The Fantastic Four: First Steps is the upcoming American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics team, the Fantastic Four. Produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, it will be the 37th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and serves as the second reboot of the Fantastic Four film series. The movie is directed by Matt Shakman, with a screenplay by Josh Friedman, Eric Pearson, Jeff Kaplan, and Ian Springer. The cast includes Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn as the Fantastic Four, alongside Julia Garner, Natasha Lyonne, Paul Walter Hauser, and Ralph Ineson.
Set on a parallel Earth with a 1960s-inspired retro-futuristic style, the Fantastic Four must defend their world against the cosmic being Galactus, who devours planets, and his herald, the Silver Surfer.
This film is scheduled for release 20 years after Fantastic Four (2005) and 10 years after Fantastic Four (2015).
Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps is one of the most anticipated superhero films of 2025, and for good reason. As the iconic team finally joins the Marvel Cinematic Universe, fans are eager to see how the studio will reimagine Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm. With a star-studded cast, a visionary director, and a fresh creative approach, this film is shaping up to be a bold reintroduction. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Marvel’s First Family, here are some essential and surprising facts you need to know before the film hits theaters.
Reed Richards: Best pilot in the world!
Ben Grimm: Best-looking pilot!
Reed Richards: Well, that's one interpretation.
Ben Grimm: No, that's the only interpretation.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps Is The 37th Film In The MCU
Produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, this film is set to be the 37th installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and marks the second reboot of the Fantastic Four franchise. The Fantastic Four: First Steps is scheduled to have its world premiere on July 21, 2025, followed by its U.S. release on July 25, serving as the first movie in Phase Six of the MCU.
Originally Being Worked On By 20th Century Fox
After the disappointing performance of Fantastic Four (2015), 20th Century Fox started developing a new Fantastic Four film. Following Disney’s acquisition of the studio in March 2019, the franchise rights were handed over to Marvel Studios, which announced a new movie that July. Jon Watts was named director in December 2020 but stepped down in April 2022. Matt Shakman took over directing duties in September 2022, around the time Jeff Kaplan and Ian Springer were working on the screenplay. Casting began in early 2023, and Josh Friedman joined in March to rewrite the script. By mid-February 2024, Eric Pearson was brought on to polish the script, coinciding with the announcement of the main cast.
In March 2019, The Walt Disney Company officially acquired 21st Century Fox, gaining the film rights to Marvel Comics characters that Fox had controlled. These rights were then transferred to Disney’s subsidiary, Marvel Studios, including the rights to the Fantastic Four. As a result, the Marvel-related films that Fox had been developing were put "on hold."
The Fantastic Four: First Steps Avoids Their Origin Story
This film sets itself apart from previous Fantastic Four movies by skipping the team’s origin story. Director Matt Shakman explained that earlier adaptations combined the team’s origin with the villain Doctor Doom, who "takes up a lot of air." By starting the story four years after the Fantastic Four have already gained their powers and making Galactus the main antagonist, Shakman believes they’re offering a fresh take. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige noted that this approach is similar to how the MCU introduced Peter Parker/Spider-Man without retelling his famous origin story. According to Sneider, Doctor Doom might still appear briefly, possibly in a post-credits scene, and Marvel Studios is looking to cast a major star for the role.
Filming Took Place In England and Spain
Filming took place from July to November 2024 at Pinewood Studios in England, as well as on location across England and Spain. In mid-October, scenes were shot at Durdle Door in Dorset, England. Natasha Lyonne completed her scenes later that same month. In mid-November, it was announced that Sarah Niles had joined the cast. From November 19 to 22, filming occurred at the Palace of Congresses in Oviedo, Spain, for scenes set at the United Nations headquarters. Additional filming happened at the Middleton mine in Derbyshire Dales, England, before production wrapped at the end of November.
A Sequel To The Fantastic Four: The First Steps Is Already In The Works
A sequel is in development as on June 2025!
