Ok, the original reporting comes from Comic Book Movie (via /Film) and though they are known for being tremendous bullshit artists reporting such “news” as Britney Spears joining “X-Men: First Class” and Chris O’Donnell being cast in “Captain America,” part of this rumor is confirmed by ScreenRant so we’ll go with it. At least gingerly.
According to Comic Book Movie, Joe Carnahan, David Yates and James McTeigue are on the short list to direct the “Fantastic Four” reboot film that will go in front of cameras next year with a summer 2012 release in mind. Whether or not James McTeigue’s shoot of “The Raven” this fall with John Cusack or David Yates’ obligations to the second part of “Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows,” which will be hitting theaters on July 15, 2011, will keep them from tackling the film remains to be seen. The only choice that makes sense really is Joe Carnahan who is coming off the colossal Fox bomb “The A-Team,” will probably work cheap and is likely desperate for big franchise to knock out of the park to get him back in the studio good books. Either way these are likely just wishlist lists which generally have dozens of people on them.
The other rumor currently floating, and confirmed by ScreenRant who heard the same thing, is that Bruce Willis and Kiefer Sutherland are being sought to voice the 100% CGI The Thing with Comic Book Movie reporting that the actor cast might make a cameo appearance as Ben Grimm in human form in the film. Again, if it comes down to dollars and cents, Sutherland makes the most sense.
But bear in mind, the film is good long way away from getting in front of cameras and it’s all pretty much a rumor for now, and don’t be surprised if all of this turns out to be a complete fabrication. However if based in at least some truth, these names do give an idea of the direction the studio is heading in for their (hopefully more successful) relaunch of the franchise.