Marvel has released the first trailer for “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” generating excitement among fans. The film features an impressive cast, including Pedro Pascal as Mr. Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as the Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as the Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as the Thing. The villain Galactus is portrayed by Ralph Ineson, and Julia Garner takes on the role of the Silver Surfer. Other notable cast members include Paul Walter Hauser, Natasha Lyonne, and John Malkovich.
The trailer offers a view of the heroes’ lives before and after they obtain their superpowers, establishing the dynamic between the characters. Kirby’s character emphasizes their bond as a family, stating, “Whatever life throws at us, we face it together.” The launch event for the trailer included the cast, with Moss-Bachrach encouraging a celebratory chant of “It’s clobbering time!” Pascal shared his heartfelt sentiments about being part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, suggesting a unique camaraderie among the cast, akin to family ties.
This iteration of the Fantastic Four is set against a retro-futuristic backdrop of 1960s Manhattan, promising a fresh take on the beloved group. Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige confirmed on “The Official Marvel Podcast” that the film will explore a different version of New York City than what fans might expect from the MCU.
Historically, the Fantastic Four have had mixed success on the big screen, with two original films released by 20th Century Fox in the mid-2000s featuring Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans, and Michael Chiklis. A 2015 reboot, which attempted to revitalize the franchise with a new cast led by Miles Teller, received largely negative reviews. There have been notable cameos in recent Marvel films, including Chris Evans reprising his role as the Human Torch in “Deadpool & Wolverine,” and John Krasinski appearing as Mister Fantastic in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.”
Directed by Matt Shakman, known for “WandaVision,” and written by Peter Cameron, Josh Friedman, and Jeff Kaplan, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” aims to reinvigorate this iconic superhero team within the Marvel franchise. It is scheduled to hit theaters on July 25.
Overall, the upcoming film holds the promise of a unique perspective on the Fantastic Four while honoring their legacy, giving fans something to look forward to in the MCU.