Mr Fantastic Is A Mix Of Steve Jobs, Albert Einstein, and Robert Moses
Mr. Fantastic is the brilliant scientist and leader of the Fantastic Four, with the ability to stretch any part of his body to incredible lengths. Director Matt Shakman described Reed Richards as "the most scientifically intelligent person" on Earth, likening him to a blend of Steve Jobs, Albert Einstein, and Robert Moses. Actor Pedro Pascal emphasized that Reed’s intellect is the key aspect of the character, more than his physical abilities, and said he approached the role thinking about “the brilliance of an octopus.”
Sue Storm Is The Most Emotionally Intelligent Person On The Planet
Sue Storm, Reed Richards’s pregnant wife and Johnny’s sister, is a member of the Fantastic Four with the powers to create force fields and become invisible. She leads the Future Foundation, an organization credited with achieving worldwide peace and demilitarization. Director Matt Shakman described Sue as "the most emotionally intelligent person" on Earth.
Vanessa Kirby Wanted To Bring Malice To The Role
Vanessa Kirby enjoyed blending different comic versions of Sue Storm to create her own take on the character, with motherhood as a central theme. She mentioned being fascinated by the comics storyline where Sue becomes the darker persona “Malice,” and incorporated aspects of that into her performance to ensure Sue wasn’t just portrayed as a typical sweet, nurturing mother.
Evan Moss-Bachrach Compares The Thing To His Character In The Bear
Ebon Moss-Bachrach noticed similarities between his role as Richie Jerimovich in The Bear (2022–present) and his character Grimm, pointing out that both are “deeply loyal” and “fighters with a strong sense of code, morality, and family.”
Ebon Moss-Bachrach Studied Real Desert Rocks For The Thing’s Look
Ebon Moss-Bachrach brings the Thing to life using motion capture and CGI instead of prosthetic makeup. He discussed this process with Mark Ruffalo, who uses the same technology to portray the Hulk in the MCU. While Moss-Bachrach performed many scenes wearing a motion-capture suit, some shots were reshot with the actor using various body extensions or a stand-in in a full-sized Thing costume to help the other actors visualize the character’s size. Director Matt Shakman consulted scientists and studied desert rocks to find the ideal inspiration for the Thing’s look. One particular desert rock, nicknamed "Jennifer," matched the desired appearance and was filmed on set to serve as a lighting reference for the visual effects team.
Johnny Storm Is Not A Womanizer Like Previous Portrayals
Although Joseph Quinn admired Chris Evans’s take on the character in Fantastic Four (2005) and Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007), he chose not to model his portrayal after Evans’s. Quinn and producer Kevin Feige discussed how Johnny’s womanizing in earlier versions might not come across as “sexy” to today’s audiences. Quinn aimed to make his Johnny less insensitive toward others’ feelings and more aware of his need for attention, while still keeping his signature bravado and humor. Director Matt Shakman also highlighted that, beneath the jokes, Johnny is both smart and heroic.
Julia Garner Wanted Her Silver Surfer To Dance
Julia Garner described her character and her connection to Galactus as having a “mysterious energy.” She brought the Silver Surfer to life using motion capture, blending research on surfing poses with the statuesque, non-surfing poses depicted in the comics. Garner aimed for the character’s movements to be “elegant, like a dance.” To prepare for the role, she studied the comics closely and researched surfing techniques.
Ralph Ineson Ruminated On The Top Of All Buildings For Galactus
Matt Shakman described Galactus as a "humongous, 14-billion-year-old, planet-devouring cosmic vampire." Ralph Ineson, who plays Galactus, didn’t see the character as evil, instead calling him "a god of sorts" and "a big, planet-eating guy just doing what a big, planet-eating guy does." To prepare for the role, Ineson spent time reflecting while perched atop tall buildings.
Galactus Has A Fornite Battle Royale Reference
Kevin Feige has been a big fan of Galactus’s introduction in the comics and had wanted to bring the character to the screen for a long time. He even shared a clip of Galactus from the video game Fortnite Battle Royale (2017) as a reference for how the character should be portrayed. Unlike the cloud-like version in Rise of the Silver Surfer, this film features a design that closely matches the comics. To help bring the character to life, Galactus’s purple and blue armor was specially made for Ralph Ineson to wear, since director Matt Shakman wanted someone physically embodying the role.
