For fans looking to watch the first twoFantastic Fourmovies before the new reboot hits theaters this August, it will be a bit more difficult than you think. 20th Century Fox has pulled the digital versions of 2005’sFantastic Fourand the 2007 sequel,Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, from Amazon Instant Video and iTunes, ahead of theFantastic Fourreboot’s August 7 release. An unidentified insider “close to the situation” revealed that the older movies were removed so they wouldn’t distract the promotion of the reboot.
The source claimed that, since the reboot is trying to establish a completely different tone thanFantastic FourandFantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, the studio didn’t want to create confusion in the marketplace, leading to the titles being removed from digital platforms. The insider claimed that this practice is not uncommon, and that the original movies may return to Amazon and iTunes after the newFantastic Four’s theatrical release. Fans can still rent the DVDs throughNetflix’s DVD service, or purchase either theBlu-ray or DVD on Amazon. Coincidentally, both movies will also be airing back-to-back Saturday, June 20 starting at 8 PM ET on AMC.
BothFantastic Fourand the 2007 sequel,Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver SurferstarredIoan Gruffudd(Mr. Fantastic),Jessica Alba(The Invisible Woman),Chris Evans(The Human Torch) andMichael Chiklis(The Thing) as the beloved main characters, withJulian McMahonportraying the villainous Dr. Doom. The original grossed $330.6 million worldwide during its theatrical run in 2005, whileFantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surferearned $289 million worldwide. TheFantastic Fourreboot features a much younger group of heroes, withMiles Telleras Mr. Fantastic,Michael B. Jordanas The Human Torch,Kate Maraas The Invisible Woman andJamie Bellas The Thing, withToby Kebbellportraying Doom. What do you think about 20th Century Fox pulling the originalFantastic Fourmovies from Amazon and iTunes?
