The Fantastic Four: First Steps: Here's How Matt Shakman's Re-Imagining Of Marvel's First Family Be Different From Its On-Screen Predecessors!

Marvel fans are buzzing with excitement as with The Fantastic Four: First Steps, WandaVision director Matt Shakman intends to bring a bold reimagining of the iconic superhero team to the silver screen on July 25, 2025.

In the past 72 hours, new details have emerged about the film’s retro-futuristic 1960s setting, the nuanced portrayals of Sue Storm and Johnny Storm, and how this Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) reboot aims to stand apart from past adaptations. With a stellar cast including Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Pedro Pascal, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach, the film promises a fresh yet faithful take on Marvel’s First Family.

What Makes Sue Storm’s Role Unique in This Reboot?

Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm, aka the Invisible Woman, is being crafted as the emotional cornerstone of The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Director Matt Shakman has described her as “the most emotionally intelligent person on the planet,” emphasizing her role as the team’s matriarch.

Unlike previous portrayals, this Sue balances her superhero duties with motherhood, a narrative choice Kirby championed to reflect a more grounded, relatable female hero. Recent CinemaCon footage revealed that Sue is pregnant in the film, adding depth to her character as she navigates family dynamics alongside cosmic threats. This modernized Sue moves beyond the “tough, invincible” archetype, showcasing vulnerability and strength in equal measure.

Kirby has expressed excitement about portraying a mother in a superhero context, noting that childbirth itself is a “superhero act.” This approach aims to resonate with contemporary audiences, offering a Sue Storm who is both powerful and deeply human. Her relationship with her brother, Johnny Storm, and husband, Reed Richards, will also highlight her role as the glue holding the team together.

How Is Joseph Quinn’s Johnny Storm Different from Past Versions?

Joseph Quinn’s take on Johnny Storm, the Human Torch, marks a significant departure from the character’s earlier big-screen iterations, notably Chris Evans’ womanizing, carefree portrayal in the 2005 and 2007 films. Quinn, alongside The Fantastic Four: First Steps Matt Shakman and Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige, sought to update Johnny for modern audiences.

“He was branded as this womanizing, devil-may-care guy, but is that sexy these days?” Quinn remarked in a recent interview, signaling a shift toward a more emotionally aware character.

This Johnny is described as “less callous” and more self-aware, with his bravado masking deeper motivations. Shakman emphasized Johnny’s intelligence, noting, “He’s on that spaceship for a reason,” highlighting his role as a skilled astronaut and a heroic figure who undercuts his bravery with humor.

As Sue’s younger brother, Johnny shares her emotional depth, creating a dynamic sibling bond that grounds the team’s chemistry. Fans can expect a Johnny who retains his fiery swagger but feels more nuanced and relatable.

Why Is the 1960s Setting a Game-Changer?

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is set in a retro-futuristic 1960s, reimagining the era as a time when Reed, Sue, Johnny, and Ben Grimm become the first astronauts to explore deep space. Shakman, known for WandaVision, described this aesthetic as “where Kirby meets Kubrick,” blending Jack Kirby’s vibrant comic art with the cinematic grandeur of 2001: A Space Odyssey.

This alternate universe, distinct from the MCU’s Earth-616, allows the film to feel standalone while introducing Marvel’s First Family to new audiences.

The setting also shapes the film’s narrative, positioning the Fantastic Four as pioneers in a space-obsessed world. Their mission to study cosmic radiation goes awry, granting them their powers and setting them against the planet-devouring Galactus, played by Ralph Ineson. This retro backdrop, combined with practical effects for Galactus’ iconic armor, aims to deliver a visually striking experience that honors the comics while feeling fresh.

Who Else Brings the Fantastic Four to Life?

The cast is a major draw, with Pedro Pascal as the brilliant Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic) and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as the lovable Ben Grimm (The Thing). Pascal’s Reed is portrayed as a visionary akin to “Steve Jobs, Albert Einstein, and Robert Moses,” whose inventions drive the film’s retrofuturist vibe.

Moss-Bachrach’s Ben, meanwhile, is warmer and more playful than past versions, emphasizing the team’s familial bond.

Shakman has praised the cast’s chemistry, noting that casting was the film’s biggest challenge. “It wasn’t just about who was the best Ben or Johnny, but who was the best family?” he said. This focus on relationships—siblings, spouses, and honorary uncles—sets The Fantastic Four: First Steps apart, promising emotional depth alongside superhero spectacle.

Why Isn’t Doctor Doom the Villain This Time?

In a surprising move, The Fantastic Four: First Steps Matt Shakman chose Galactus over the team’s iconic foe, Doctor Doom, as the main antagonist. Shakman explained that Doom “takes up a lot of air,” and previous adaptations already explored his rivalry with the team.

Instead, the film pits the Fantastic Four against Galactus and the Silver Surfer in their MCU debut, offering a cosmic threat that aligns with the space-exploration theme. This decision allows the reboot to carve its own path, though Shakman hasn’t ruled out Doom’s future involvement, especially with Robert Downey Jr. set to play the villain in Avengers: Doomsday.

Some Closing Thoughts:

As The Fantastic Four: First Steps approaches its July 2025 release, the latest revelations have only heightened anticipation. From Vanessa Kirby’s emotionally intelligent Sue Storm to Joseph Quinn’s reimagined Johnny Storm, The Fantastic Four: First Steps Matt Shakman is crafting a film that honors its comic roots while embracing modern sensibilities.

With a retro-futuristic setting, a stellar cast, and a focus on family dynamics, this reboot is poised to bring Marvel’s First Family into the MCU with a bang.

Stay tuned for more updates as the Fantastic Four prepare to take their first steps onto the big screen.