Variety has reported that Tim (Barbershop) Story has been signed to direct the upcoming Fantastic Four feature film for 20th Century Fox.  The movie is currently scheduled to begin shooting this August, with a planned theatrical release date of July 1, 2005.

 

Mark (Storyville) Frost is scripting the latest version of the Fantastic Four film, which has an estimated budget of $85 to $90 million.

 

No cast meetings or negotiations have officially begun, but possible names being discussed are Michael (The Shield) Chiklis for the role of the Thing (and he'd be perfect), and Tim (best supporting actor for Mystic River) Robbins for Doctor Doom.

 

July 1, 2005 has been selected as the opening weekend, meaning that comic retailers will have to choose again next year between holding Free Comic Book Day on a Marvel movie release weekend, or on its earlier date the first weekend in May.

 

Fantastic Four co-creator and Marvel's most recognizable figure, Stan Lee, is reported to be involved in producing in a 'capacity still being determined.'  In all likelihood, given past Marvel movies, he will at least get a cameo.