Fans Might Hate On 2005’s Fantastic Four, But I Think It Actually Gets One Character Very Right

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Enthusiasts of comic book stories and superhero films now have the opportunity to decide if The Fantastic Four: First Steps is indeed the initial film that successfully captures Marvel’s original superhero clan accurately. (Check out our review.) I, for one, would argue that there are strong points for the 2005 adaptation as well, despite the high expectations surrounding the latest Marvel movie in the days following its release.

After seeing so many discussions about Richards & Co, I decided to rewatch Tim Story’s Fantastic Four, a movie I haven’t seen since my pre-teen years. To my surprise, I enjoyed it much more back then. However, during this viewing, there was something about the often criticized superhero film that caught my attention and won me over even more than before. Let me tell you why…

I Found Ben Grimm’s Storyline Absorbing

In terms of my personal perspective on the Fantastic Four, I’ve consistently thought that Ben Grimm, or The Thing as he’s famously known, embodies the essence and spirit of the tightly-bonded group. I strongly suspect that the creators of the 2005 version share this view, which is why they portrayed this Jewish Marvel hero so powerfully – a reflection of his significant role within the team.

It’s puzzling why Ben’s change takes such a prolonged period – maybe the director intended for the other three to uncover their powers humorously, and revealing Ben’s unique orange, rocky skin would have undermined that comedic aspect. However, when Michael Chiklis’ character, The Thing, is unveiled, it thankfully avoids being a joke. Instead, Ben confides in his wife Debra (Laurie Holden) about his transformation, causing her to flee in terror and eventually leading to the dissolution of their marriage. This emotional scene marks the start of the film’s unexpectedly poignant and empathetic portrayal of Ben’s unfortunate condition.

Michael Chiklis Gets A Lot Of Credit

In the same way I consider Ben Grimm the essence of the Fantastic Four, I believe Michael Chiklis, the actor portraying him, is the very heart and soul of the 2005 movie. It’s a sentiment shared by Stan Lee, co-creator of the Fantastic Four, who stated in an interview for behind-the-scenes footage that he couldn’t imagine anyone else doing a better job in the role than Chiklis, who has recently extended his support to the cast of Fantastic Four: First Steps.

In a similar backstage video, the Emmy-winning actor from FX’s The Shield, unveils that The Thing was his cherished comic book hero during his childhood. Remarkably, he didn’t feel compelled to express this, but his deep affection for Ben and the significance of getting his portrayal right in every intense moment of his moving performance is evident. It allows us a glimpse into the man hidden beneath the monster.

Portraying The Thing With Practical Effects Was The Right Call

In summary, I believe that one crucial aspect contributing to the quality of this version of The Thing lies in understanding that there’s a human hidden beneath the monster. While performance capture technology had already been developed at that time, as seen in films like the Lord of the Rings series, 2005’s Fantastic Four chose the traditional approach by fitting Michael Chiklis with a full-body prosthetic suit and mask. This costume was auctioned off in 2020.

As someone who appreciates movies that employ real-world effects, I approve of this decision. To clarify, I’m not dismissing CGI, which is quite good in the 2000s’ Fantastic Four, but I firmly believe that making The Thing’s rocky skin genuine enhances Chiklis’ performance, making it more relatable and convincing. Moreover, Chiklis’ rocky skin costume appears more authentic compared to the one from the unfinished 1994 version of Fantastic Four.

To me, the 2005 film “Fantastic Four” is essentially focused on The Thing, making it worthwhile to stream this movie on Disney+. While I wouldn’t feel the same way about the 2007 film “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer”. I really hope that Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s portrayal of Ben Grimm in director Matt Shakman’s upcoming “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” will match the excellence displayed by Michael Chiklis in his role.

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2025-07-29 12:08