Synopsis

Astronauts Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm are exposed to cosmic radiation during an experimental mission. The accident gives them extraordinary abilities, but it also transforms Ben into the rock-skinned Thing. As the four struggle to understand their powers and newfound responsibilities, they face Victor von Doom, a former ally whose own transformation turns him against them.

Factoids & Trivia

• Principal photography took place in British Columbia, Ontario, and New York between August 23, 2004, and January 28, 2005.

• The major bridge sequence reportedly took about five weeks to film.

• The Thing was created with practical prosthetic makeup and a full-body suit rather than being entirely computer-generated. Michael Chiklis also wore prosthetic teeth and practiced speaking with them by reading to his children.

• Chiklis found the Thing costume extremely hot and uncomfortable. The December filming of the final street battle made him the only member of the team who was comfortable in costume while the others wore tight blue uniforms.

• Stan Lee appears as Willie Lumpkin, the Fantastic Four's mailman from the comics. It was notably the first time Lee played one of his own comic-book characters in a Marvel film cameo.

• The film earned more than $333 million worldwide and led to the 2007 sequel, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer.