Now that the Fantastic Four have finally arrived in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Marvel’s animated history holds some truly cinematic moments that the MCU would be wise to borrow. Fantastic Four: The Animated Series (1994-1996) may not be as widely celebrated as other ‘90s Marvel cartoons. Yet it offered a treasure trove of dynamic and compelling arcs that still resonate.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps officially brought Reed Richards and his team into the MCU timeline. After introducing a fully-formed universe, Marvel Studios has the perfect chance to remix iconic scenes for live-action. From Doom’s most devious plots to cosmic-scale confrontations, these moments show just how rich the animated legacy is – and why the MCU should raid it for inspiration.
10
Annihilus Comes To Earth
Annihilus is one of the most dangerous villains the Fantastic Four ever faced. Fantastic Four season 1, episode 12, “Behold the Negative Zone,” showed just how terrifying he can be when unleashed on Earth. In the episode, Annihilus breaks through the dimensional barrier between the Negative Zone and Earth-616, launching a full-scale attack.
It’s a perfect conceptual event for the MCU. It’s especially pertinent as the Multiverse Saga leans more into alternate realms and cosmic threats. With Kang the Conqueror’s defeat opening space for new villains, Annihilus could emerge as a terrifying new force.
The animated storyline also introduced the concept of unstable portals between universes. This is something Marvel has been playing with since Loki and Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness. Stealing this would allow Marvel to explore the Negative Zone and Annihilus, all while tying it neatly into the current multiverse threads.
9
Doctor Doom Captures The Fantastic Four
Doctor Doom is the Fantastic Four’s ultimate adversary. The 1994 Fantastic Four series showed his brilliance best in season 1, episode 8, “The Mask of Doom, Part One.” Doom manages to capture each member of the team by exploiting their weaknesses.
Mr. Fantastic is trapped in a device that stretches with him, rendering his powers redundant. Johnny is locked in a chamber filled with water, keeping him extinguished. While Ben is trapped in a reinforced metal cell.
It’s a masterclass in villainy and a perfect opportunity for the MCU to show Doom’s genius and menace. With Doctor Doom expected to be a long-term player in the MCU, this scene would solidify him as more than just a tyrant – it would show him as a strategist and technician capable of neutralizing the most powerful heroes with surgical precision.
8
The Fantastic Four Get Caught Up In An Atlantean War
After Black Panther: Wakanda Forever introduced Namor, it’s only a matter of time before his classic connection to the Fantastic Four is explored. In Fantastic Four season 1, episode 3 “Now Comes the Sub-Mariner,” the team finds themselves in the middle of an Atlantean civil war.
The episode begins sowing the seeds of Sue Storm’s romantic connection with Namor. This could be readily explored in the MCU. Indeed, this storyline would be ideal for the MCU, not only to expand Namor’s role but also to build on the political intrigue and personal drama established in Wakanda Forever.
A live-action adaptation could deepen Sue’s characterization and bring new conflict to the team’s dynamic. With Atlantis now a known part of the MCU, this storyline is an easy lift from animation to film and would add emotional complexity and narrative depth that’s often missing from superhero ensemble stories.
7
Galactus Returns For Terrax
Galactus’ first MCU appearance was undoubtedly a spectacle in First Steps, but his return should be even grander. Fantastic Four season 1, episode 8 “When Galactus Calls,” offers the blueprint. In this storyline, Terrax arrives on Earth as Galactus’s new herald, unleashing chaos that prompts the Fantastic Four to intervene.
When Galactus learns of Terrax’s disobedience, he comes to Earth personally. It’s a perfect setup for Galactus to re-enter the MCU after his initial debut in The Fantastic Four: First Steps. This also sets up internal drama within Galactus’ own hierarchy, something rarely explored in past adaptations.
Terrax’s presence as a new Fantastic Four villain and rogue herald could even hint at other cosmic entities. It could expand the MCU’s universe while anchoring it around the Fantastic Four. This animated moment combines action, stakes, and cosmic storytelling at its finest – ideal for Phase 6 and beyond.
6
The Thing Fights The Hulk
Fantastic Four season 2, episode 9 “Nightmare in Green,” offered one of the most classic Marvel match-ups: The Thing vs. the Hulk. It’s a clash of titans that plays perfectly in both animated and live-action formats. As much as Bruce Banner has been softened in the MCU lately, this is a great chance to let Hulk rage again.
It would give him the chance to test his strength against the MCU’s new Ben Grimm. In the cartoon, the fight starts due to misunderstandings and external manipulation. Yet what makes it memorable is how personal it gets.
The Thing, frustrated with his transformation and craving respect, sees the Hulk as both rival and reflection. This storyline could revitalize Hulk’s character while establishing Ben Grimm’s strength, grit, and emotional depth. The MCU has yet to give viewers a satisfying one-on-one Hulk fight since Thor: Ragnarok, and this would deliver exactly that.
