Stan Lee on Marvel movie failings: 'I was disappointed in the first Fantastic Four'

Given how many movies based on Marvel comics have been made over the years, it stands to reason that creator Stan Lee wouldn't be a fan of every single one.

Some films have gone down better with audiences than others but Lee's least favourite movie is one fans weren't all that keen on either. No, we're not talking about 2015's Fantastic Four which received a panning from critics and cinemagoers alike but we're not too far off-track.

"I was a little disappointed in the very first Fantastic Four (2005), because I didn't care for how Doctor Doom was portrayed," the 93-year-old admitted when asked about past instalments.

"But other than that, I thought the movie was great. And the actors were terrific." he added, while talking to CBR at Fan Expo Canada.

Released in 2005, Fantastic Four starred Ioan Gruffudd as Reed Richards aka Mr Fantastic, Michael Chiklis as Ben Grimm aka The Thing, Jessica Alba as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman and Chris Evans as Sue's brother Johnny Storm aka The Human Torch.

It followed the usual story, showing how the astronaut heroes gained their superpowers through being exposed to cosmic radiation and how, on their return to Earth, they find themselves going up against a new enemy; billionaire entrepreneur Doctor Victor Von Doom (Julian McMahon).

It seems like Lee didn't have an issue with any of the actors' performances, describing their work as "terrific," but that his main problem was with Doom's characterisation.

In the comics, the supervillain's main motivation for vengeance against the world is his slight facial disfigurement, which causes him to feel inferior to others. He subsequently becomes desperate to elevate himself above them in any way possible. It's also the reason for his armour and the mask which covers his entire face.

While the 2005 movie does touch on those elements, McMahon's Doom predominantly finds his anger and evil-doings being rooted in jealousy; as his ex-girlfriend Sue starts falling for former classmate Richards.

That thread significantly changes Doom's goals as a whole, going from world domination to simply taking down Mr Fantastic (and if necessary, his team too), in order to stop him from getting his girl. Not quite the Doom Marvel Comics readers were familiar with, so Mr Lee... we can't help but think your sentiments are pretty understandable.

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