How do you think the studios should handle the Fantastic Four franchise? Before I get into this, I just have to say. I do not hate the current films. These are characters we as geeks cherish and respect, integral to a huge part of the Marvel Universe, and to see them treated as they have been in the past couple films, when it's certain that they could be treated so much better, is a disappointment. So it's not from hate that I propose this, but from a desire to see the characters done justice. Just run with me here for a second (or several).
Marvel Studios should, due to the poor ability of other studios to make a well-received Fantastic Four film (I know that the "well-received" in a matter of opinion, but for this thread let's just go by the general gripe about the previous three Fantastic Four films made by a multitude of fans, rather than discuss whether or not they were worthy in all of our eyes) try to get the characters back. I know many people doubt the ability of Marvel to make that happen, but hey, we got it with Spider-man, and TASM2 was, in most's eyes, better than the past three FF movies, so it is plausible. So let's say, lets just say that this were to happen. Somehow. Then what? The answer to the FF problems.
Netflix.
Of course there's a objection. "They're not Jessica Jones, why would they do a Netflix series when they're so well known?" Because here's the truth, and it's hard, but it's real - the Fantastic Four franchise has, unfortunately, become equated with what most people do not want in a super hero film (or what they just straight up hate on, in some circles). So why not give a shot to another avenue for developing the FF legacy?
Marvel has succeeded in taking one relatively popular character with a poorly received movie, Daredevil, putting him on Netflix with a 13 episode season, and making him an epic, well developed, realistic (as realistic as radioactive heightened senses can be), and deep character. They've just proved that they can do it again with an even lesser known (to the general public) character in Jessica Jones, crafting an excellently made character, plot, and running exploration of different themes via a 13 episode television season. Both characters, when guided by the right studio and given room to breathe, have been executed extremely well. They are allowed to spend twenty or thirty minutes alone on backstory interspersed throughout the seasons for the character and surrounding characters (including the villains in each show), they have allowed for other Marvel characters to cameo without being forced in, and the seasons have even allowed things that would have otherwise most likely been corny ("What, was the name "Murdercorpse" taken?", "I just want to make my city a better place") to sound completely authentic, because the character is allowed to develop a voice and personality over several hours of television. Those apply to both the heroes andthe villains, because the time we spend with them (along with excellent casting choices and directing) allows us to believe that they are authentic and that these things could happen (in a loose sense).
Now think about the Fantastic Four. Is the issue the studio? Or the characters? Maybe it's both. Think about it. The studio that currently has them has tried to make three movies involving five main characters with super powers, somehow get us to believe and buy into the family dynamic between them all in two hours, as well as believe the corny lines and references in the Tim Story films, and the extreme science fiction and intentional avoidance of referencing much direct Fantastic Four lingo under Josh Trank's direction (not to mention awkward pacing). The strength of Netflix television is it's ability to allow the characters development and screen time to the point where we buy into and believe the things that are happening. Taking 5 main characters (Johnny, Sue, Richard, Ben, and Victor), as well as whatever easter egg characters and components they want to fit in, compiling the right team of people in the show regarding casting, direction, writing, and such (that Marvel has clearly shown they have the ability to do) and asking for a slightly larger special effects budget could radically change the taste that continually is left in our mouths after watching a movie based on Marvel's first family. Using Netflix, Marvel could look into the interpersonal relationships and family dynamic of the team, they could delve into the brother sister relationship of Sue and Johnny instead of giving it just a couple of mentions, they could build the angst between Victor and Richard for Sue's heart in the flashbacks, the could grow Sue and Richards romance throughout the season, and they could build and execute Dr. Doom's character into his commonly known role of one of Marvel's best super villains of all time. And most importantly, they could truly execute a well produced, directed, written, and acted Fantastic Four franchise.
The benefits? Several. For one, for such a famous and integral team to the Marvel Universe, even if they got the rights today, slated a movie for 2018, and got it out by that date, it would be hard for Marvel to make them a staple of the MCU this deep in the game. Putting them in the MCU Netflix realm could make it simple to introduce them, give them backstory, and make them embedded in the cloth of the growing MCU (even though we didn't see Daredevil in "Age of Ultron" or "Ant-Man", we were all thinking "He's there somewhere", at least I know I was). Second, it would allow them to bridge the gap between the Movies and Television. Well, let me rephrase that, it would allow them to bridge the gap should they choose to do so. It's still pretty uncertain whether or not Marvel is planning on doing such a thing, and if they were, how are you going to practically have Iron Man meet Daredevil and begin to work together? Maybe Mister Fantastic's genius gels with Tony, and the Human Torch needs a lawyer for some shenanigan's he's pulled near the Baxter building. Somewhere down the road I believe the FF can bring the MCU together. Just one way they could go about doing so. Third, while I know that, practically and in the world, of course, Marvel is in the business in part for the money, how will this fill the pockets of Marvel Studios? Seriously, market. The crap. Out of the Netflix FF. Honestly, I did a quick research project (I mean very quick, loose, and simple). I googled "Daredevil T Shirt" and went through 10 pages before I ran out of options. Then I typed in "Fantastic Four T-shirt" and got through about a page and a half of relevant Fantastic Four stuff. This is the Fantastic Four people. They are a big enough team and have enough impact that they would be able to draw in audiences and money from marketing in areas they targeted. T-shirts, Toys, tie-in comics or one shots, statues, and a re-boot of the comic itself. Plus, to be honest, if they make a well received FF franchise happen - imagine the praise from geeks around the globe. That alone is going to bring the fans rushing into the theatre's and to Netflix subscriptions (as previous series have proved they can).
All in all, this could be it. I, and I expect some others as well, would rather see a well-made (and what I believe could be excellent) Fantastic Four TV show that I invest 13 hours in over a season, then another lackluster movie I throw two and a half hours away on. Are there flaws? I'll admit, yes, there are. But trying something new that has been working doesn't have as many flaws as limping on in something old that continuously falls flat, just risks, and those risks for other, lesser franchises have absolutely paid off. I'm not saying it's even possible right now. But I am saying is that it's a viable option, and there are valid reasons for considering it if Marvel Studios ever is able to get the rights back. Putting the Fantastic Four on the small screen could be the best option and incarnation of the team for Marvel Studios and geeks everywhere.