H.E.R.B.I.E Is Voiced By Matthew Wood
Matthew Wood provides the voice for H.E.R.B.I.E. (Humanoid Experimental Robot B-Type Integrated Electronics), the Fantastic Four’s robotic companion who mainly assists Reed Richards. Director Matt Shakman described H.E.R.B.I.E. as “slightly put-upon” but also “charming and adorable,” making the robot an invaluable member of the team. The character was brought to life using a mix of a wooden puppet, a remote-controlled animatronic with moving head and arms, and CGI.
The Fantastic Four: The First Steps Was Originally Like The Incredibles
Following the critical and commercial failure of 20th Century Fox’s 2015 Fantastic Four - co-written and directed by Josh Trank and based on the Marvel Comics superhero team - Fox began exploring new directions for the franchise. Having also produced two earlier Fantastic Four films directed by Tim Story about a decade earlier, the studio wanted to avoid simply making another similar movie. By June 2017, Seth Grahame-Smith was writing a new script that would shift the focus to Franklin and Valeria Richards, the children of the original Fantastic Four leaders, Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic) and Sue Storm (Invisible Woman). Drawing inspiration from the Ultimate Fantastic Four comic series (2004–2009), the screenplay included original team members Ben Grimm (The Thing) and Johnny Storm (Human Torch) and was described as kid-friendly with a tone more akin to the animated film The Incredibles (2004) than the darker approach of Trank’s movie. Grahame-Smith’s screenplay was based on a separate script by Carter Blanchard, which adapted the children’s book Kindergarten Heroes by Mark Millar, who had previously consulted with Fox on their Marvel-related projects.
“Mine” The Fantastic Four Franchise
In July 2019, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige confirmed that the company was developing a new Fantastic Four film for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Feige expressed excitement about the characters and the opportunity to elevate Marvel’s “first family” to the platform and status they deserve. In December 2020, Feige revealed that Jon Watts - who directed the first three MCU Spider-Man films (2017–2021) - would be helming the project. By February 2021, Marvel Studios had begun meeting with writers, and in June, Disney CEO Bob Chapek stated that Feige and Marvel were planning to “mine” the Fantastic Four franchise.
Jon Watts Stepped Done From The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Jon Watts stepped down as director in April 2022, deciding to take a break from the superhero genre after feeling “out of gas” from handling COVID-19 protocols during Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) and its post-production. Instead, he chose to direct the film Wolfs (2024). Meanwhile, Grant Curtis and Nick Pepin, who previously worked on the Marvel Studios miniseries Moon Knight (2022), took on producing duties for the new Fantastic Four film.
John Krasinski Was A One Off “Fan Casting” Of Reed Richards
John Krasinski appears as Reed Richards / Mister Fantastic in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022). He had been a fan-favorite choice for the role for quite some time, and rumors about his casting grew stronger after the new Fantastic Four film was announced. The version of Reed Richards he plays is from Earth-838, an alternate universe within the MCU, where he is part of the Illuminati. Director Sam Raimi explained that Kevin Feige cast Krasinski specifically for this alternate universe cameo as a way to fulfill popular fan casting wishes. This sparked speculation about whether Krasinski’s role was just a one-time appearance or if he would star in the upcoming Fantastic Four movie. Krasinski later stated he enjoyed the role but mentioned no talks had taken place about him reprising it.
Meanwhile, Marvel fans have long campaigned for Krasinski and his real-life wife Emily Blunt to play Reed Richards and Sue Storm, citing their real-life chemistry and power couple status.
Kevin Feige Wanted Someone To Direct Without Needing Him On Set
By June 2022, Marvel Studios was still searching for a new director and hadn’t narrowed down their list of candidates. The list reportedly included several high-profile filmmakers, with Kevin Feige looking for someone who could manage the filming process independently - similar to how Sam Raimi worked. At San Diego Comic-Con the following month, Feige announced the film’s release date as November 8, 2024, marking it as the first movie in Phase Six of the MCU. Filming was planned to start in 2023. By late August, Matt Shakman was in early talks to direct, competing with Michael Matthews and Reid Carolin as finalists. Deadline Hollywood noted Shakman was favored due to his prior collaboration with Feige, having directed the Marvel Studios miniseries WandaVision (2021). Shakman later left a planned Star Trek film to focus on Fantastic Four, saying he didn’t want to miss this opportunity and was drawn to the film’s themes of family, optimism, and technology. Kevin Feige officially confirmed Shakman as director at Disney’s D23 convention in September.
