‘Fantastic Four’ Returns with Cosmic Drama & Familiar Faces!

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The original family from Marvel comics is set to soar in upcoming films. It seems like even the Avengers might take a back seat, as the Fantastic Four, known as one of Marvel’s most recognized and cherished superhero groups (after all, aren’t the Avengers more like office colleagues initially?), could inject some cosmic vigor into the expansive Marvel Cinematic Universe. Disney is confident that Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm will contribute significantly to this universe. With actors such as Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach portraying these characters, the future appears promising and brimming with skilled performers.

In an upcoming issue of Entertainment Weekly, Marvel’s original family appears set for a nostalgic and time-twisting adventure when they appear on the big screen on July 25, 2025. As Matt Shakman, the director, describes it, this futuristic story will blend the aesthetics of Jack Kirby with Stanley Kubrick’s vision. Given that these heroes haven’t previously been part of the Earth we’ve encountered in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, change is certainly on the horizon!

Per Shakman:

Since we understood that our destination would be another planet akin to Earth, we seized the opportunity to reimagine what the 1960s might have been. My fascination lay in envisioning The Fantastic Four as astronauts. Instead of Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin being the first to walk on the moon, imagine if it was Reed, Sue, Johnny, and Ben who were the pioneers, the trailblazers who ventured into the cosmos first.

Eager to discover more details and catch a glimpse of fresh, never-before-seen photos from the upcoming film? Continue scrolling for more information!

‘The Fantastic Four’ Movie Is Set To Lean Into The Hope Of Comics’ Silver Age

According to Sean Howe, a renowned comic book historian in his book Marvel Comics: The Untold Story, the vibrant displays of heroism against a backdrop of a complex world distinctly marked Fantastic Four from all other publications at the newsstand. Given our current turbulent times, these colorful heroics seem particularly fitting, making this new take on the Fantastic Four’s narrative ripe for reinvention and fresh character interpretations.

In the latest portrayal, it seems that Johnny Storm, played by Chris Evans in earlier adaptations, is depicted differently. Previously, he was a self-assured womanizer. However, as described by Quinn, this new interpretation of the teen character appears to be more down-to-earth compared to Evans’ version. “He’s a man who often leads with bravado, which can be offensive at times,” Quinn said. “But he’s also funny.” According to Quinn and Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige, previous depictions of him were labeled as a womanizing, carefree character. However, they question whether such a portrayal is considered attractive in today’s cultural climate.

Quinn commented, “Johnny in this form seems more considerate of others’ emotions. Perhaps he now has a better understanding of the factors influencing his attention-grabbing actions.

Or, as Shakman put it:

There’s a purpose behind him being on that spaceship, and it seems people often overlook this fact in comics. Despite his constant use of humor to undermine his own heroic image, he stands among the most valiant characters. Additionally, he is Sue’s brother, implying they share similar traits or qualities.

A potential modification could be: Ditching the costume for The Thing character might make the movie more effective, as it enables the actors to interact more authentically with the beloved Ben. As Moss-Bachrach pointed out, the Fantastic Four are like a family and share a strong bond before they embark on their space journey that results in mutations. Hence, having me stand unmasked allowed the other actors (Joe, Vanessa, or Pedro) to perceive Ben instead of The Thing, which greatly enhances intimacy and our interactions with each other.

As a film enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that Sue Storm, a character dear to our hearts, is set for an exciting transformation. Initially, she was often referred to as “Invisible Girl” in the comics, a title that reflected not only her ability to become invisible but also her role as a damsel in distress. Actress Vanessa Kirby, who brings Sue Storm to life in this new adaptation, explained that if Sue were portrayed exactly as she was in the ’60s, audiences might perceive her as rather passive. “The challenge was to capture the essence of Sue’s representation across different generations, when gender politics were vastly different,” Kirby said. “This process of embodying her evolution and making her relevant to today’s audience has been one of the most rewarding aspects of this project.

One innovative angle the movie intends to explore is having a mother as the central superhero figure. This superheroine will not only embody typical heroic qualities but also incorporate elements of mischief, specifically traces of cunningness or trickery reminiscent of the character Malice.

In creating Matt’s character, we recognized the lack of maternal figures in traditional superhero roles. One aspect of Sue Storm that particularly intrigued me was her transformation into Malice, revealing her darker side. I was captivated by this phase of her life and wanted to incorporate elements of it in our story. I didn’t want Matt to be just another stereotypical good, sweet mother; I wanted to show the complexity of femininity, how one can embody both strength and nurturing qualities. I’ve always been fascinated by the intricacies of femininity, exploring how a woman can be tough, invincible, and powerful, yet also a mother who gives birth – an act that is heroic in itself. I wanted to portray these characters as real individuals in complex families, with their own arguments, misunderstandings, and attempts at reconciliation.

If you’re a comic book enthusiast pondering if Galactus, the World Devourer, might make an appearance in “First Steps“, I’ve got good news for you – he does indeed! For more details, dive into the full story at the link provided below.

Entertainment Weekly

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2025-04-10 22:32