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The Fantastic Four: First Steps – A New Chapter in the MCU

The release of the trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps signifies a crucial moment for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as it introduces Marvel’s original superhero team to its expansive narrative. Though characters like Captain America and Namor were created before the Fantastic Four, the latter’s debut in 1961 is pivotal, marking the inception of the Marvel Universe and leading to a myriad of beloved heroes like Spider-Man, Hulk, and the X-Men. Fans have eagerly anticipated the Fantastic Four’s integration into the MCU since the franchise’s inception with Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk in 2008.

Notably, this film will be the fourth portrayal of the Fantastic Four on screen. Previous adaptations include a low-budget, unreleased film from 1994, two moderately received films from the 2000s, and the poorly received 2015 iteration. Unlike other Marvel team-ups, the Fantastic Four has struggled to find cinematic success, leading to skepticism among viewers regarding yet another attempt. Given their previous cinematic journeys, audiences may wonder why this new version will be different.

Marvel Studios is fully backing this film, taking significant creative steps to ensure it resonates with both new viewers and long-time fans.

1960s Period Setting

A standout feature of The Fantastic Four: First Steps is its setting in an alternate universe during the 1960s. This time frame embraces a retro-pop futurism aesthetic reminiscent of the sci-fi genre’s heyday, channeling a vibe akin to Walt Disney’s Tomorrowland. This is a departure from previous films that were set in contemporary times.

By placing the characters in the 1960s, the film connects with the comic book origins of the Fantastic Four, as their debut occurred during that era. This was arguably a peak time for the characters, highlighted by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby’s iconic 102-issue run, famously dubbed “The Greatest Comic Magazine.” The idea of a period piece was originally proposed by Peyton Reed during the early 2000s when he sought to create a Fantastic Four film at 20th Century Fox, which instead opted for a modern-day setting. Had Fox embraced Reed’s concept, the landscape of the MCU’s Fantastic Four might have looked very different.

No Origin Story

In a significant shift from established superhero movie conventions, The Fantastic Four: First Steps will not retell the team’s origin story. Instead, viewers will experience their backstory through news footage, setting a contrast with past adaptations that indulged in lengthy origin narratives. For instance, the 2005 film devoted its entire runtime to showcasing the heroes grappling with their newfound powers, while the 2015 film took an excessive 45 minutes for the characters to attain their abilities.

This upcoming film appears to assume that audiences are familiar enough with the Fantastic Four’s background, thus allowing it to spotlight the team in action as established heroes. This approach echoes the experience of diving into a comic book in the midst of an ongoing series. The decision to skip the origin story aligns with a broader trend in recent superhero films, including Superman, which is set to release shortly before The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

Embracing the Comic Book Aspects

Despite being deeply rooted in science fiction, past adaptations of the Fantastic Four have frequently shied away from the more vibrant and whimsical elements of the source material. In 2005, the film largely took place within the confines of the Baxter Building, reimagining Doctor Doom from a monarch to a corporate CEO. Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer controversially depicted Galactus as a cloud rather than his classic titan form, possibly due to concerns over appearing “silly.” The 2015 film, dubbed Fant4stic, leaned into a darker, gritty interpretation, akin to Batman Begins, but at the cost of alienating traditional fans.

In stark contrast, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is poised to revel in the fantastical aspects of the original comics, featuring elements like the robot H.E.R.B.I.E. and an authentic representation of Galactus, complete with his iconic helmet. This film promises to deliver the breathtaking world that fans have long desired.

Colorful Costumes

The original introduction of the Fantastic Four did not feature the iconic superhero costumes they are known for today. Their distinctive blue uniforms first appeared in The Fantastic Four #3 in 1962. Over the years, there have been various interpretations—most notably the 1994 film’s more formal designs and the minimalist, black reinterpretation in 2015.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps aims to create a fresh yet nostalgic costume design, merging elements from previous films while incorporating a 1960s flair. The aesthetics blend classic high collars with a bright blue reminiscent of the characters’ earliest appearances, resulting in outfits that feel both timeless and innovative, marrying fashion with futuristic elements.

No Doctor Doom (Yet)

Often regarded as the greatest adversary of the Fantastic Four, Doctor Doom is an inseparable component of their narrative. Traditionally, superhero films have introduced the main villain in their inaugural entries; however, The Fantastic Four: First Steps will not feature him. While it is anticipated that Doctor Doom could appear in a post-credits scene, the film’s immediate antagonist will be Galactus and the Silver Surfer, characters previously reserved for sequels.

This innovative approach may allow the film to develop the Fantastic Four’s storyline independently, ultimately enriching their eventual confrontation with Doctor Doom by affording it the necessary weight and context.

With these distinct elements, The Fantastic Four: First Steps showcases a fresh direction that sets it apart from its predecessors, offering fans a chance to experience something unique. The film is slated for release on July 23, 2025, and promises to deliver a thrilling addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Check out the trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps and prepare for its theatrical release.

Source
movieweb.com