Watch Doomed! The Untold Story of Roger Corman's The Fantastic Four

Doomed! The Untold Story of Roger Corman's The Fantastic Four is a 2015 documentary that explores the making and subsequent shelving of the 1994 movie adaptation of the popular Marvel comic book series, The Fantastic Four. The movie was directed by Marty Langford and produced by Mark Sikes. It features interviews with the cast and crew of the 1994 film as well as with Marvel personalities such as Stan Lee and Chris Claremont.

The documentary delves into the history of the production of The Fantastic Four, starting with the genesis of the project. It explores how the movie was made on a small budget by legendary director Roger Corman and his production company, Concord-New Horizons. Corman had a reputation for making low-budget cult classics and was tasked with making a Fantastic Four movie as a way to retain the film rights for the characters.

The behind-the-scenes of the movie was fraught with tension, as the cast and crew worked with limited resources and had to improvise on the fly. They faced problems such as poor special effects and inadequate costumes. Despite these obstacles, the documentary portrays a sense of camaraderie amongst the cast and crew, who were all united in their love for the source material and their desire to bring it to life on the big screen.

However, despite the hard work they put in, the movie was ultimately never released. The documentary explores the reasons behind this decision, which range from legal disputes to creative differences between Corman and the studio executives at Marvel. It also examines the impact that the movie's shelving had on the careers of those involved, particularly the cast, who had hoped that the project would be their big break.

Throughout the documentary, there are candid interviews with the cast and crew, who reflect on their experiences making the movie and the disappointment they felt when it was shelved. There are also interviews with comic book experts who offer their own insights into the history of The Fantastic Four and the cultural significance of the comic book series.

Doomed! The Untold Story of Roger Corman's The Fantastic Four is a fascinating look at a little-known chapter in the history of comic book adaptations. It offers a detailed and engaging account of the production of the 1994 movie and the various factors that led to its ultimate failure to be released. It also provides insights into the challenges of making a movie on a shoestring budget and the passion and dedication that go into creating a beloved comic book story onscreen.

In conclusion, the film is a must-watch for fans of The Fantastic Four, comic book adaptations, and those interested in the process of filmmaking in general. It provides a thought-provoking glimpse into the world of low-budget filmmaking, the power dynamics of Hollywood, and the triumphs and tribulations of those who work within it.

Doomed! The Untold Story of Roger Corman's The Fantastic Four is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.