Souvenir hunters at San Diego Comic-Con were treated to an exciting first look at the Baxter Building, a key location in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as part of the upcoming film, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.” This iconic structure, known as the headquarters of Marvel’s First Family, is set to undergo a significant transformation in the MCU.
The buzz around the Baxter Building was palpable at SDCC, where a promotional poster showcased its retro-futuristic design. The poster revealed that the Baxter Building will feature a launchpad for the Fantasticar and their rocketship, the Excelsior. Notably, the building is positioned almost exactly where the Avengers Tower once stood in the MCU’s Earth-616.
Director Matt Shakman, who is at the helm of “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” emphasized that the film will not be an origin story. In an interview, he stated, “One of the things we decided early on was not to do an origin story. We’re starting after that.” This approach allows the film to dive straight into the action, bypassing the familiar narrative of the characters gaining their powers.
The cast of “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” includes notable names such as Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing. Additionally, Julia Garner will portray Shalla-Bal, the Silver Surfer, while Ralph Ineson takes on the role of the formidable Galactus.
Marvel Studios has a packed slate of upcoming films, with “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” set to hit theaters on July 25, 2025. Other films in the pipeline include “Captain America: Brave New World,” “Thunderbolts,” “Blade,” “Avengers: Doomsday,” and “Avengers: Secret Wars.”
In a spectacular display during Comic-Con, Marvel Studios hosted a drone show that culminated in the reveal of Galactus, alongside the Fantastic Four logo. This event not only marked the first glimpse of Galactus in the MCU but also confirmed that the character will be portrayed in a comic-accurate manner, moving away from previous interpretations.
The excitement surrounding the film is further amplified by the anticipation of a sizzle reel and a first look at the Fantastic Four in their iconic costumes during the Marvel Studios panel. The creative team behind the film includes Josh Friedman, co-writer of “Avatar: The Way of Water,” and Cam Squires, known for his work on “WandaVision.” Eric Pearson, who contributed to “Black Widow,” has also joined the team for final touches on the screenplay.
As fans eagerly await the release of “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” the buzz surrounding the Baxter Building and the film’s unique approach to storytelling continues to grow. With a talented cast and a fresh take on the beloved characters, the film promises to be a significant addition to the MCU.
Source: MCU – The Direct, ComicBookMovie.com
