In the time since Watts ed Fantastic Four, he's become an even more in-demand director in Hollywood. He began developing a hitman movie starring Brad Pitt and George Clooney in 2021, but the real big development came once Spider-Man: No Way Home hit theaters. The movie broke box office records right from the start and further illustrated that Marvel Studios had a steady hand at the helm of Fantastic Four. Jon Watts' involvement even led to speculation that Tom Holland's Spider-Man could appear.

Related: How The MCU Can Avoid Making Reed Richards A Tony Stark Replacement

In a surprising move, Deadline has revealed that Jon Watts is no longer directing Fantastic Four. Marvel Studios and Kevin Feige confirmed the news of his departure to the outlet. Jon Watts' Fantastic Four exit is amicable, though, as the director is said to be ready to take a break from superhero movies after directing an entire Spider-Man trilogy since production on Spider-Man: Homecoming began in 2016. Statements from Kevin Feige and Jon Watts can be read below:

Feige: Collaborating with Jon on the Spider-Man films has been a true pleasure. We were looking forward to continuing our work with him to bring the Fantastic Four into the MCU but understand and are ive of his reasons for stepping away. We are optimistic that we will have the opportunity to work together again at some point down the road.

Watts: Making three Spider-Man films was an incredible and life changing experience for me. I’m eternally grateful to have been a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe for seven years. I’m hopeful we’ll work together again and I can’t wait to see the amazing vision for Fantastic Four brought to life.

The announcement that Jon Watts is no longer directing MCU's Fantastic Four movie will certainly come as a surprise to many. Thanks to his work on the Spider-Man trilogy, he proved his ability to direct major blockbusters with big casts and work within the MCU. It also was clear that he had a great working relationship with the Marvel Studios team. While he might not be directing Fantastic Four anymore, it seems that his days working in the MCU might not be totally done. Deadline's report notes that Sony wants him to return for the next Tom Holland-led Spider-Man movie, and Feige's statement is optimistic that they'll work with Watts again at some point.

Now that Fantastic Four has lost Jon Watts, though, the project is now left in an uncertain state and in need of a new director. This is sure to be one of the biggest open jobs in Hollywood now, as the chance to reintroduce the Fantastic Four on the big screen should be quite enticing for a variety of creators. Marvel veterans like Peyton Reed or Jon Favreau could get a shot if they're interested, while other known and up-and-coming directors could get their first crack at a superhero movie now. Since Fantastic Four isn't expected to begin filming until sometime in 2023, Marvel Studios has some time to find Watts' replacement.

More: The Fantastic Four Already Exist In The MCU – Phase 5 Theory Explained

Source: Deadline