Sue Storm Was The First Character Up For Casting
Casting for the Fantastic Four started by February 2023, with priority given to finding the right actor for Sue Storm / Invisible Woman. Director Matt Shakman said casting was the biggest challenge because they needed performers who could authentically capture the family dynamics of the team. Kevin Feige emphasized that the Fantastic Four would be a major foundation for the MCU going forward, and the studio set a very high standard to honor the group’s rich comic book history dating back to 1961.
Among those considered for Sue Storm were Amanda Seyfried, Bryce Dallas Howard, Margot Robbie, Emma Stone, Megan Fox, Brooklyn Decker, and Kristen Bell.
Adam Driver and Emma Stone Declined Offers For Fantastic Four
According to Sneider, Marvel Studios had hoped to cast Adam Driver and Emma Stone as Reed Richards and Sue Storm, but both actors turned down the roles partly due to the studio’s unwillingness to meet their high salary demands. Sneider noted that Kevin Feige aimed to keep the studio’s spending on talent under control.
Other actors considered for Reed Richards included Milo Ventimiglia, Adam Driver, Jake Gyllenhaal, Matt Smith, Dev Patel, Penn Badgley, and Zachary Levi.
Reed Richards Was Offered To Jake Gyllenhaal But He Declined
Marvel Studios considered non-white actors for the role of Reed Richards, and Pedro Pascal showed interest, though he held off on discussions during the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike. After the actors’ strike ended in November, Pascal began talks to take on the role and was working to coordinate his schedule with other projects. The studio planned to make offers for the other main roles soon after, believing it was crucial to cast Reed first.
Pedro Pascal Would Not Entertain Casting Conversations In The Strike
Marvel Studios considered actors of diverse backgrounds for the role of Reed Richards, and Pedro Pascal expressed interest, though he refrained from discussions during the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike. Once the actors’ strike concluded in November, Pascal entered negotiations to play Reed and worked on fitting the role around his other commitments. The studio planned to extend offers for the remaining lead roles shortly after, prioritizing the casting of Reed as essential.
Marvel Wanted To Cast A Jewish Actor For The Thing
Ebon Moss-Bachrach was offered the role of Ben Grimm / The Thing, having previously played David Lieberman / Micro in the first season of the MCU series The Punisher (2017). Marvel Studios was dedicated to casting a Jewish actor like Moss-Bachrach to portray The Thing, who is Jewish in the comics but had not been played by Jewish actors in earlier Fantastic Four films. David Krumholtz met with director Matt Shakman about the role after campaigning online, but he was not chosen and instead began pursuing the villain Harvey Elder / Mole Man. Moss-Bachrach became the first official casting announcement for the film.
Nicolas Galitzine Was Rumoured To Play Johnny Storm
Nicholas Galitzine was also rumored to be in talks for the role of Johnny Storm and had discussions with the studio about it.
Marvel Approached Matt Smith To Play Reed Richards
Marvel reached out to Matt Smith for the role of Reed Richards, but it was unlikely to work out, as the studio was aiming to cast "a bona fide movie star" instead.
The Fantastic Four Suits Were Similar To Vol 1 (1983)
The team’s costumes feature a pale blue color with white necklines, reminiscent of the designs first seen in Fantastic Four vol. 1 #256 (1983) and the outfits worn in Roger Corman’s unreleased Fantastic Four film from 1994.
Fantastic Four Has The Same Production Designer As Loki
In October 2023, Matt Shakman announced plans to begin filming in early 2024 at Pinewood Studios in England. Cameron Squires joined Josh Friedman as co-writer of the script, having both previously worked on Shakman’s planned Star Trek film, with Squires also contributing to WandaVision. The cast was set to be announced after the SAG-AFTRA strike concluded. During the strikes, the crew focused on production design and early visual effects tests for the team’s powers. Kasra Farahani returned as production designer, having worked on Marvel’s TV series Loki (2021–2023), while Alexandra Byrne returned as costume designer, continuing her work from several MCU films.
