Fantastic Four 3D Conversion Cancelled by Josh Trank

Director Josh Trank has cancelled the 3D release of Fantastic Four

UK site Final Reel is reporting that Josh Trank has cancelled the previously-promoted 3D conversion of the Fantastic Four reboot, which will now only screen in 2D per the director’s artistic specifications. Although early posters and trailers touted “Real D 3D,” new promotional materials had removed it, and then the switch was confirmed by a statement released through 20th Century Fox.

“I want the viewing experience of ‘Fantastic Four’ to remain as pure as possible for the audience, which means in 2D, just as we shot the movie,” said Trank.

Many are already speculating that behind-the-scenes turmoil may be responsible for the 3D drop, especially in light of extensive reshoots that likely didn’t leave adequate time for the conversion process to be completed. If this is indeed the case, then scrapping of the 3D is probably a smart move considering the 2010 release of Clash of the Titans, which received a disastrous reception for its rushed 3-week conversion done to capitalize on the post-Avatar hype for 3D. Although post-conversions have improved since then, public enthusiasm has waned and audiences often find the immersive technology superfluous.

Fans can expect troubling rumors to possibly be addressed at Fox’s Fantastic Four panel today at Comic-Con’s Hall H, which is scheduled for 5:45pm PST. 

An origin story said to be inspired largely by the “Ultimate Fantastic Four” comics (the first arc of which was written by Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Millar with Joe Kubert illustrating), Fantastic Four offers a contemporary re-imagining of Marvel’s original and longest-running superhero team. The story centers on four young outsiders who teleport to an alternate and dangerous universe, which alters their physical form in shocking ways. Their lives irrevocably upended, the team must learn to harness their daunting new abilities and work together to save Earth from a former friend turned enemy.

“Marvel’s First Family” will include Whiplash‘s Miles Teller as Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic), “House of Cards” star Kate Mara as Sue Storm (The Invisible Woman), Fruitvale Station and Chronicle‘s Michael B. Jordan as Johnny Storm (The Human Torch) and The Adventures of Tintin‘s Jamie Bell as Ben Grimm (The Thing). Dawn of the Planet of the Apes‘ Toby Kebbell will also star as Doctor Doom alongside Reg E. Cathey (“The Wire”) as as Dr. Franklin Storm and Tim Blake Nelson (O Brother, Where Art Thou?) as Harvey Elder, aka The Mole Man.

Fantastic Four features a screenplay by Simon Kinberg (X-Men: Days of Future Past), who is also a producer on the film. Directed by Josh Trank (Chronicle), the film is set for release on August 7.