Reed Richards (Ioan Gruffudd) is a brilliant scientist who along with friend, muscle-man Ben Grimm (Michael Chiklis) seeks funding for a experimental space mission to study cosmic radiation, from rich and powerful businessman Victor Von Doom (Julian McMahon). Agreeing, Victor sets up a space station in orbit around Earth for Richards to begin his experiment. Joined by cocky Johnny Storm (Chris Evans) and his sister, Reed's ex girlfriend Susan (Jessica Alba) who is Victor's girlfriend, Reed and Ben arrive on the space station to begin the experimental space mission, which goes wrong, when they exposed to a cosmic radiation which alters their D.N.A. Returning to Earth, they find the cosmic radiation has given them superhuman powers.

otsoNY Comments: In the world of modern film making, nothing is what it seems these days. There are quite a few films that have been based in New York City, but have not actually been filmed in New York City. Fantastic Four is no exception. Only one actor of the four main characters actually went to New York even though all four of them are seen on the Brooklyn Bridge. Incidentally, it took them five weeks to shoot the Brooklyn Bridge crash scene and none of it actually took place on the real bridge. The production team recreated a large section of the Brooklyn bridge and surrounded it with blue screens. The end result, nothing short of brilliance.

Brooklyn Bridge, Lower East Side, Manhattan.   The Brooklyn Bridge, built btw 1869 and 1883, connects Manhattan with New York's most populous borough, Brooklyn, at the time one of the country's largest cities. The bridge is one of the most magnificent landmarks in New York.

East 22nd Street and Broadway, Manhattan.

otsoNY Comments: Interestingly, this scene was shot in two different places. Jessica Alba was in New York talking to a stand in, whereas Ioan Gruffudd who played Reed was actually filming his part of this scene in Vancouver, Canada.

Battery Park, Manhattan.   Battery Park is based in lower Manhattan and has been featured in films such as Desperately Seeking Susan, Men in Black and She's The One. Website: Official Battery Park website | Map: Google Map