Marvel’s upcoming film, “Fantastic Four: First Steps,” is set to take a bold new direction by skipping the team’s traditional origin story. This decision mirrors the approach taken with Tom Holland’s Spider-Man, allowing the narrative to dive straight into the action without rehashing the well-known backstory of how the Fantastic Four gained their powers.
Director Matt Shakman has shared insights into this fresh take during interviews, particularly at San Diego Comic-Con. He emphasized that the film will not recount the familiar tale of the characters’ transformation after their space voyage. Instead, Shakman and his team aim to start the story from a point that allows for new adventures and character development.
“We decided early on not to do an origin story,” Shakman explained. “There’s a lot of well-known narrative that leads into that moment, and we thought, ‘Well, let’s just start this thing off on a completely new foot.’ So we are beginning after that.” This approach allows the filmmakers to focus on crafting a unique narrative that stands apart from previous adaptations.
Set in a retro-futuristic version of the 1960s, “Fantastic Four: First Steps” offers a fresh backdrop for the story. The film is not situated in the familiar Earth-616 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but rather in an alternate reality that provides ample creative freedom. The 1960s setting is not just a stylistic choice; it plays a significant role in the film’s themes of exploration and adventure, echoing the spirit of the space race that characterized that era.
The cast of “Fantastic Four: First Steps” features a talented ensemble, including Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm, also known as The Thing. The film will also introduce Ralph Ineson as the formidable villain Galactus and Julia Garner as Shalla-Bal, a version of the Silver Surfer. Additional cast members include Paul Walter Hauser, Natasha Lyonne, and John Malkovich, although their specific roles remain undisclosed.
The film is set to be released on July 25, 2025, and is positioned as one of the next major entries in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With the Fantastic Four confirmed to appear in upcoming films like “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Avengers: Secret Wars,” their role in the broader Multiverse Saga is becoming increasingly significant.
Shakman has made it clear that this iteration of the Fantastic Four is not meant to be a direct response to previous films. “We’re really just making our own specific thing,” he stated. “This is no discredit to those movies. But we’re telling our own very specific story.” This sentiment was echoed by Moss-Bachrach, who noted that he intentionally avoided watching earlier adaptations to focus on creating something new.
The director’s vision for “Fantastic Four: First Steps” is heavily influenced by the optimism of the 1960s space exploration era. He aims to capture the excitement and wonder of that time, imagining a world where the Fantastic Four are the pioneers of space travel. “The comic was created in the early ’60s, really at the same time that the space race was starting,” Shakman explained. “It is infused with that idea of looking to the stars and dreaming of a future where we would be space travelers.”
In terms of production, Shakman revealed that early footage was shown at Comic-Con, showcasing scenes set in an astronaut preparation area and featuring Reed Richards’ science show for children. This blend of live-action and pre-visualization techniques aims to create a vibrant and engaging world for the characters.
As anticipation builds for “Fantastic Four: First Steps,” fans are eager to see how this new approach will redefine Marvel’s First Family. With a focus on character dynamics, exploration, and a unique setting, the film promises to deliver a fresh and exciting take on the beloved superhero team.
The decision to skip the origin story is a significant departure from traditional superhero narratives, and it reflects a growing trend in the genre to explore new storytelling avenues. By starting the story after the characters have already gained their powers, the filmmakers can delve into the complexities of their relationships and the challenges they face as a team.
As the release date approaches, fans can expect more details about the film’s plot, character arcs, and the overarching themes that will shape this new iteration of the Fantastic Four. With a talented cast and a visionary director at the helm, “Fantastic Four: First Steps” is poised to make a lasting impact on the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
In conclusion, “Fantastic Four: First Steps” is set to break new ground by skipping the traditional origin story and diving straight into a fresh narrative. With its retro-futuristic 1960s setting and a focus on exploration, the film aims to capture the spirit of adventure that defined the era. As the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to expand, this new take on the Fantastic Four promises to be a thrilling addition to the franchise.
Source: Entertainment Weekly, ComicBookMovie.com
