Fantastic Four’s Bold 1960s Twist Promises to Join MCU’s $1.5B Period Movie Legacy

The distinctive characteristic that sets “The Fantastic: Four First Steps” apart as an exceptional portrayal of Marvel’s First Family has previously been attempted by two highly successful movies within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Following the conclusion of “Thunderbolts” in Phase 5, Matt Shakman’s “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” kicks off Phase 6 and serves as a prelude to the release of “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Avengers: Secret Wars“. Additionally, it marks the beginning of the countdown for these films and the conclusion of the Multiverse Saga. The stakes are high for “The Fantastic Four: First Steps“, and all signs point towards it being a highly successful addition to the MCU.

In “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” Marvel’s First Family reside in a distinct universe all their own within the MCU.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps Follows The Same Concept As Captain America And Captain Marvel

The Fantastic Four: First Steps Is The Third Period Movie In The MCU

Moving away from the previous four Fantastic Four films, the 1960s-themed setting of The Fantastic Four: First Steps offers a fresh perspective on the Marvel’s First Family. In this version of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the Fantastic Four exist in an alternate timeline where they are Earth’s only superheroes and the world’s most famous celebrities. This society is a futuristic recreation of 1960s New York, with technology, fashion, and architecture inspired by real-world mid-20th century art and pop culture. Notably, this style is unique to the Fantastic Four, but The Fantastic Four: First Steps is the third MCU period piece, following Captain America: The First Avenger and Captain Marvel.

In my humble opinion as a movie reviewer, “Captain America: The First Avenger” primarily unfolds in the 1940s, chronicling Steve Rogers’ remarkable transformation from a recruit to a WWII symbol. Conversely, “Captain Marvel” is set entirely in the ’90s, unveiling Carol Danvers’ reason for her absence on Earth spanning three decades and Nick Fury’s rise within SHIELD. On the small screen, Matt Shakman’s debut in the MCU, “WandaVision,” guides us through brief glimpses of various decades within Scarlet Witch’s Westview hex.

Marvel’s Period Pieces Have Been Quite Successful So Far

The MCU’s Two Period Movies Earned $1.5 Billion Together

In the global box office, the films “Captain America: The First Avenger” and “Captain Marvel” have collectively made $1.5 billion. Specifically, “Captain America: The First Avenger” earned about $370 million during Phase 1, while “Captain Marvel” brought in an impressive $1.131 billion during Phase 3. As of now, “Captain Marvel” ranks 11th among all Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films, while “Captain America: The First Avenger” remains the third lowest-grossing MCU movie. Despite the box office performance of “Captain America: The First Avenger” appearing modest, it managed to more than double its budget, a feat that is becoming less common in the Marvel Studios’ saga.

One eagerly awaited installment is “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” – not just for Phase 6, but for the entire Marvel Multiverse Saga. The Fantastic Four is a crucial superhero team in Marvel’s history, alongside the Avengers and X-Men, yet they haven’t shone in a successful film until now. Boasting a talented cast, this movie’s multiversal aspect is pivotal to the saga, its retrofuturistic backdrop brings something new to the franchise, and fans are eager to see how the Fantastic Four will intersect with the rest of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Consequently, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” is expected to gross nearly a billion dollars.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps Wasn’t The Only Period Piece In Production At Marvel

Blade Was Almost The Fourth MCU Period Piece

The upcoming ‘Blade’ film, starring Mahershala Ali, was initially planned to be set in the 1920s, but underwent significant changes during production. Over multiple drafts, writers, and directors, the movie’s setting shifted. As of now, it remains unclear whether the ‘Blade’ project will proceed further, given that no additional cast members have been announced and a release date has yet to be determined. A potential 1920s setting for ‘Blade’ could have made an intriguing sequel to ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’, which featured a 1960s backdrop, and might have paved the way for more stories set in that era.

The First Avenger and Captain Marvel. The movie Eternals showcases key historical moments including sixteenth-century Tenochtitlan, seventh-century Babylon, and fifth-century India. There are numerous other periods of human history yet to be explored by the MCU. Interestingly, while Blade is skipping over the 1920s, The Fantastic Four: First Steps could launch a new trend by setting itself in the 1960s.

2025-04-28 07:09