Tim Story’s “Fantastic Four” epitomizes the notion that the initial response to a move can change over time.
The superhero movie is an origin story for the the eponymous Marvel superhero team. Following a mission to space that goes wrong, resulting in their exposure to cosmic rays, they acquire superhuman abilities and must learn to come to terms with them and use them for good.
Despite its financial success (per The Numbers, it grossed $333 million worldwide after costing $87.5 million to make), it was critically panned and still has a poor 28% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, it’s looked upon far more fondly by many people today — especially since the 2015 reboot showed exactly how not to do an origin story for the team known as “Marvel’s first family.”
“Fantastic Four” starred Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans, and Michael Chiklis as the eponymous team, with an able supporting cast alongside them.
Released on July 8, 2005, the movie celebrated its 20th anniversary last year. With that in mind, wouldn’t it be cool to compare how the core cast looked back then to how they’re looking over two decades later? Let’s do that now…
Ioan Gruffudd (Reed Richards, AKA Mister Fantastic)
GettyWelsh actor Ioan Gruffudd played Reed Richards, aka Mister Fantastic, in “Fantastic Four.” Reed is a genius scientist and the eponymous team’s leader. He gains elasticity powers that make him capable of stretching like rubber.
Age when “Fantastic Four” released: 31.
Selected movie credits before “Fantastic Four”: Titanic (1997), 102 Dalmatians (2000), Black Hawk Down (2001).
GettyAge now: 52.
Selected movie credits after “Fantastic Four”: Amazing Grace (2006), W. (2008), Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Jessica Alba (Sue Storm, AKA Invisible Woman)
GettyActress and businesswoman Jessica Alba played Sue Storm, aka the Invisible Woman, in “Fantastic Four.” Sue is a genetics researcher who has a romantic history with Reed Richards. She gains invisibility and force field powers.
Age when “Fantastic Four” released: 24.
Selected movie credits before “Fantastic Four”: Never Been Kissed (1999), Idle Hands (1999), Sin City (2005).
Above is a 2026 social media post by Jessica Alba with several recent pictures of her and her daughter.
Age now: 44.
Selected movie credits after “Fantastic Four”: Good Luck Chuck (2007), Little Fockers (2010), Trigger Warning (2024).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Chris Evans (Johnny Storm, AKA Human Torch)
GettyActor and all-round good guy Chris Evans played Johnny Storm, aka the Human Torch, in “Fantastic Four.” Johnny is a pilot and Sue Storm’s impulsive, cocky, and reckless younger brother. He gains the ability to fly and both generate and control flames.
Age when “Fantastic Four” released: 24.
Selected movie credits before “Fantastic Four”: Not Another Teen Movie (2001), The Perfect Score (2004), Cellular (2004).
GettyAge now: 44.
Selected movie credits after “Fantastic Four”: The Avengers (2012), Knives Out (2019), Lightyear (2022).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Michael Chiklis (Ben Grimm, AKA The Thing)
GettyActor, producer, and director Michael Chiklis played Ben Grimm, aka The Thing, in “Fantastic Four.” Ben is a pilot Reed Richard’s tough best friend. He gains a thick rock-like hide that grants him superhuman strength and durability.
Age when “Fantastic Four” released: 41.
Selected movie credits before “Fantastic Four”: Wired (1989), Nixon (1995), Spirited Away (2002).
GettyAge now: 62.
Selected movie credits after “Fantastic Four”: Eagle Eye (2008), The Do-Over (2016), Hubie Halloween (2020).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Julian McMahon (Victor Von Doom, AKA Doctor Doom)
GettyAustralian-American television and movie actor Julian McMahon played Victor Von Doom, aka Doctor Doom, in “Fantastic Four.” Victor is the arrogant CEO of Von Doom Industries whose space station the eponymous team use when their accident occurs. He also gains powers (he mutates into organic metal and can generate electricity) and becomes the movie’s main villain.
Age when “Fantastic Four” released: 36.
Selected movie credits before “Fantastic Four”: Magenta (1996), Chasing Sleep (2000), Meet Market (2004).
GettyAge now: Sadly passed away in 2025 aged 56.
Selected movie credits after “Fantastic Four”: Red (2010), Paranoia (2013), Monster Party (2018).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Kerry Washington (Alicia Masters)
GettyTelevision and movie actress Kerry Washington played Alicia Masters in “Fantastic Four.” Alicia is a kind-hearted blind woman who becomes Ben Grimm’s love interest after his physical transformation.
Age when “Fantastic Four” released: 28.
Selected movie credits before “Fantastic Four”: The Human Stain (2003), Ray (2004), Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005).
GettyAge now: 49.
Selected movie credits after “Fantastic Four”: The Last King of Scotland (2006), Django Unchained (2012), Cars 3 (2017).
Filmography info per IMDb.
While it’s great to see the majority of the core “Fantastic Four” cast still thriving, it’s incredibly sad to know not all of its stars are still around.
Since “Fantastic Four” hit theaters, it spawned its own 2007 sequel (“Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer”), and two reboots have been released. The aforementioned 2015 film “Fant4stic” garnered horrible reviews, while 2025’s “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” impressively brought the team into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
May Julian McMahon rest in eternal peace.