Joseph Quinn Asked Pedro Pascal’s Advice While Filming Gladiator II
During the making of Gladiator II (2024), Joseph Quinn sought advice from Pedro Pascal without knowing Pascal was in talks to play Reed Richards. Pascal hadn’t planned to take on such a role, saying the film “changed his plans in a very sudden way.” Interestingly, both Pascal and Quinn appeared in different seasons of Game of Thrones (2011) and are co-stars in Gladiator II. In an ironic twist, Quinn landed the role of Johnny Storm/The Human Torch over his Gladiator II co-star Paul Mescal, who had turned down the part.
Grant Anstine actively campaigned for the role of Johnny Storm/The Human Torch, and Dylan Sprouse was also interested in playing the part.
Javier Bardem Was In The Running To Play Galactus
Javier Bardem was considered for the role of Galactus following rumors about Antonio Banderas being linked to the character, although Bardem faced a possible scheduling conflict with the film F1 (2025).
Marvel Wanted To Cast A Woman As The Silver Surfer
It was reported that the studio aimed to cast a woman as the Silver Surfer, a role traditionally held by the male character Norrin Radd. This idea draws from the Earth-9997 version of Shalla-Bal, who first appeared as the Silver Surfer in issue 12 of the Earth X comics.
Pedro Pascal Had To Leave “Weapons” For Fantastic Four
In January 2024, Sneider reported that filming was postponed to begin between July and September, which led Pedro Pascal to drop out of the film Weapons (2025). Weapons is an upcoming American epic mystery horror directed, written, and produced by Zach Cregger. The movie stars Josh Brolin, Julia Garner, Alden Ehrenreich, Austin Abrams, Cary Christopher, Benedict Wong, and Amy Madigan, and follows a small community after 17 children from the same classroom mysteriously vanish overnight.
The Fantastic Four Was Announced On Valentine’s Day 2024
On February 14, Marvel Studios made a Valentine’s Day-themed announcement confirming Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing. The film was officially titled The Fantastic Four, with its release pushed back to July 25, 2025, swapping release dates with the MCU film Thunderbolts. Kevin Feige stated that confirming the main cast meant “90 percent of the work was done.” The promotional art for the announcement featured the December 13, 1963, issue of Life magazine with Lyndon B. Johnson on the cover, hinting at a 1960s setting. Pascal also referenced Beatles songs from the ’60s when sharing the art on social media. The announcement revealed the inclusion of H.E.R.B.I.E., the Fantastic Four’s robotic companion from the comics.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps Is Set In A Retro Future
Feige later confirmed that the film is set as a 1960s period piece, but takes place in an alternate universe within the MCU’s multiverse. Director Matt Shakman described the look as a "retro-future '60s" style - part familiar ‘60s and part something entirely new. He drew inspiration from the optimism of the Space Race and the futuristic ideas of space exploration popular during the 1960s, when the original comics were created. Shakman said, "I really wanted to take all of that great stuff from Apollo 11 and imagine that instead of Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, it was the Storms, Ben Grimm, and Reed Richards heading off into space."
Matt Shakman Was Inspired By 2001: A Space Odyssey
He studied the entire Fantastic Four comic history, from their original debut to the present day, drawing special inspiration from Jonathan Hickman’s 2009–2011 run for shaping the main characters. The film incorporates the Future Foundation philanthropic group introduced in Hickman’s storyline. Additionally, Shakman took creative cues from Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) and the visionary designs of industrial artist Syd Mead.
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia Helped With The Playfulness
Matt Shakman said that his experience working on the TV series It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005–present) influenced his approach to the film’s playfulness, teamwork, and improvisation.
The film also stars Paul Walter Hauser, John Malkovich, Ralph Ineson, and Natasha Lyonne. Ineson was cast as Galactus and had previously appeared as a Ravager pilot in Guardians of the Galaxy (2014). Lyonne lent her voice to the MCU original character Byrdie the Duck in the third season of Marvel Studios’ animated series What If...? (2024). Malkovich had been approached for earlier Marvel films but turned them down, feeling the pay didn’t match the effort. He accepted this role to work with Shakman again after their collaboration on Cut Bank (2014). Hauser, who worked with Shakman on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, met with him about joining The Fantastic Four. Although initially hesitant due to the previous Fantastic Four films’ poor reception, he was convinced by the script, cast, and crew. Journalist Sneider reported that Harvey Elder, aka Mole Man, would appear early in the film, and he believes Hauser was cast in that role.
