The 2005 "Fantastic Four" and 2007 sequel "Rise of the Silver Surfer" were directed by Tim Story and starred Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans and Michael Chiklis. Since the deals for the reboot are just getting made, it is unclear if any of them will return.

Though Marvel Entertainment owns and finances properties like "Iron Man" and "Thor," Fox controls "Fantastic Four" in perpetuity -- as long as it continues making the films. Fox has the same arrangement on Marvel Comics properties "X-Men," "Daredevil" and "Silver Surfer." Marvel is a producer and financial participant through a licensing agreement.

Though the related Silver Surfer character soared in the "Fantastic Four" sequel, that iconic personality has remained a priority project for his own film at the studio.

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Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer Tops the Box Office

Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer topped the box office this past weekend, making an estimated $57,400,000. Critics hated it, but fans loved it and showed up in droves for the opening. The per theater take was a very nice $14,498. In second place was Ocean's Thirteen, which made $19,105,000, bringing its take to date to a very healthy $69,810,000. That's great for two weeks out, and you know that one will make a fortune on DVD.

In third place was Universal's Knocked Up, which made another $14,535,000, bringing the romantic comedy's take to date to $90,482,000, which is absolutely stunning for a low budget comedy. Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End held on to fourth place, making another $12,024,000. The film's take to date is $273,757,000.

Also debuting this weekend was Nancy Drew starring Julia Roberts' niece Emma Roberts. The WB film earned a disappointing $7,135,000 in 2,612 theaters. Reviews were mixed, with the consensus being that the film was kind of bland. Nothing offensive, but no pep.

Posted on June 18, 2007
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