Jessica Alba Opens Up About 'Fantastic Four' Scene She Regrets

Jessica Alba has spoken frankly about a moment in her acting career that she’d rather forget. During a chat at the Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah, she was asked to name her least favourite scene from her years in the industry. Without hesitation, she pointed to a particular sequence from the first Fantastic Four film, describing it as a low point.

Looking Back on a Challenging Experience

Alba didn’t mince words when recalling the scene, which saw her character, Storm, exposed on a bridge.

“I thought that was awful,”

she admitted, adding that the experience was far from comfortable. She explained,

“It was very humiliating in real life. I grew up with a pretty conservative family, and I am a pretty modest person. I dreaded that scene for weeks. I have a lot of whiplash from those days.”

The discomfort lingered long after filming wrapped, leaving a lasting impression on her.

Fondness for the Role Despite Setbacks

Despite the awkwardness of that particular moment, Alba still holds a soft spot for her time as Storm in the Fantastic Four series, which spanned two films released in 2005 and 2007. She described Storm as a character with a strong moral compass, someone who was caring but never a pushover.

“She was very maternal and very kind, but also not a pushover; she spoke her mind. She had a great moral compass. No matter who you are, you can look up to her. Oftentimes, the women in these stories need to be saved by a guy or the villain, the problem in the story. This was back then. It’s different now.”

Alba’s appreciation for the character remains, even as the industry has shifted in its portrayal of female heroes.

Family Life and New Faces in the Franchise

Alba hasn’t yet caught the latest Fantastic Four instalment, First Steps, which hit cinemas this past summer and features Vanessa Kirby stepping into the role of Storm. She’s keen to watch it, but family film nights are usually dictated by her kids’ preferences.

“I usually watch those movies with my kids, and if Sonic was out, my son wants to watch it 85 times in a row. When it comes to movies that are for the family, my kids dominate what we watch for sure. But I have to convince him because we have to see it! I love Marvel, and they’re so fun.”

Alba’s enthusiasm for the franchise is clear, even if she has to negotiate with her children to get it on the screen.

Other Highlights from the Festival

The Red Sea Film Festival also saw a rare appearance from Michael Caine, who accepted a Lifetime Achievement Award. The veteran actor, now in a wheelchair, delivered an emotional speech, confirming that his acting days are behind him.

“I kept going until I was 90, which is two years ago. I’m not going to do anything else, I’ve had all the luck I can get.”

His words marked the end of an era for many film fans in attendance.