Are we (really) still arguing over the race issue?
Seriously. I left this thread a while ago due to exhaustion over the 'controvery' surrounding the alleged casting (or casting interest.) I return to find it is still the same argument being re-transmitted over and over again.
Why not cease the evacuation of parasocial/racial dread and focus on something that I would say is far more important to the film and will prompt organic discussion: the story.
For the pat year, I have been stocking up on the old Masterworks titles and picked up this baby for $4.
http://www.amazon.com/Marvel-Master...94&sr=8-8&keywords=fantastic+four+masterworks
While some of the stories are hit and miss, I really enjoyed seeing the Microverse. I think something such as that would be awesome to have on the FF's relaunched film. Focus on the exploration and aventure aspects of the magazine, instead of reverting to the cliched supervillain takeover/revenge plot. Too many superhero films have become dark and cynical and really miss the sense of wonder that comes from the Silver Age Magazines. I woud like to see a film that captures the beauty and majesty of Jack Kirby's cosmos and the character richness of Gravity.
I want to see a new world/dimension and the team exploring it and solving a problem associated with it; not another Doom wants to take over the world/revenge on Reed plot.
Save Doom for the second film where they could build up the local (Earth-bound) threat and international intrigue: I've always wanted to see Latveria. Romania and the nearby counties have been underused in film and have a unique beauty that would be awesome on the large screen, esp on a production as big as FF2.
Have the film set in it and the team responding to Doom and his tech/magic: have Reed's scientific background and materialistic perspective contrasted against Doom's fusion of the two.