The Fantastic Four, Marvel’s first family, have long struggled to find success on the big screen, making them a unique case in the comic book movie franchise landscape.
Pixar’s ‘The Incredibles’ is often highlighted as the best representation of the team, showcasing their dynamic in a way that traditional adaptations have failed to do.
With the recent release of ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ by Marvel Studios, there is a renewed sense of hope among fans that the franchise might finally receive the cinematic treatment it has always deserved.
According to /Film’s Witney Seibold, this new adaptation not only captures the essence of the beloved characters but also possesses a refreshingly optimistic team dynamic, suggesting that the long wait for a good Fantastic Four film may finally be over.
This positivity is especially welcomed by fans who have endured numerous disappointments stemming from various iterations of the characters on screen.
The franchise’s woes date back to 1994, when ‘The Fantastic Four’ produced by Roger Corman failed to secure a theatrical release, with the film serving primarily as a means to retain the film rights.
Though it eventually found its way into bootleg circulation, it was largely overlooked by the mainstream audience.
A decade later, Tim Story’s ‘Fantastic Four’ finally presented the superhero ensemble with a true cinematic debut, but it fell short of expectations, earning a lackluster reception despite Michael Chiklis’ notable performance as the Thing.
The sequel, ‘Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer,’ also failed to impress, with the much-anticipated villain Galactus being disappointing revealed as a swirling cosmic cloud that underdelivered upon expected grandeur.
The franchise continued to decline with the 2015 reboot ‘Fant4stic,’ directed by Josh Trank, which was met with overwhelming criticism and is often cited as a turning point for the series.
These adaptations have ultimately faded into the realm of notorious flops, but some peculiar promotional tactics have drawn attention beyond the cinematic failures.
One such example is the marketing campaign connected to ‘Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer,’ which incorporated a bold stunt that captured the interest of government officials.
In May 2007, 20th Century Fox, in collaboration with The Franklin Mint, engineered a campaign dubbed Search 4 Silver, distributing over 40,000 altered quarters across the United States to promote the film.
While the face of the quarters maintained the familiar image of George Washington, the backs depicted the Silver Surfer, creating a unique and eye-catching promotional piece.
Visitors to the associated website were eligible for exciting prizes including tickets to the film’s world premiere in London, adding an interactive twist to the marketing strategy.
Unfortunately for Fox and Franklin Mint, this promotional move infringed upon the US Mint’s regulations regarding the alteration of currency.
The United States Mint swiftly condemned the initiative, asserting that the transformation of U.S. currency for advertising purposes was illegal and that the promotion had not been authorized by them.
A press release from the Mint clearly articulated their stance: “The promotion is in no way approved, authorized, endorsed, or sponsored by the United States Mint, nor is it in any way associated or affiliated with the United States Mint.”
The Franklin Mint has historically focused on producing commemorative coins, usually with little bearing on their actual monetary value, presenting a challenging legal context for the campaign.
Despite the controversy, Fox defended their intentions, asserting that they believed the coin followed customary production guidelines and had no desire to violate any laws.
Chris Petrikin, a spokesperson for Fox, stated, “These are commemorative coins like many the Franklin Mint creates on a regular basis for various properties; We were confident this coin followed the same procedures and guidelines but will certainly take any necessary steps if advised otherwise.”
Chairman Moshe Malamud from the Franklin Mint added that the coins were not meant for sale but rather to be distributed as limited edition commemoratives, implying a misunderstanding of the legal implications involved.
Ultimately, by the time the U.S. Mint raised concerns, the coins had already been dispersed throughout the country, allowing them to slip through regulatory fingers.
Imagine receiving one of these quarters in your change, the Silver Surfer gleaming on the reverse, creating a surreal moment of confusion for any fortunate recipient.
This peculiar promotion has evoked comparisons to schemes one might expect from comic book villains like Doctor Doom, who thrives on chaos.
As the years pass, these unique coins have likely become increasingly rare, becoming sought-after items among collectors, especially fans of Marvel.
For those interested in adding a piece of this bizarre marketing history to their collection, platforms such as eBay may be the best available option today.
Despite the attempts to revitalize the Fantastic Four on screen, much of its legacy is intertwined with the missteps and peculiarities of the past.
As such, ‘Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer,’ although flawed, maintains a cult status among fans and can currently be viewed on Disney+.
image source from：slashfilm
