Joseph Culp, the actor who played Victor Von Doom in Roger Corman’s low-budget version of Fantastic Four, is still fighting for fans to get the film officially released.
Decades ago, when the film was leaked, no one imagined that it would become a cult phenomenon. The film was produced by German filmmaker Bernd Eichinger, who was on the verge of losing the film rights to the superhero group, so he rushed the film into production together with Corman.
The campaign to release the first Fantastic Four film
Over the past few months, Culp has repeatedly called for the film to be released. Now he has shared a link to a petition that already has thousands of signatures, urging Marvel and Disney to officially release this version while work is being done on the new Fantastic Four film.
The petition highlights the film’s importance in the Fantastic Four story, mentioning that it was written by Stan Lee and that, although it was made on a limited budget, it managed to capture the spirit of the original comics with humor, drama, and vivid characterizations. Fans believe that this film deserves a remastered version that will allow it to be enjoyed in all its glory.
“Devoted Fantastic Four fans know there is one missing piece to the story of our beloved F4: the unreleased 1994 film, originally produced by Roger Corman and directed by Oley Sassone.”the petition reads. “Although it was produced on a low budget, it was based on a script by Stan Lee and has remained alive in popular culture through pirated copies for thirty years.”
“It’s time for Marvel Studios to remaster and release this hidden gem through streaming platforms, Blu-Ray and live screenings. Improved visual effects, a new audio mix and the use of modern CGI technology can bring this classic story into the modern era without losing its original charm.”
A request with many extras
The petition also suggests the inclusion of additional material, such as interviews and commentary from the original cast and crew, to provide valuable insight into how this unique piece was created. It also notes that the more than 20 million Fantastic Four fans around the world would appreciate such content.
“The release of this film would not only add another title to Marvel’s catalog, but would also fill a gap in our understanding of how one of cinema’s most enduring franchises has evolved,” concludes the petition. “By releasing and remastering the 1994 film, we can shed light on an overlooked chapter in superhero cinema history.”
Why was the movie never released?
According to Roger Corman, the film was not released because Eichinger secured a deal with Fox to make a big-budget version of Fantastic Four. As part of the deal, Eichinger agreed not to release the million-dollar version.
Corman explained: “It can’t have an official release. It all started with Bernd Eichinger, a German producer who had the rights to Fantastic Four. He came to me in October of one year and said his option on the rights was going to expire if he didn’t start shooting by the end of the year, and he had a budget of $30 million, but he didn’t have $30 million. He asked me if I could do it for less money. I said, ‘How much do you have?’ He said, ‘I have a million dollars.’”
“Part of the deal was that he would have a certain amount of time to see if he could get a deal with a major studio. If he didn’t get a deal, I would release it, but if he did, he would pay me extra money. He got almost to the period where I was going to release it, and he got a deal with Fox, and part of the deal was that he wouldn’t release the million-dollar movie because it would interfere with what eventually became a $60 million movie.”
“So simply by contract, that movie cannot be officially released, but there are pirated copies out there.”
The uncertain future of a cult film
While Culp’s petition has gained traction, it’s unlikely that Marvel and Disney will ever officially release the film. However, fan fervor and the story behind the 1994 film keep it alive in pop culture, reminding us of a peculiar time in superhero movie history.
If you enjoyed the story and want to support the cause, you can find the online petition and join the thousands of fans who have already signed it. Perhaps, one day, we will see this historical piece remastered and available to everyone!
