Kid-centered Fantastic Four movie in the works at Fox - fourth time's the charm?

Movie licensing deals are big, complex affairs. But generally speaking, as long as a company keeps making films starring the characters being licensed, they get to hold onto the rights. That's why we've had three versions of Spider-Man show up over the past decade and a half, and I strongly suspect it's why Fox is reportedly gearing up for another Fantastic Four movie.

Don't worry though - this time will be different. This time, the movie is aimed at kids.

At least, that's what Bleeding Cool reports. According to "reliable sources," the screenplay is being written by Seth Grahame-Smith. Grahame-Smith's most notable credits include Pride & Prejudice & Zombies and The Lego Batman Movie, and he'll be serving as a producer on the upcoming adaptation of Stephen King's It. So overall not a bad portfolio, and hey, if he wants to add the third big-screen incarnation of Marvel's famous family and fourth overall FF movie to it, good luck and godspeed.

Bleeding Cool also claims that, instead of the usual four members of the group (Reed, Sue, Johnny, Ben), this new movie will largely focus on Reed and Sue's children, Franklin and Valeria. The Human Torch and The Thing would act as supporting characters while giving the film more of an Incredibles vibe.

Y'know what? Sure, why not. Marvel's already cancelled Fantastic Four books and merchandise, and it's not like the public's perception of the brand could get any worse after the 2015 flop. Maybe there's nowhere to go but up. (God please let it go up.)

Sam is a former News Editor here at GamesRadar+. His expert words have appeared on many of the web's well-known gaming sites, including Joystiq, Penny Arcade, Destructoid, and G4 Media, among others. Sam has a serious soft spot for MOBAs, MMOs, and emo music. Forever a farm boy, forever a '90s kid.