Marvel needs a new director for its upcoming Fantastic Four movie. Director Jon Watts, who was previously involved with the project, has parted ways with the project, citing the need for a break from superhero films. Deadline reported the move on Friday, and it was quickly confirmed by Disney and Watts.
Watts previously worked with Disney on all three of Tom Holland’s Spider-Man films. Watts was signed on to direct Fantastic Four next, but after directing the entire Spider-Man trilogy he seemed to have decided he needed a break from superheroes.
“Making three Spider-Man films has been an incredible and life-changing experience for me,” Watts said in a statement to Deadline. “I am eternally grateful to have been a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe for seven years. I am confident that we will work together again and I can’t wait to bring Fantastic Four’s amazing vision to life.”
Confirming there was no bad blood between the director and the studio, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige said: “Working with Jon on the Spider-Man films has been a real pleasure. We’ve been excited to continue our work with him to bring the Fantastic Four to the MCU, but we understand and support his reasons for stepping down. We are optimistic that at some point we will have the opportunity to work together again.”
Disney announced Fantastic Four in 2020, but the film was never given a release date.