Joseph Quinn’s Human Torch: A Fresh Take for Today’s Marvel Fans!

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In the upcoming movie “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” Joseph Quinn, who plays Johnny Storm/The Human Torch, has shared details about how his portrayal of the character will differ from past cinematic versions. The Human Torch is a captivating Marvel Comics character, with Chris Evans and Michael B. Jordan playing him in previous films before they went on to star as Captain America and Killmonger, respectively, within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This sets high expectations for Quinn’s version of the character, especially given that Evans reprised his role briefly in “Deadpool & Wolverine.” Following two well-known actors who portrayed the Human Torch, what can we expect from Quinn and Marvel Studios?

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Quinn discussed the plans for Johnny Storm’s character evolution. He, director Matt Shakman, and Kevin Feige aimed to shift Johnny away from his womanizing persona that is often linked to Chris Evans’ portrayal of the character. Instead, they wanted a more emotionally intelligent Human Torch, retaining the charm fans are familiar with but also offering a more mature take. Rest assured, he will still be a daredevil at heart. Quinn explained this way:

“We’re giving Johnny a fresh perspective while keeping the swagger fans love, but adding a touch of emotional intelligence. He’s still going to be a thrill-seeker.

He exudes a great deal of swagger, which can be offensive at times, yet he’s quite humorous. My conversation with Kevin Feige centered around past portrayals of him and our cultural context. Originally, he was depicted as a womanizer with a carefree attitude, but is that still attractive today? I don’t believe so. In this new version, Johnny is less indifferent towards others’ feelings and hopefully there’s an understanding of the motivations behind his attention-seeking actions.

Shakman also mentioned that they aimed to utilize Johnny’s native intelligence and establish him as an integral member of the initial space crew beyond being Sue Storm’s younger brother. This aspect was attempted to be conveyed in Michael B. Jordan’s portrayal of the character as a mechanic in 2015’s “Fantastic Four”. Shakman explained that Quinn’s Human Torch will not only be intelligent but similar to his sister, Invisible Woman (portrayed by Vanessa Kirby).

He is incredibly intelligent and has a special role on that spaceship. Sometimes people overlook this because in many comic narratives, he’s one of the most heroic characters, although he often uses humor to downplay his heroism. Notably, they share a family bond as siblings with Sue, suggesting they have similar qualities.

Joseph Quinn’s Human Torch Looked to the Past to Modernize the Character

It’s undeniable that Evan’s portrayal of the Human Torch was memorable, a key factor that made some viewers hesitant when he was cast as Captain America. However, over the past 20 years since the release of Fantastic Four, opinions have shifted significantly. Today, many viewers might find Evan’s Johnny Storm character off-putting due to his perceived creepiness. Even the second movie, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, attempted to soften Johnny’s brash, womanizing persona by making him more thoughtful and considerate towards others.

It’s intriguing that Quinn’s portrayal of the Human Torch appears to be returning the character to his roots from the 1960s, as seen in the Fantastic Four comics by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. Instead of being a womanizer, this version of the Human Torch is more like a rebellious teenager with an attitude problem, similar to James Dean’s character in “Rebel Without a Cause” and Frank Avalon from “Beach Party.” The upcoming movie versions show the Human Torch as having a more playful side, such as being caught lying down in his space suit by his sister in the trailer. On paper, this version of the Human Torch differs from previous film adaptations, but by considering the character’s broader comic book history, they found a way to update him while maintaining the retro-futuristic feel of the film.

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2025-04-11 19:34