The Fantastic Four: First Steps trailer released

Marvel’s First Family Returns Home

Marvel Studios has officially welcomed its most beloved superhero team into the Marvel Cinematic Universe with the trailer release of The Fantastic Four: First Steps. After decades of previous attempts by other studios, Marvel’s First Family finally gets the treatment it deserves under Kevin Feige’s guidance.

Set against a vibrant retro-futuristic backdrop inspired by the swinging sixties, this groundbreaking film promises to redefine what we know about Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm. 

The trailer showcases a fresh approach that honors the comic book origins while introducing these iconic characters to a new generation of fans.

The Visionary Behind the Camera

Director Matt Shakman brings his proven track record from WandaVision to helm this ambitious project, marking his transition from acclaimed television work to blockbuster filmmaking. 

Having previously directed episodes of Game of Thrones, The Great, and Succession, Shakman demonstrates his versatility across different genres and storytelling formats.

His personal connection to family themes significantly influenced his approach to the film, particularly as he became a father during development. The director’s vision centers on capturing the essence of what makes the Fantastic Four unique among superhero teams – their unbreakable family bond.

A Star-Studded Ensemble Cast

The film boasts an impressive ensemble led by Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, bringing his charismatic presence from The Mandalorian and The Last of Us to the role of Mister Fantastic.

Vanessa Kirby transforms into Sue Storm, with early reactions praising her performance as the heart and soul of the team. Joseph Quinn channels his Stranger Things energy into Johnny Storm while Ebon Moss-Bachrach, fresh from The Bear, takes on the challenging role of Ben Grimm. 

This carefully selected cast demonstrates Marvel’s commitment to finding actors who embody both the individual characters and their collective family dynamic.

Galactus Emerges as the Ultimate Threat

The trailer reveals Ralph Ineson as the voice of Galactus, the cosmic entity who devours entire planets to sustain his existence. This marks the first proper cinematic portrayal of one of Marvel’s most iconic villains, promising a scale and threat level unlike anything previously seen in the MCU. 

Galactus represents an existential crisis that forces the Fantastic Four to confront not just a physical threat, but a challenge to everything they hold dear. The villain’s presence immediately raises the stakes from typical superhero conflicts to cosmic-level catastrophe.

Silver Surfer’s Gender-Swapped Reimagining

Julia Garner takes on the traditionally male role of Silver Surfer, but with a significant twist – she portrays Shalla-Bal rather than the classic Norrin Radd version of the character. Shalla-Bal is Norrin Rad’s Zenn-Lavian partner, first appearing in Silver Surfer# 1, who later becomes a Silver Surfer in Earth- X storylines.

Garner describes her character as having an ambiguous moral standing, leaving audiences questioning whether she truly serves Galactus or has her own agenda. 

Early reactions praise the visual effects work on Silver Surfer, though some critics note challenges in achieving the perfect metallic look.

A Retro-Futuristic World Brought to Life

The film transports audiences to a meticulously crafted world that blends authentic details with imaginative futuristic elements. 

Production designer Sarah Greenwood and her team recreated iconic New York locations while adding fantastical architectural elements that suggest an alternate timeline. 

The aesthetic draws inspiration from the Space Race era, capturing the optimism and scientific ambition that defined the original comic books. This visual approach serves both nostalgic purposes and narrative function, grounding the fantastic elements in a recognizable yet extraordinary setting.

The Science of Superpowers

The trailer showcases each team member’s unique abilities through spectacular visual effects sequences that bring comic book action to cinematic life. 

Reed Richards’ stretching powers receive their most sophisticated treatment yet, utilizing cutting-edge CGI technology to make his elastic abilities feel both realistic and fantastic.

Sue Storm’s invisibility and force field generation create stunning visual moments that demonstrate her power and strategic importance to the team. The Thing’s rocky exterior and Human Torch’s fire-based abilities complete the quartet’s diverse power set.

Baby Franklin Richards and the Cosmic Threat

Sue Storm and Reed Richards are expecting their baby, Franklin Richards, who is revealed in the trailer and story to be a powerful figure in the MCU. Franklin’s birth is central to the plot, symbolizing new beginnings amid the looming cosmic danger posed by Galactus.

The Fantastic Four face an existential threat as Galactus, a planet-devouring entity, targets their home world. Franklin’s latent powers and future role could be key in confronting this danger and shaping not only their family’s fate but potentially the entire Marvel universe’s future

HERBIE Joins the Family

The beloved robot companion H.E.R.B.I.E. makes his live-action debut, voiced by Matthew Wood, who previously brought General Grievous to life in Star Wars. 

