Marvel Studios – Entertainment Weekly
Marvel Studios is gearing up to introduce its iconic first family to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) with The Fantastic Four: First Steps, a film slated to hit theaters on July 25, 2025. Directed by Matt Shakman, this ambitious project promises a fresh take on Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm, blending a 1960s retro futurist vibe with the cosmic stakes that define the Fantastic Four’s legacy. Here’s a deep dive into the plot, characters, and production of this highly anticipated addition to the MCU, inspired by insights from Entertainment Weekly’s recent cover story.
Set on a parallel Earth during the 1960s, The Fantastic Four: First Steps reimagines the team as pioneers of space exploration. The film sidesteps a traditional origin story, jumping straight into the action after the quartet Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm gains their powers from cosmic radiation during a groundbreaking mission. Director Matt Shakman envisions a world where, as he puts it, “Instead of Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin going to the moon, what if it was Reed, Sue, Johnny, and Ben who were really the first to go into outer space, the first to push those boundaries?”
The aesthetic draws heavily from Jack Kirby’s bold comic book art and Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, crafting a sleek, optimistic vision of the ‘60s infused with sci-fi wonder. This setting not only distinguishes the film from previous Fantastic Four adaptations but also positions it as a unique corner of the MCU’s sprawling multiverse.
The plot thickens with high-stakes drama, including a pivotal “all is lost” moment, a term Shakman uses to describe a crucial turning point in the story. During filming in September 2024, Pedro Pascal, embodying Reed Richards, was captured shouting, “Cut the power! Cut the power!” amid a chaotic scene involving a power outage and distress calls. Meanwhile, the looming threat of Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds, casts a shadow over the team, with Pascal noting, “It is definitely a scale of threat which Reed has never experienced.”
Adding a personal layer to the cosmic conflict, Sue Storm’s pregnancy emerges as a key element, hinting at the potential introduction of Franklin or Valeria Richards—characters beloved by comic fans. This blend of family dynamics and interstellar peril sets the stage for a narrative that’s as emotionally resonant as it is visually spectacular.
The cast of The Fantastic Four: First Steps brings a mix of prestige TV pedigree and genuine chemistry to the screen. Pedro Pascal stars as Reed Richards, aka Mr. Fantastic, the stretchable genius leading the team. Vanessa Kirby plays Sue Storm, the Invisible Woman, whose powers extend beyond invisibility to manipulating light and force fields. Joseph Quinn ignites the role of Johnny Storm, the Human Torch, while Ebon Moss-Bachrach transforms into the rock-skinned Ben Grimm, The Thing. Facing them is Ralph Ineson as Galactus, a towering space god clad in purple-and-blue armor.
Pascal, known for The Last of Us and The Mandalorian, describes the awe-inspiring challenge posed by Galactus: “Even the smartest man in the world is awestruck by a being that outdates his understanding of time.” Kirby, fresh off The Crown, reimagines Sue for a modern audience, explaining, “If you played an exact ‘60s Sue today, everyone would think she was a bit of a doormat.” Her portrayal promises a Sue who balances emotional intelligence with strength, evolving beyond dated stereotypes.
Quinn, a breakout from Stranger Things, brings a fiery yet nuanced Johnny Storm to life. “He’s a man that leads with a lot of bravado, which can be an affront sometimes. But also he’s funny,” Quinn says, highlighting a character who’s more than just a hothead. Moss-Bachrach, previously seen in The Punisher, embraces Ben Grimm’s roots, noting, “Then Ben Grimm is this Kirby amalgamation,” a nod to the character’s comic book heritage and his Yancy Street upbringing.
The casting process prioritized familial rapport, with Shakman assembling actors who could convincingly portray a tight-knit unit. This dynamic will carry forward into Avengers: Doomsday in 2026, where the team will confront Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom, setting up a clash of Marvel titans.
Filmed at Pinewood Studios, The Fantastic Four: First Steps boasts intricate sets that bring the team’s world to life. Reed’s laboratory is a standout, divided into color-coded zones—red for research, yellow for contemplation, and blue for monitoring—reflecting his methodical mind. Props like the Fantasticar, a flying vehicle from the comics, and H.E.R.B.I.E., the team’s robotic assistant, add playful nods to the source material.
The production balances practical effects with CGI, especially for characters like The Thing and Human Torch. Quinn quips, “There is such a thing as too many practical effects,” suggesting a thoughtful mix that enhances the film’s retrofuturist charm. For Galactus, Shakman opted for a physical presence over pure motion-capture, stating, “I didn’t want to just use motion-capture for Galactus,” ensuring the villain’s imposing stature resonates on screen.
Shakman, known for WandaVision, emphasizes the film’s standalone nature within the MCU. “We are our own universe, which is wonderful and liberating,” he told Empire, steering clear of heavy crossovers or Easter eggs. This focus allows the Fantastic Four to shine as a self-contained story, even as it lays groundwork for future appearances.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps isn’t just another superhero flick—it’s a bold reintroduction of Marvel’s original team, crafted with care to honor their comic roots while pushing the MCU into uncharted territory. With a stellar cast, a visionary director, and a story that marries retro flair with cosmic stakes, the film aims to be a cornerstone of Marvel’s next phase, as Kevin Feige has dubbed it a “big pillar” for the franchise.
As the July 25, 2025, release date approaches, anticipation builds for a movie that promises to explore the messiness of family, the thrill of discovery, and the terror of facing a godlike foe. Whether it’s Pascal’s Reed grappling with the unknown, Kirby’s Sue embracing her complexity, or the team uniting against Galactus, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is poised to take its rightful place in the MCU—and in the hearts of fans everywhere as we see this First Family hit the big screen.
