬 Fan Reactions and Support
The response from fans has been overwhelmingly supportive. Reddit threads on r/marvelstudios and Twitter/X posts largely applauded Watts for prioritizing his health and quality over hype.
“He’s earned his break after No Way Home.”
“Respect to a director who knows when to walk away. That’s rare in Hollywood.”
🔍 Final Thoughts
Jon Watts’ decision to exit Fantastic Four was not born out of creative differences or studio conflicts — but from a very human place of exhaustion and self-awareness. His honesty underscores the immense pressure behind the scenes of blockbuster filmmaking and reminds fans that even superhero creators need rest.
As Marvel’s Fantastic Four enters a new chapter under Matt Shakman, and Watts explores exciting new territory outside the superhero genre, the industry seems to be evolving in ways that prioritize both spectacle and sustainability.
