Marvel Studios made a significant splash at Comic-Con this year, particularly with the highly anticipated reveal of the cast for “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.” The event took place on July 27, 2024, in San Diego, where fans were treated to an exciting presentation featuring Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach. The cast took the stage alongside Marvel president Kevin Feige, marking their first public appearance together as Marvel’s iconic superhero team.
The Fantastic Four, often referred to as Marvel’s “first family,” consists of Reed Richards, also known as Mr. Fantastic, played by Pedro Pascal; Sue Storm, the Invisible Woman, portrayed by Vanessa Kirby; Johnny Storm, the Human Torch, played by Joseph Quinn; and Ben Grimm, known as the Thing, portrayed by Ebon Moss-Bachrach. The film is set to hit theaters on July 25, 2025, and fans are eagerly awaiting its release.
During the panel, Pascal expressed his excitement about joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), stating, “We are having a really, really good time. I think that I am endlessly inspired by the cast that we’re in, and I couldn’t dream of something better in terms of stepping into something like this.” His enthusiasm was palpable, and it was clear that the camaraderie among the cast members was already forming.
Kirby shared her thoughts on what sets this iteration of the Fantastic Four apart from previous versions. She noted the rich history of the characters and the many creative minds that have contributed to their journeys over the years. “I hope that, when you read all the comics and you read about how many people have come in different years and thought about new journeys for each of them to go on, there’s been so many contributing, creative minds. That’s what I feel most inspired by,” she explained.
Quinn praised director Matt Shakman for his unique vision for the film. Shakman, known for his work on Disney+’s “WandaVision,” has a reputation for bringing a distinct style to his projects. Quinn remarked that Shakman’s approach to “The Fantastic Four” would aim to create a separate feel from the rest of the MCU, which has fans excited about the potential for a fresh take on the beloved characters.
The presentation included a sizzle reel that offered fans a glimpse of the cast in action, showcasing their characters in astronaut outfits and hinting at the cosmic origins of the Fantastic Four. The audience erupted in applause as the cast made their entrance, and the excitement in Hall H was palpable.
Moss-Bachrach shared his experience of stepping into the role of Ben Grimm, revealing that he received valuable advice from Mark Ruffalo, who plays the Hulk in the MCU. “I got a very nice text from Mark Ruffalo to just kind of demystify the process of motion capture, something I’ve never done before,” he said. This insight into the challenges of portraying a superhero in the MCU added to the anticipation surrounding the film.
As the panel progressed, the cast members reflected on their experiences and the bonds they were forming. Kirby and Quinn, who play siblings in the film, shared their laughter and camaraderie during rehearsals. “I don’t think I’ve laughed so much in a rehearsal period before,” Kirby recalled, emphasizing the joy they hope to bring to the movie.
The excitement didn’t stop there. Marvel Studios also announced that the core cast of “The Fantastic Four” would appear in the next two Avengers movies, further solidifying their place in the MCU. This news thrilled fans, as it suggests that the characters will play a significant role in the larger Marvel narrative.
The panel concluded with a surprise reveal of the film’s title, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” and a floating Fantasticar that made its way across the stage, delighting the audience. The whimsical moment captured the essence of the Fantastic Four’s adventurous spirit and left fans buzzing with anticipation.
As the cast prepared to return to the UK for filming, Pascal and Kirby shared their excitement about starting the project. “We’re the newbies,” Kirby said, while Pascal added, “We fly back tonight and start the movie.” Their eagerness to dive into the production process was evident, and fans are eager to see how their performances will bring the beloved characters to life.
The new film is a reboot of the Fantastic Four franchise, which has seen various adaptations over the years. Previous iterations include a 2015 remake that was not part of the MCU and earlier films released in 2005 and 2007. The new film aims to honor the legacy of the characters while introducing them to a new generation of fans.
In addition to the core cast, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” will feature Julia Garner, John Malkovich, Paul Walter Hauser, and Natasha Lyonne in undisclosed roles. Garner is set to play Shalla-Bal, a version of the Silver Surfer, while Ralph Ineson will portray the formidable villain Galactus.
Marvel Studios is known for its interconnected storytelling, and the anticipation surrounding “The Fantastic Four” is heightened by the fact that it will follow other major MCU releases, including “Captain America: Brave New World” and “Thunderbolts.” The film is part of a larger plan for the MCU, which is set to explore new narratives and characters in the coming years.
As the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to evolve, fans are excited to see how “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” will fit into the larger tapestry of the franchise. With a talented cast, a visionary director, and a rich history to draw from, the film promises to be a thrilling addition to the MCU.
The San Diego Comic-Con event ran from July 24 to July 28, 2024, and Marvel Studios’ presentation was one of the highlights of the convention. Fans left Hall H buzzing with excitement, eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the Marvel saga.
As the countdown to the film’s release begins, the Fantastic Four are poised to make a significant impact on the MCU, and fans can’t wait to see what adventures await them in “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.”
Source: OnTheRedCarpet.com, Variety, Deadline