This marks John Malkovich’s first comic book movie since Jonah Hex (2010) and the RED films.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps New Name Was Announced At SDCC
At the end of June 2024, Feige said filming would begin at the end of July. A few days of pre-filming occurred before SDCC in late July, capturing footage of an astronaut preparation area, the Thing as a contestant on a dating game show titled Let's Make a Match, and a children's science show hosted by Reed titled Fantastic Science with Mister Fantastic.[94] At the convention, the film's new title was announced to be The Fantastic Four: First Steps. The subtitle references the film's ideas of optimism and space exploration, but Shakman said it also has additional meanings. This led to speculation about what those meanings could be.
Fantastic Four Leads Directly Into Avengers: Doomsday
Also at SDCC, it was announced that the main cast of The Fantastic Four: First Steps would be returning to reprise their roles in the upcoming MCU crossover films Avengers: Doomsday (2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027). Additionally, Robert Downey Jr. was revealed to be cast as Doctor Doom in both films. Feige expressed a strong desire for Downey to return to the MCU - after his iconic portrayal of Tony Stark/Iron Man from 2008 to 2019 - and mentioned that discussions about Downey taking on the role of Doom had been underway for about a year before the SDCC reveal. According to Sneider, Downey’s introduction as Doctor Doom would occur in a post-credits scene at the end of First Steps. Director Matt Shakman shared that he had known about Downey’s casting well in advance of the announcement, but clarified that Doctor Doom is “not a part of [his] film, and therefore not a part of [his] purview.” Feige later confirmed that the events of First Steps would directly lead into the storyline of Doomsday.
WandaVision Cinematographer Worked On The Film
Principal photography kicked off on July 30, 2024, at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire, England, under the working title Blue Moon. The movie was filmed with IMAX technology, featuring Jess Hall - who previously worked on WandaVision - as the cinematographer. Initially, filming was expected to start in 2023, then shifted to early 2024 before being delayed due to the strikes.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps Is Made To Look Like A Kubrick Film From 1965
Shakman aimed for the film to have the feel of a 1965 Kubrick production, reflecting that style through camera lens choices and an overall "approach to filmmaking." For some scenes, second unit director of photography Tim Wooster even used his father’s 16mm film camera. Wherever possible, practical sets and props were used to keep things authentic. The Baxter Building penthouse, home to the team, drew inspiration from the "cozy" mid-century modern homes found in California.
Reed Richard’s Lab Has 3 Parts
Reed’s lab, inspired by 2001: A Space Odyssey, is split into three distinct areas: a red room dedicated to research and inventions, a yellow room filled with blackboards for brainstorming, and a blue room equipped with communications gear for monitoring.
The Film Has A Recreation Of New York’s Yancy Street
A fictional version of New York’s Yancy Street was created to reflect the Jewish neighborhoods as they appeared during Fantastic Four co-creator Jack Kirby’s childhood, featuring details like kosher grocery stores and a synagogue.
There Is A 14ft Model Of The Fantastic Four Space Ship Excelsior
Practical effects included a 14-foot (4.3 m) scale model of the Fantastic Four’s spaceship, the Excelsior, used for miniature shots; H.E.R.B.I.E., brought to life through a mix of a wooden puppet, a remote-controlled animatronic with moving head and arms, and visual effects; and two versions of the Fantasticar - one designed for interior scenes with the actors, and a “stripped down” model for visual effects shots. Farahani explained that the Fantasticar’s design was inspired by mid-1960s American concept cars, which themselves referenced European styles, featuring 1950s “retrofuture” elements like turbine intakes and interface controls.
