Unveiling The Fantastic Four: First Steps Trailer Easter Eggs You Didn’t Catch

Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps trailer has ignited fan excitement, packed with subtle nods and hidden gems that pay homage to the comics and the MCU. Exploring The Fantastic Four: First Steps Trailer Easter Eggs reveals a treasure trove of references, from retro pop culture to deep-cut Marvel lore.

Whether you’re a die-hard comic fan or a casual MCU viewer, these Easter eggs add layers of intrigue to Marvel’s First Family’s big-screen debut. Let’s dive into the trailer’s most captivating secrets and see what they hint about the film’s story, set to release on July 25, 2025.

What Is the Beatles-Inspired Stage Moment?

One of the standout moments in The Fantastic Four: First Steps trailer is a group shot of the team in matching uniforms on a stage, with a ‘4’ icon and arrows pointing toward them. This scene mirrors The Beatles’ iconic 1964 Ed Sullivan Show performance, a nod to the film’s 1960s setting.

The homage suggests the Fantastic Four’s rise to fame, akin to Beatlemania, as they become superstars after gaining their powers. This Easter egg sets a retro tone, blending historical pop culture with the team’s origin story.

Why Does Ben Grimm Lift a Green Beetle Car?

Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s Ben Grimm, aka The Thing, is seen lifting a green beetle car in the trailer, a clever nod to Superman. This moment pays tribute to the broader comic book history, acknowledging Superman as the first modern superhero.

By including this, The Fantastic Four: First Steps celebrates the genre’s roots, bridging Marvel and DC influences. It’s a subtle way to honor the Golden and Silver Age of comics while showcasing Ben’s newfound strength.

What’s the Deal with The Ted Gilbert Show?

The trailer features the Fantastic Four on The Ted Gilbert Show, a fictional variety program that echoes The Ed Sullivan Show. The name “Ted Gilbert” may also reference W.S. Gilbert of the 19th-century Gilbert and Sullivan duo, known for operettas like The Pirates of Penzance.

This dual nod weaves together vintage TV history and musical theater, hinting at the film’s playful, satirical tone. It’s a deep-cut Easter egg that enriches the trailer’s retro aesthetic.

How Does the Fantasti-Car Make Its Mark?

The iconic Fantasti-Car zooms through Manhattan’s streets in the trailer, marking its first live-action appearance since 2007. Inspired by 1950s and 1960s Cadillacs, this hovercar is a direct callback to Stan Lee’s early Fantastic Four comics, where it served as the team’s primary transport.

Its sleek, retro design reinforces the film’s alternate-universe setting, delighting longtime fans with a faithful adaptation of the comic’s tech.

Who Is John Malkovich’s Mysterious Character?

John Malkovich appears briefly in the trailer as a shadowy figure with long white hair and a beard, sparking speculation he’s playing Ivan Kragoff, aka the Red Ghost.

In the comics, Kragoff is a Soviet scientist obsessed with cosmic radiation, making him a fitting foe for the Fantastic Four. This Easter egg teases a deep-cut villain, hinting at a complex antagonist tied to the team’s origin.

What’s the Significance of H.E.R.B.I.E.’s Cameo?

H.E.R.B.I.E., the Fantastic Four’s robotic assistant, appears in a cooking scene with The Thing, a heartwarming nod to his comic and animated roles. Previously seen in a cameo in the 2005 Fantastic Four extended cut, H.E.R.B.I.E.’s inclusion is a fan-favorite Easter egg. It suggests the film will embrace the team’s quirky dynamics, with H.E.R.B.I.E. as a loyal sidekick.

Why Is Galactus So Massive in the Trailer?

Galactus looms large in the trailer, his horned helmet casting a shadow over New York City and the Statue of Liberty. Voiced by Ralph Ineson, this cosmic entity is a classic Fantastic Four villain known for devouring planets.

The trailer’s depiction of his colossal scale is a faithful nod to the comics, setting up a high-stakes conflict. Notably, the absence of the Silver Surfer (with Julia Garner cast as Shalla-Bal) suggests her reveal is being saved for later.

Is There a WandaVision Connection?

Eagle-eyed fans spotted a WandaVision Easter egg in the trailer, with a reference to Westview, the fictional town from the Disney+ series. This subtle nod, highlighted in posts on X, suggests a multiversal tie, given the film’s alternate-universe setting. It hints at how the Fantastic Four might cross into the main MCU, possibly in Avengers: Doomsday or Secret Wars.

What’s Hidden in Reed Richards’ Equations?

Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards is shown scribbling equations, with a chalkboard diagram over his shoulder depicting a wormhole. This Easter egg, referencing “another universe,” foreshadows the team’s multiversal journey. It’s a clue that their alternate timeline may connect to the broader MCU, aligning with their confirmed roles in upcoming Avengers films.

Does the Baxter Building Link to Avengers Tower?

The Baxter Building, the Fantastic Four’s headquarters, bears a striking resemblance to Avengers Tower in design and location. This visual Easter egg sparks theories about a timeline connection, possibly tied to Robert Downey Jr.’s return as Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday. The similarity hints at a shared history, deepening the film’s MCU integration.

Is There a Mole Man Easter Egg?

A map handed out at San Diego Comic-Con for The Fantastic Four: First Steps included a Mole Man Easter egg, as noted in X posts. This subtle reference to the Fantastic Four’s first comic villain suggests the film may include classic foes beyond Galactus. It’s a treat for fans familiar with the 1961 Fantastic Four #1 issue.

What’s the Johnny Storm Pin-Up Art About?

A blink-and-you-miss-it moment shows a Johnny Storm pin-up art page behind a cereal box, as shared on X. This Easter egg reflects Johnny’s comic book persona as a flamboyant heartthrob, adding a playful touch to Joseph Quinn’s portrayal. It’s a nod to the character’s pop culture status within the film’s universe.

Some Closing Thoughts:

The Fantastic Four: First Steps Trailer Easter Eggs offer a thrilling glimpse into Marvel’s bold vision for its First Family. From Beatles-inspired fame to multiversal clues, these nods blend nostalgia with innovation.

As the July 25, 2025, release approaches, fans can expect more secrets to unravel, setting the stage for the Fantastic Four’s cosmic adventure in the MCU.

Keep rewatching the trailer—you might spot even more hidden gems!