As a long-time comic book enthusiast and Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) devotee, I must say that the latest revelations about the upcoming “Fantastic Four: First Steps” have certainly piqued my interest. The leaked images of Johnny Storm’s costume, reminiscent of a 1960s space-age fashion statement, seem to suggest that this film will be a unique blend of retro charm and modern action – a delightful twist for the MCU.
The filming of “Fantastic Four: First Steps” is progressing steadily, and during D23’s Marvel Studios presentation, fans were treated to a sneak peek of Marvel’s original family on set. Interestingly, Joseph Quinn was seen in costume, donning what seems to be the superhero suit of Johnny Storm in the footage shown.
First look at the #FantasticFour cast on set
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As a passionate fan, I’ve just gotten my first peek at the outfit our heroes might don while battling evil and using their cosmic rays-bestowed powers to create a brighter world. Interestingly, only one character, Quinn, has been spotted wearing it so far, leaving us guessing if his on-screen comrades will follow suit or if this uniform holds some unique significance within the film. For now, we can only speculate about its purpose and meaning. Although it’s not yet confirmed that this design is the final one we’ll see on-screen, and Quinn’s attire may have been a clever Easter egg to generate buzz and excitement, there are some hints we can gather from the outfit itself: here are my thoughts on what his new duds could be telling us.
5: It’s still all about the mission
From Joseph Quinn’s costume in “Fantastic Four: First Steps,” it appears that it draws inspiration from various supersuits the team has donned previously. Characterized by a medium blue color with white shoulder stripes, silver and black accents, and the team’s distinctive emblem on the chest, the design seems to be influenced by the team’s appearance during John Byrne’s tenure as series writer — which dates back to the 1980s. Notably, these costumes borrow design elements from the actual astronaut suits that were worn during the first space flights in the 1960s, as evidenced by the silver components, long gloves, sleek construction, and stitching similarities.
During their initial, unsanctioned voyage into outer space where they obtained their cosmic abilities, the team can be seen both in conventional space attire and sometimes without it. This vintage aesthetic harkens back to their love for space adventure, underscoring their continued passion for cosmic exploration and linking them to their comic book beginnings.
4: That could just be Johnny Storm’s Costume
As a long-time fan of “The Fantastic Four,” I can certainly appreciate the intrigue surrounding the new costume for Johnny Storm. With my years of comic book collecting and attending countless conventions, I’ve seen firsthand how fans can become attached to their favorite characters and theorize about upcoming plotlines.
It’s plausible that Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal) designed a unique suit for Johnny, enhancing his powers. The costume’s fabric appears quite permeable. In various storylines, this modification assists Johnny in managing oxygen and controlling his flaming ability more effectively. The material could also be engineered to withstand fire without burning when Johnny ignites.
Given the scarce verified details circulating in the public domain, there’s a lot of space for curiosity regarding why Johnny is wearing that unusual attire while the rest of the team is dressed in robes. It could simply be Johnny wanting to make a fashion statement, considering Ebon Moss-Bachrach isn’t in his character’s distinctive makeup. After all, Marvel Studios has a history of playing with fan expectations, such as those misleading cameos from “Deadpool” and “Wolverine”. So, it’s not impossible to imagine this could be a clever ploy or an intentional misdirection by the studio. Therefore, it’s worth pondering over the possibilities.
3: It’s further proof that they’re from a different timeline
According to Kevin Feige, the chief of Marvel Studios, it’s been verified that the members of the Fantastic Four don’t hail from Earth-616. However, the attire of Johnny Storm suggests that they might not only come from a different planet; they could be from an entirely different timeframe as well.
As a gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but notice the subtle hints that this new Fantastic Four isn’t just another superhero team. Kevin Feige himself has confirmed it – this is not your typical dad’s Fantastic Four!
It’s clear that the hardships facing the Storm-Richards family are unlike any our planet has experienced in the past. We’ve caught glimpses of fashion trends among heroes from Earth-616 in the past – such as Ant-Man Hank Pym’s (Michael Douglas) costume – and nothing compares to what Johnny is wearing now. It leaves us wondering how and why this incarnation of the Fantastic Four will find a place in the heart of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but we’ll have to wait and see.
2: They might be prototypes
As a die-hard fan, it’s plausible to me that the suit Johnny’s donning is a trial version, meticulously crafted by Reed, serving as a test run for the ultimate product. This might not be the polished version of his suit, but rather an intermediary one, worn prior to their formal team-up and post-empowerment. The absence of additional set leaks or photos of Pedro Pascal and the crew in their outfits has certainly fueled speculation that the film could experiment with numerous costume designs for the team before settling on the final choices.
Although Joseph Quinn’s costume resembles the attire from comic books, making Johnny look similar during the movie might not be such an unexpected choice. However, it’s hard to predict the source of the movie’s plot twists. Nevertheless, this decision underscores that “Fantastic Four: First Steps” is determined to introduce a fresh, innovative interpretation of the heroes, aiming for something remarkable.
1: It fully commits to the production’s retro-future vibe
One significant aspect of Johnny’s costume is that it suggests the film’s dedication to its unique visual style, hinting at a potential blend of nostalgic appeal and contemporary action. This detail appears to be a wink towards a potentially engaging mix of vintage allure and cutting-edge action promised by the movie. It has been speculated that this film will take place in the 1960s, a theory supported during the film’s San Diego Comic-Con panel. While it promises to inject a retro vibe into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it also offers the potential for a total overhaul of the timeline. After all, comics are known for their ability to regularly refresh their stories — why not movie universes too?
The costume Johnny is wearing isn’t the only element suggesting the film’s potential visual aesthetic; the intricate pale orange-and-brown detailing seen in what seems like Reed’s apartment, as well as its curvy 1960s architectural design, closely match the era. However, there are subtle details that leave you questioning how much deviation from reality we might encounter.
It could well be that the time has come for the Marvel Cinematic Universe to undergo a transformation and become something new and captivating, as it approaches its second decade. Even a minor detail like Johnny’s costume suggests that the future will be extraordinary. The uniqueness of “Fantastic Four: First Steps” will be revealed when it launches Phase Six of the Marvel Cinematic Universe on July 25, 2025.
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2024-08-13 15:00