>Jon Watts would originally direct, but he didn’t feel ready to helm another blockbuster so soon after Spider-Man: No Way Home.

>The original plan was for Franklin to be born in the opening scene while the Fantastic Four are saving a space station, but they later decided to make his birth an integral part of the plot.

>The original script featured Galactus’ other heralds Terrax, Fire Lord, Air-Walker and Stardust instead of the Silver Surfer, but they were cut to streamline the story and reduce costs.

>The original cut featured an opening scene where Red Ghost, played by John Malkovich, detonates bombs all over the city to distract the Fantastic Four while he tries to steal their spaceship. Reed figures out his plan, reaches the launch platform, fights his super-apes and arrests Red Ghost. Later in the movie, Reed would offer him a reduced prison sentence in exchange for help building the teleportation bridges.

>Adam Driver was approached to play Reed, but declined. Jake Gyllenhaal was considered, but asked for too much money. Matt Smith was also considered, and Jamie Dornan, Christopher Abbott and Rahul Kohli screen-tested before Pedro Pascal was cast.

>Emma Stone and Margot Robbie were approached to play Sue, but both asked for too much money. Vanessa Kirby was then cast, with Jodie Comer eyed in case she declined.

>Nicholas Galitzine screen-tested for Johnny before Joseph Quinn was cast.

>David Krumholtz screen-tested for Ben before Ebon Moss-Bachrach was cast.

>Antonio Banderas and Javier Bardem were approached for Galactus before Ralph Ineson was cast.