Quick Read
- Matt Shakman will step away from the Fantastic Four series after the success of its 2025 reboot.
- The director is moving to 20th Century Studios to lead an original entry in the Planet of the Apes franchise.
- Marvel is expected to seek new leadership for a potential 2028 Fantastic Four sequel while retaining the original cast for upcoming Avengers projects.
Director Matt Shakman is officially moving on from the Marvel Cinematic Universe to helm an original installment in the Planet of the Apes franchise for 20th Century Studios. The transition, confirmed on May 10, 2026, marks a significant shift in the creative leadership for Disney’s major properties following the global success of The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
Strategic Shift in Franchise Leadership
Shakman’s departure from the Marvel franchise comes after the 2025 reboot of The Fantastic Four secured a $521.8 million global box office haul. While the film was widely considered a success, reports indicate that Shakman will not return for the sequel. Instead, he will serve as both director and producer on the new Planet of the Apes film, collaborating once again with screenwriter Josh Friedman, with whom he worked on the recent Marvel hit. This move underscores a broader strategy at Disney to rotate creative talent across its most lucrative intellectual properties, including the Apes series, which has grossed over $1.7 billion since its inception.
Production Details and Future Prospects
While specific plot details remain under wraps, the upcoming film is described as an original story rather than a direct continuation of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. The project will see Shakman team up with veteran producers Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver to build upon the existing world where apes hold dominance. For Marvel, the search for a new director for a potential 2028 Fantastic Four follow-up is expected to begin shortly, though the original cast—Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach—remain attached to upcoming Avengers ensemble projects.
The Impact of Creative Reassignment
The decision to pivot to Planet of the Apes reflects Shakman’s desire to explore new creative ground after his tenure with Marvel and his acclaimed work on WandaVision. By moving to an original story within the Apes universe, the filmmaker avoids the potential for character overexposure often associated with long-term Marvel sequels, allowing him to apply his signature retro-futuristic aesthetic to a long-running science fiction franchise.
The departure of a high-profile director like Shakman immediately following a successful franchise launch signals that Disney is prioritizing the long-term health of its diverse portfolio over the traditional, single-director sequel model, favoring creative agility to keep major brands fresh in a crowded blockbuster market.