Empire Magazine – Marvel Studios
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 that promises to redefine the team’s legacy. In an exclusive interview with Empire Magazine, Marvel president Kevin Feige shared his vision for the project, emphasizing its significance in launching a fresh chapter for the MCU. Set to release on July 25, 2025, this retro-futuristic adventure aims to capture the heart of the Fantastic Four while avoiding the pitfalls of past adaptations. Here’s everything you need to know about this highly anticipated reboot, from its unique setting to its stellar cast and Feige’s ambitious goals.
Why The Fantastic Four: First Steps Matters
The Fantastic Four have long been a cornerstone of Marvel Comics, but their cinematic journey has been rocky. With The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Marvel Studios is taking a bold approach to do justice to Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm. Here’s why this film is a game-changer:
- A New Era for the MCU: Kevin Feige described the film as a launchpad for a new phase in the MCU, leveraging the Fantastic Four’s foundational role in Marvel’s history to set the stage for future stories, including Avengers: Doomsday in 2026.
- Learning from Past Mistakes: Previous Fantastic Four films, especially the 2015 FANT4STIC reboot, struggled with critical and commercial failure, earning a mere 9% on Rotten Tomatoes. Feige aims to avoid these missteps by embracing the team’s comic book roots. Critics are not always right but fans even agreed that the past reboot packed 0 puch.
- A Unique Setting: Set in a retro-futuristic 1960s New York City on an alternate Earth, the film offers a fresh visual and narrative style, distinct from the main MCU timeline. This allows for creative freedom without requiring prior MCU knowledge.
Key Features of The Fantastic Four: First Steps
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Director | Matt Shakman (WandaVision), bringing his knack for character-driven storytelling. |
| Cast | Pedro Pascal (Reed Richards), Vanessa Kirby (Sue Storm), Joseph Quinn (Johnny Storm), Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Ben Grimm), with Julia Garner as Shalla-Bal/Silver Surfer and Ralph Ineson as Galactus. |
| Setting | A 1960s-inspired alternate Earth with a retro-futuristic aesthetic, featuring unique technology like the Fantasticar. |
| Villain | Galactus, a cosmic entity who consumes planets, portrayed in a comic-accurate form, unlike the cloud-like version in 2007’s Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. |
| Tone | Embraces the “silly” and vibrant energy of the original comics, with bold visuals like Galactus’ iconic helmet. |
Empire Magazine – Marvel Studios
What Kevin Feige Says About the Film
Feige’s passion for the Fantastic Four is evident, as he considers them the heart of Marvel’s legacy. Here are his key insights from the Empire interview:
- Historical Significance: “I think that there are no four characters that are more important for the history of Marvel,” Feige stated, highlighting the team’s role as Marvel’s First Family.
- A Dream Come True: The 2019 Disney-Fox merger allowed Marvel to reclaim the Fantastic Four, a moment Feige called an “unexpected dream come true” that arrived at the perfect time to kick off a new MCU era.
- Embracing the Comics: Unlike past films that shied away from the comics’ whimsical elements, Feige is leaning into them, noting that what was once considered “goofy” (like Galactus’ angular helmet) is now “awesome” in today’s cinematic landscape.
What to Expect from the Story
The Fantastic Four: First Steps isn’t a traditional origin story but picks up four years after the team gains their powers, with the Fantastic Four already established as celebrities in their world. Here’s what’s in store:
- A Cosmic Threat: The film centers on the team’s battle against Galactus, who marks their Earth for destruction. Julia Garner’s Shalla-Bal/Silver Surfer serves as his herald, warning the team of the impending doom.
- Family Dynamics: The trailer hints at tension between Reed Richards, who considers evacuating the planet, and Sue Storm, who is pregnant and determined to protect their world. This dynamic adds emotional depth to their heroism.
- Multiversal Connections: Set on an alternate Earth, the film’s events will tie into the broader MCU, with the Fantastic Four joining Avengers: Doomsday. This suggests a multiversal crossover that could reshape the MCU timeline.
Final Thoughts
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is shaping up to be a bold, heartfelt, and visually stunning addition to the MCU. By embracing the team’s comic book roots and leveraging a talented cast and crew, Marvel Studios aims to deliver the definitive Fantastic Four experience fans have been waiting for. As Kevin Feige puts it, this film is about doing justice to Marvel’s First Familym, and if the trailers and hype are any indication, it’s poised to do just that. Mark your calendars for July 25, 2025, and get ready for a fantastic new era in the MCU.
