Marvel has once again changed the title of its highly anticipated Fantastic Four film during its recent Hall H panel at Comic-Con. The studio unveiled new test footage and revealed that the film will now be called The Fantastic Four: First Steps. This marks a shift from the previously announced title, The Fantastic Four, which was confirmed back in February along with the cast details.
The new subtitle, First Steps, hints at an exciting narrative direction, possibly involving the characters venturing into space or exploring alternate universes. The film is set in a retro-future version of New York City, distinct from the main Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Director Matt Shakman announced that production is set to begin next week in the UK. During the Comic-Con panel, attendees were treated to a glimpse of the test footage, which showcased the main cast in their astronaut costumes. Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach portray Mr. Fantastic, The Invisible Woman, The Human Torch, and The Thing, respectively. The footage culminated in a dramatic shot of Galactus, the film’s primary antagonist, looming over Earth.
In addition to their standalone film, the Fantastic Four will also play significant roles in the upcoming Avengers films. The fifth installment, titled Avengers: Doomsday, will introduce Doctor Doom as the new major villain of the MCU. Interestingly, the character will not be portrayed by the actor many fans had anticipated. The Fantastic Four will also appear in Avengers 6, known as Secret Wars, with both films set to release in May 2026 and May 2027, respectively.
The excitement surrounding the Fantastic Four is palpable, especially with the promise of their integration into the larger MCU narrative. Fans are eager to see how these beloved characters will be reimagined and how their stories will intertwine with the Avengers.
As Marvel continues to build its cinematic universe, the renaming of the Fantastic Four film reflects the studio’s commitment to crafting a compelling and cohesive storyline. The addition of the subtitle First Steps suggests a focus on the characters’ origins and their journey into becoming the heroes fans know and love.
With production set to begin soon, anticipation is building for what promises to be a thrilling addition to the Marvel franchise. The combination of a talented cast, a visionary director, and the rich history of the Fantastic Four offers a promising outlook for the film.
As Marvel fans await further updates, the excitement surrounding The Fantastic Four: First Steps continues to grow, with many eager to see how this new chapter unfolds in the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Source: Various sources
