During the highly anticipated Hall H panel at Comic-Con 2024, Marvel Studios unveiled the official title for their upcoming film: “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.” The announcement came from director Matt Shakman, who captivated the audience with an early teaser reel before introducing the film’s star-studded cast, including Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach. Initially, Shakman had indicated that the cast would not be present due to their imminent production schedule in the UK, making their surprise appearance all the more thrilling.
The panel revealed that the core cast of “The Fantastic Four” will also play significant roles in the next two Avengers films. The teaser showcased the four main characters in astronaut suits, a dramatic spacecraft launch, and a breathtaking shot of the formidable supervillain Galactus looming over Earth.
Pedro Pascal, who takes on the role of Reed Richards, also known as Mr. Fantastic, expressed his excitement about joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). He described the experience as joining a “new family,” sharing a personal connection with Shakman, as they had the same manager and were once close to being roommates.
Ebon Moss-Bachrach, portraying Ben Grimm, also known as The Thing, shared his thoughts on donning the superhero suit. He recounted receiving a supportive message from Mark Ruffalo, which helped demystify the motion capture process. Moss-Bachrach emphasized the importance of treating scenes like traditional acting work, despite the unique challenges of superhero portrayals.
The panel was brief, as Kevin Feige, Marvel’s chief, noted that the cast had to return to the UK quickly. In a whimsical moment, a large blue vehicle resembling the Fantasticar floated onto the stage, symbolizing their journey back to production.
While specific plot details for “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” remain under wraps, the cast includes Pascal as Reed Richards, Kirby as Sue Storm (the Invisible Woman), Quinn as Johnny Storm (the Human Torch), and Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm. Additional cast members include Paul Walter Hauser and Natasha Lyonne in undisclosed roles, Julia Garner as Shalla-Bal (a version of Silver Surfer), and Ralph Ineson as the villain Galactus.
In a recent interview on The Official Marvel Podcast, Feige described the film as a “period piece” and confirmed that filming would commence shortly after Comic-Con. He expressed his enthusiasm for exploring these iconic characters, who have not been fully realized in the MCU until now.
Shakman, known for his work on “WandaVision,” is directing “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” from a script co-written by Eric Pearson, Josh Friedman, Jeff Kaplan, and Ian Springer. The film is set to hit theaters on July 25, 2025, and is produced by Feige for Marvel Studios.
This announcement comes at a pivotal time for Marvel, as the studio recalibrates its production strategy, aiming to release two films per year. Following the recent releases of “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” and “The Marvels,” the upcoming slate includes “Captain America: Brave New World” on February 14, 2025, and “Thunderbolts*” on May 5, 2025, which will conclude Phase 5 of the MCU.
Phase Six will kick off with “The Fantastic Four,” followed by “Blade” on November 7, 2025, “Avengers 5” on May 1, 2026, and “Avengers: Secret Wars” on May 7, 2027.
Comic-Con 2024 has proven to be a significant event for Marvel, showcasing their commitment to delivering exciting content to fans. The panel not only highlighted the return of beloved characters but also introduced new storylines and developments that will shape the future of the MCU.
In a surprising twist, Robert Downey Jr. was announced to return to the MCU as Doctor Doom, one of Marvel’s most complex villains. This revelation, along with the Russo Brothers’ involvement in upcoming projects, has fans buzzing with excitement.
The panel opened with a lively performance featuring a choir dressed in Deadpool red and Wolverine yellow, singing “Like a Prayer,” a nod to the marketing campaign for the recently released “Deadpool & Wolverine.” The film has already achieved record-breaking success, further solidifying Marvel’s dominance in the box office.
Marvel’s return to Comic-Con comes after a two-year hiatus, during which the studio faced various challenges, including the dual writers’ and actors’ strikes and the need to reassess their upcoming projects. The announcement of “Avengers: Doomsday,” featuring Downey as Doctor Doom, marks a new chapter for the franchise.
As the excitement builds for “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” fans eagerly await the film’s release and the opportunity to see these iconic characters brought to life in a fresh and innovative way. The combination of a talented cast, a visionary director, and the rich history of the Fantastic Four promises to deliver a cinematic experience that will resonate with audiences.
With the MCU continuing to expand and evolve, the future looks bright for Marvel fans. The upcoming films, including “Captain America: Brave New World” and “Thunderbolts*,” will further explore the intricate web of characters and storylines that have captivated audiences for over a decade.
As Comic-Con 2024 wraps up, the excitement surrounding Marvel’s announcements and the return of beloved characters is palpable. Fans can look forward to a thrilling journey ahead as the MCU continues to push boundaries and redefine the superhero genre.
Source: Deadline
