Marvel fans finally got to see The Fantastic Four: First Steps bring some of the team’s most iconic moments to the big screen, including The Thing delivering his legendary “It’s Clobberin’ Time.”
But one classic line was noticeably absent. Many viewers left the theater wondering why The Human Torch never shouted his fiery battle cry, “Flame On!”
Screenwriter Josh Pearson says fans technically did get it… just not the way they expected.
“You did [get it]. From the little toy, you did. You got it. We checked the box. I always enjoyed the joke and it might have passed on to me.
“There was the idea when they were particularly screwed and had no plan, Ben brought out a bottle of whiskey and started pouring shots and said, ‘It’s clobberin’ time!’”
For Pearson, the comedic setup and payoff for The Thing’s moment took priority.
“I always thought that was really funny. The payoff was just too good in this case. We had to find the exact time to say it.”
It’s kind of a shame that Johnny Storm’s signature catchphrase didn’t really ignite this time around.
As for what’s next for Marvel’s First Family, there’s been chatter about Matt Shakman returning to direct a sequel, but Pearson admits he’s not in the loop.
“I honestly don’t know. I’m such a literal person that I would need to understand the fallout of how everything looks and who knows who out of Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars.
“I don’t know where we are all sitting. Sometimes, when everything is on the table, you don’t know what to eat.”
Pearson says the possibilities are wide open.
“Would it be cool to see them in a murder mystery together? Sure. Would it be cool to see them in a time-travelling romp? Sure, that would be cool. There are all these different things, but you don’t want to completely upset the apple cart.
“I feel like anything I’d have to say really doesn’t matter until we see how all our favorite characters survive the upcoming adventures with Victor von Doom.”
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is now playing in theaters.