5
The Silver Surfer Is Banished To Earth
The Fantastic Four: First Steps introduced Silver Surfer alongside Galactus. First Steps’ ending saw the surfer rebel against Galactus. However, one major feature missing is Galactus banishing the Surfer to Earth.
In Fantastic Four season 1, episode 6, “The Silver Surfer and the Coming of Galactus, Part Two,” the Surfer is stripped of his purpose. He’s left adrift, both physically and emotionally. This set up his solo animated Silver Surfer series and could likewise be used as a perfect setup for a standalone story within the MCU.
His fall from grace and search for identity would contrast beautifully with the grandeur of Galactus,. This also sets the stage for Shalla-Bal to forge new alliances with Earth’s heroes, including the Fantastic Four, and deepen the philosophical tone. The animation got it right: the Surfer’s exile is not a defeat, it’s a new beginning.
4
Galactus Confronts Doctor Doom
The season 1 finale of Fantastic Four, “The Silver Surfer and the Return of Galactus,” gave audiences one of the wildest storylines ever: Doctor Doom steals the Silver Surfer’s powers and becomes a god-like being. In response, Galactus personally arrives on Earth to deal with Doom. It’s a clash of cosmic titans that the MCU absolutely must adapt.
This is a perfect way to bring Galactus back into the narrative after First Steps and showcase Doom’s ambition and arrogance. DRJ’s Doom facing off with the fully realized Galactus would be pure cinematic gold. The 1994 episode showed Doom as a manipulator capable of deceiving even the Power Cosmic.
This would be the ideal follow-up to Doom’s introduction in The Fantastic Four: First Steps. This isn’t just a boss battle. It’s a spectacle that could shake the entire MCU and reframe the power dynamics of the franchise.
3
Daredevil Aids The Fantastic Four
In one of the most unexpected but entertaining crossovers, Fantastic Four season 2, episode 1 “And a Blind Man Shall Lead Them,” brings Daredevil into the world of the Fantastic Four. As the team faces legal trouble and mysterious attacks, Matt Murdock comes to their defense – both in the courtroom and on the streets. This crossover is ripe for the MCU.
Charlie Cox’s Daredevil already playing a major role in the franchise with Spider-Man: No Way Home and Daredevil: Born Again, the MCU is primed for a crossover. It would entail a distinct tonal shift, but this could be refreshing. Grounded, street-level heroics intersecting with cosmic adventurers would certainly offer a unique contrast.
Plus, Reed Richards and Matt Murdock teaming up could open the door to deeper conversations about responsibility, ethics, and secrecy. The episode proved Daredevil can mesh well with the team, and the MCU should absolutely let these worlds collide. It’s a team-up nobody expects, but it works brilliantly.
2
The Fantastic Four Lose Their Powers
One of the smartest and most suspenseful plots from the Fantastic Four animated series comes when the Fantastic Four temporarily lose their powers. In season 2, episode 1 “And a Blind Man Shall Lead Them,” they mysteriously lose their abilities. Reed is forced to artificially recreate their powers before their enemies notice.
The Fantastic Four is forced to pretend everything is normal, all while facing public scrutiny and threats from enemies who would exploit their vulnerability. This would be a brilliant twist in the MCU. It could subvert expectations and show how much the team relies on more than just their abilities.
Stripped of their powers, the characters’ intelligence, courage, and teamwork are put to the test. It’s a perfect opportunity for character development, especially for Reed and Sue, as they work to maintain stability while hiding a terrifying truth. The MCU could also use this storyline to explore identity and legacy in a way no Fantastic Four film has attempted before.
1
The Inhumans Turn Ben Against The Fantastic Four
In Fantastic Four season 2, episode 2 “Inhumans Saga, Part 1: And the Wind cries Medussa,” the Inhumans are introduced. They manipulate Ben Grimm, exploiting his deep-seated feelings of betrayal and alienation to turn him against his teammates. It’s one of the most emotionally charged moments of the series.
This would make a phenomenal MCU plotline. The Thing has always been the team’s heart, but also its most tragic figure – constantly struggling with his monstrous form and place among humans. Involving the Inhumans here not only gives Marvel another chance to integrate them properly into the MCU, but it also adds complexity to Ben’s arc.
This betrayal hits hard because it’s believable. If the MCU wants audiences to feel the true cost of Ben’s transformation, letting him question his loyalty, and even fight his own team, would be devastating and powerful. The Fantastic Four animated series made it work, and the MCU should follow suit.
Fantastic Four: The Animated Series
- Release Date
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1994 – 1996-00-00
- Network
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Syndication
- Directors
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Larry Houston, Tom Tataranowicz, Ernesto Lopez
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Brian Austin Green
Human Torch (voice)
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Quinton Flynn
Mr. Fantastic (voice)