Originally created for the animated series when Human Torch wasn’t available, HERBIE has become an integral part of Fantastic Four lore. Director Matt Shakman emphasizes that HERBIE serves as more than comic relief, functioning as Reed’s laboratory assistant and a genuine family member. 

The character’s inclusion demonstrates the film’s commitment to honoring the broader Fantastic Four mythology beyond just the core team.

The Mole Man Joins the MCU

Paul Walter Hauser plays Harvey Elder, aka the Mole Man, ruler of Subterranea, making his MCU debut in The Fantastic Four: First Steps. His version is more of a complex leader than a typical villain, adding depth to the subterranean world.

This character holds historical significance as the first villain the Fantastic Four faced in comics, bringing a classic element to the film’s story.

John Malkovich’s Role Cut

John Malkovich was cast as the Red Ghost, featured in early trailers but cut from the final film. Director Matt Shakman expressed regret over the decision, calling Malkovich one of his biggest inspirations.

The cut was necessary to keep the story focused, showing the tough choices in balancing characters in a large ensemble film.

Phase Six Launches with a Bang

The Fantastic Four: First Steps officially inaugurates Phase Six of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, marking the beginning of the final act of the Multiverse Saga. 

This positioning carries significant weight as the film must establish new characters while advancing the overarching narrative toward Avengers: Doomsday. 

The movie’s success will determine the trajectory for future Marvel projects and the studio’s ability to maintain audience engagement. Early tracking suggests strong box office potential, with projections ranging from substantial opening weekend numbers.

Early Critical Acclaim

Industry insiders and early viewers have responded with overwhelmingly positive reactions, with some calling it potentially the best Marvel film ever released. Critics praise the visual spectacle, family dynamics, and return to Marvel’s optimistic storytelling roots. 

The film’s retrofuturistic aesthetic and Michael Giacchino’s score receive particular commendation from early audiences. These positive early reactions suggest Marvel Studios may have successfully recaptured the magic that made their early films so beloved.

Box Office Predictions Soar

Industry analysts project an opening weekend between substantial figures, potentially marking one of the year’s biggest debuts. The film benefits from being positioned after Superman’s successful launch, creating momentum for superhero cinema. 

Tracking data shows strong pre-sale performance and audience interest levels comparable to major Marvel releases. The movie’s IMAX and premium format presentation could significantly boost revenue figures.

Production Challenges and Triumphs

Filming took place primarily at Pinewood Studios in England, where elaborate sets recreated both the Baxter Building and period-accurate New York locations. The production team constructed massive practical sets while relying on cutting-edge visual effects for the more fantastical elements. 

Matt Shakman balanced intimate character work with large-scale action sequences, requiring careful attention to both performance and technical execution. The film’s substantial budget allowed for the kind of visual spectacle that the Fantastic Four story demands.

Comic Book Authenticity

The filmmakers drew heavily from classic comic book runs, particularly the foundational work of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby that established the characters in the early years. Shakman also incorporated elements from later acclaimed runs by John Byrne, Jonathan Hickman, and Mark Waid. 

This comic book fidelity extends beyond visual design to character relationships and thematic elements. The film avoids retreading origin story territory, instead beginning with the team already established as heroes.

Doctor Doom’s Mysterious Absence and Presence

While Director Matt Shakman insists Doctor Doom isn’t part of his film, persistent rumors suggest Robert Downey Jr. might appear in post-credits scenes. The Russo Brothers, who will direct Avengers: Doomsday, reportedly filmed additional footage that could feature Doom’s debut. 

This approach mirrors the post-credits scene strategy used in Thunderbolts, where future plot elements were established. The mystery surrounding Doom’s potential appearance adds intrigue to the film’s conclusion.

A New Era for Marvel Studios

The Fantastic Four: First Steps represents Marvel’s commitment to returning to character-driven storytelling with spectacular visual elements. The film’s positive early reception suggests audiences are ready for Marvel’s next phase of storytelling.

Director Matt Shakman’s approach emphasizes optimism and wonder, qualities that defined Marvel’s most successful early films. The movie’s success could establish a template for future Marvel projects moving forward.

Check out the 10 casting rumors that shook Marvel fans, some of the most unexpected “what–ifs” in the MCU.

Preparing for Launch

The Fantastic Four: First Steps premieres at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on July 21st before its wide release on July 25th. Disney+ subscribers can watch the blue carpet premiere live, marking a first for Disney premieres. 

The film will be available in IMAX, ScreenX, and other premium formats to maximize the visual experience. After years of anticipation, Marvel’s First Family is finally ready to take their rightful place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Get ready for the next phase of Marvel’s universe, where Marvel’s next masterpieces beyond the multiverse will take storytelling to an entirely new level.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.