Michael Giacchino Composed The Fantastic Four Score
Michael Giacchino, known for scoring several MCU projects, was announced as the composer for The Fantastic Four in July 2024. His main theme for the Fantastic Four and Galactus debuted during a drone show at San Diego Comic-Con that month. The full Fantastic Four theme was later showcased at the D23 convention and the Marvel Studios' Infinity Saga Concert Experience at the Hollywood Bowl. Critics described the theme as a "jaunty vibe" blending dreamy tones with futuristic heroic optimism, reminiscent of his work on Ant-Man (2015).
The theme was released digitally on June 5, 2025, and will be available as a 7-inch vinyl alongside "Let Us Be Devoured," performed by Andrea Datzman, on July 25. Giacchino's complete score is scheduled for release on July 18, 2025.
Michael Giacchino's sixth Marvel movie, after Doctor Strange (2016), Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017), Spider-Man: Far from Home (2019), Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) and Thor: Love and Thunder (2022).
April 4th, 2024 Was Key For The Fantastic Four Marketing
On April 4, 2024 - celebrated as "4–4 Day" - Marvel Studios unveiled a teaser poster showing the Human Torch forming the Fantastic Four emblem. The poster included a link that directed to a 404 error page featuring H.E.R.B.I.E., which contained an embedded QR code leading to a Future Foundation-themed page. This page listed Fantastic Four comics available on Marvel Unlimited, including Fantastic Four vol. 1 #1 (1961), the team's debut; Fantastic Four vol. 1 #48–50 (1966), known as "The Galactus Trilogy" introducing Galactus and Silver Surfer; and Fantastic Four: Life Story #1 (2021), set in the 1960s.
The Fantastic Four Teaser Was Watched 202 Million Times In 24 Hours
The first teaser trailer debuted on February 4, 2025. To launch it, Pascal, Kirby, Quinn, and Moss-Bachrach attended a fan event at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, famously known as "Rocket City." Commentators highlighted a scene featuring the Thing cooking alongside H.E.R.B.I.E., drawing comparisons to Moss-Bachrach’s role as chef Richie Jerimovich in the series The Bear (2022–present). The teaser amassed 202 million views within its first 24 hours, ranking as the third-highest for a Marvel Studios trailer after Deadpool & Wolverine (365M) and 2021’s Spider-Man: No Way Home (355M). It became the top trending video on YouTube, and its launch livestream marked Marvel’s most-viewed event ever.
The Movie’s Poster Was Criticised For Looking Like AI
Along with the teaser, Marvel released several posters with the tagline "Prepare 4 Launch." One of these posters faced criticism from some who suspected it was created using artificial intelligence (AI), citing a woman’s face that appeared multiple times and hands with an incorrect number of fingers. Marvel denied using AI, while others suggested these oddities might be due to sloppy photoshopping.
Named The Most Anticipated Film Of 2025
The Fantastic Four: First Steps was nominated for Most Anticipated Film at the 8th Astra Midseason Movie Awards.
Natasha Lyonne’s Fourth Comic Book Feature
This is Natasha Lyonne's fourth comic-book feature or series, after Blade: Trinity (2004), DC League of Super-Pets (2022) and What If...? (2021) (season 3).
Mark Gatiss Plays TV Host Ted Gilbert
Mark Gatiss plays a well-known television host named Ted Gilbert, a character whose name serves as a subtle tribute to real-life TV icon Ed Sullivan. The name "Ted Gilbert" is a slight variation on "Ed Sullivan," whose full name was Ed Vincent Sullivan, and who rose to fame as the host of The Ed Sullivan Show during the 1950s through the 1970s.
There Is No Kirby Connection
Vanessa Kirby shares the same last name to Fantastic Four's co-creator Jack Kirby but they have no relation.
Pedro Pascal Wanted To Do A Trans Atlantic Accent
Pedro Pascal shared that he initially adopted a Transatlantic accent for the role but eventually had to abandon it. “They kept reining me in from this very Mid-Atlantic, early ’60s kind of speech,” he said. “We even had a dialect coach to help us develop that style, and I really embraced it… but then they told me, ‘Uh, maybe just speak more like yourself.’” Still, Pascal found it difficult to let go of the accent. “I struggled with that because I was so immersed in the time period. For me, it was a way to step into something fresh and different from what’s been done before. I think what they've created here is truly something we haven’t seen.”
