The Fantastic Four: First Steps – A New Era in the MCU

Recently, Marvel Studios released the first official trailer for the highly anticipated blockbuster, The Fantastic Four: First Steps. This film is among the most significant projects in the Multiverse Saga of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The film will explore a different timeline within the expansive multiverse, infused with the vibrant colors reminiscent of the 1960s, and officially introduces Marvel’s first family, the Fantastic Four, to the big screen.

The Fantastic Four has previously been portrayed in various projects, notably in two versions produced by 20th Century Fox in 2005-2007 and 2015. However, these superheroes are not too distant from Marvel fans, especially with Chris Evans reprising his role as Johnny Storm, the “Human Torch,” in the upcoming blockbuster Deadpool & Wolverine, slated for release in mid-2024.

According to Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige, The Fantastic Four: First Steps will not delve deeply into the origin story of this beloved team. Nonetheless, the strong source material will certainly be referenced in the upcoming project. The recently released trailer has hinted at details and hinted at the hidden secrets in the first space journey of the Fantastic Four, transforming them into superheroes with extraordinary abilities.

In the original comic book, the origin story of the Fantastic Four was first introduced in The Fantastic Four #1, published in 1961. In this story, scientist Reed Richards, his younger siblings Sue and Johnny Storm, and pilot Ben Grimm journey into space, hoping to gain superpowers during a cosmic ray exposure (1955 – 1991). During this journey, they inadvertently encounter various types of cosmic rays, which alter their bodies and grant them unique abilities, ultimately forming a superhero team known as the Fantastic Four, tasked with protecting the peace of the Green Planet.

Specifically, Reed Richards is known as the smartest man on Earth, possessing extraordinary stretching powers. He can stretch various body parts or his entire body in any way he desires, and absorb impacts through the increased surface area created in his body. Alongside his exceptional intellect, Reed’s stretching abilities have made him an indispensable member of the Fantastic Four.

Sue Storm, “the lady” of Reed and sister of Johnny Storm, becomes the Invisible Woman with the power to create invisible force fields. This ability allows her to generate protective barriers around herself—one of the many tactics Sue frequently employs in Marvel comics. Additionally, Sue can make external objects invisible, creating shock waves to attack enemies with her light-based powers.

Johnny Storm, Sue Storm’s brother, transforms into the Human Torch, with the ability to generate fire from within and transform energy into flames. This allows him to soar through the skies like a blazing comet, while also enabling him to shape his flames into various attack forms, such as fireballs or flame shields. This fiery power reflects Johnny’s rebellious personality: very passionate, thrill-seeking, and at times impulsive.

Ben Grimm is characterized by his drastic physical changes due to cosmic rays that have transformed him into a rock-like being. Although these changes have made him a formidable presence, he also possesses superhuman strength, durability, and rapid healing abilities. Furthermore, Ben is a skilled pilot, known for his quick reflexes and tactical prowess.

The first trailer of The Fantastic Four: First Steps has provided the first glimpses of the iconic team before and after acquiring their superpowers. While the film may not delve deeply into their origin, it will still reference the powerful source material of the Fantastic Four. Marvel Studios aims to capture the essence of the original story, where Reed, Sue, Johnny, and Ben accidentally encounter cosmic rays during their space journey aboard the Excelsior.

Not only does it highlight the characters’ iconic looks, but the design of the characters in The Fantastic Four: First Steps also evokes positive feedback, especially as it features Galactus—who is expected to be a significant character in the film. Although he only appears briefly in the initial trailer, Galactus has sparked fan excitement with imagery reminiscent of his comic book counterpart, rather than merely appearing as a shadowy figure as seen in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007).

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is set to be released on July 25 of this year.

Source: ScreenRant