The Game of Thrones to MCU Pipeline
Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Mark Gatiss, and Ralph Ineson are the 13th, 14th, 15th, and 16th actors from Game of Thrones (2011) to appear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. They follow a growing list of former castmates who’ve made the jump to Marvel, including David Bradley and Natalie Dormer in Captain America: The First Avenger (2011), Clive Russell in Thor: The Dark World (2013), Finn Jones and Jessica Henwick in Iron Fist (2017), Iwan Rheon in Inhumans (2017), Peter Dinklage in Avengers: Infinity War (2018), Hannah John-Kamen in Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018), Richard Madden and Kit Harington in Eternals (2021), and Emilia Clarke and Richard Dormer in Secret Invasion (2023). This crossover trend underscores the strong connection between the Game of Thrones alumni and the MCU.
Vanessa Kirby Is The First Blonde To Play Sue Storm
Vanessa Kirby is the first natural blonde to portray Sue Storm. In previous adaptations, both Jessica Alba and Kate Mara had to alter their hair for the role. Alba bleached her hair for Fantastic Four (2005), but due to the damage it caused, she wore a wig in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007). Similarly, Kate Mara bleached her hair for Fantastic Four (2015), but wore a wig during reshoots - a detail critics noted, as the wig and her original bleached hair did not match well.
Joseph Quinn wore a blonde wig to portray Johnny Storm, a.k.a. the Human Torch, as he had previously shaved his head for his role in Warfare (2025). The wig was used to maintain the character’s signature look while accommodating Quinn's recent transformation for the earlier project.
Pedro Pascal and Ebon Moss-Bachrach Have a Star Wars Link
Both Pedro Pascal and Ebon Moss-Bachrach have appeared in Disney+ Star Wars series. Pascal stars as Din Djarin in The Mandalorian (2019) and The Book of Boba Fett (2021), while Moss-Bachrach played Arvel Skeen in Andor (2022).
Joseph Quinn Is the Second Stranger Things Actor in the MCU
Joseph Quinn becomes the second actor from Stranger Things (2016) to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe, following David Harbour’s role in Black Widow (2021).
The Fantastic Four Are a Family of Explorers First
Director Matt Shakman described the Fantastic Four as a family of explorers before anything else: “They’re the most famous people in America, known for being adventurers, astronauts, and explorers - not superheroes, at least not at first. At their core, they’re a family.”
Pedro Pascal Auditioned for the MCU Before
Long before being cast as Reed Richards, Pedro Pascal auditioned for a role as a lawyer in Daredevil (2015). However, he declined the part in favor of taking on Narcos (2015).
Pedro Pascal Is the Oldest Lead in the Fantastic Four
Pedro Pascal will be the oldest actor to lead a Fantastic Four film. By the movie’s release in July 2025, he will have turned 50 - marking a first for the franchise.
Joss Whedon Was in the Running to Direct
Joss Whedon and Peyton Reed were both considered to direct the new Fantastic Four film. Initially, Jon Watts was attached to the project but stepped down, citing a desire to take a break from superhero films.
Pedro Pascal Studied Octopi for Mr. Fantastic
To prepare for the role of Reed Richards, Pedro Pascal studied the movements and flexibility of octopuses, aiming to capture the essence of Mr. Fantastic’s elastic abilities.
This Is the Fifth Fantastic Four Live Action
This marks the fifth live-action version of the Fantastic Four, following The Fantastic Four (1994), the Tim Story-directed films in 2005 and 2007, and the 2015 reboot.
There Is a Stan Lee Reference
The rocket used by Reed Richards, Sue, Johnny, and Ben in the film is called the "Excelsior," a nod to Stan Lee’s iconic catchphrase. In the original comics, the spacecraft was named "Marvel-1."
As Marvel Studios reintroduces the Fantastic Four to a new generation with First Steps, it’s clear this version will offer a fresh, character-driven take on Marvel’s First Family. From casting choices and behind-the-scenes decisions to subtle nods to comic book history and pop culture, this film is shaping up to be both a nostalgic tribute and a bold new beginning. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just stepping into the Baxter Building for the first time, these facts offer a deeper appreciation of what’s to come in 2025.
