(Image credit: Disney/Marvel Studios)
An exciting new preview of Fantastic Four: The First Steps is here, blending the best of Marvel with a splash of 2001: A Space Odyssey. Director Matt Shakman shared his vision with Empire, saying, “I really wanted to go with as grounded a version of space as possible. So, no wormholes. Their tech is very much retro-future, but it’s also booster rockets. It’s a combination of Marvel and Apollo 11. I really wanted it to feel like it was made in 1965, the way Stanley Kubrick would have made it. Within reason.” As the film unfolds in the 60s, set shortly after the tumultuous JFK assassination, fans can expect the team to eventually explore present-day adventures, notably hinted at with the Avengers: Doomsday announcement.
The stellar lineup features Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Ebon Moss-Bachrach stepping in as Ben Grimm, and Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm. Check out the stunning photos showcasing the cast donning their vintage space gear.
EXCLUSIVE 🚀 The film, epitomizing a ’60s Space Race vibe, was crafted using miniatures, practical sets, and vintage lenses. “I wanted it to feel like it was made the way Kubrick would have made it,” Shakman emphasized to Empire.
Moreover, the Fantastic Four will intersect with the Avengers: Doomsday, though for now, First Steps is a standalone experience. Shakman explains, “We are our own universe. Eventually this world will meet up with other[s] — but for now this is our own little corner.”
The intriguing storyline is further enriched by the inclusion of Julia Garner as Silver Surfer, Ralph Ineson‘s portrayal of the fearsome Galactus, plus notable performances by John Malkovich, Natasha Lyonne, and Paul Walter Hauser.
In a synopsis, the upcoming film reveals that the Fantastic Four will encounter their most formidable challenge yet, forcing them to reconcile their heroic duties with their familial bonds. Mark your calendars, as Fantastic Four: The First Steps hits theaters on July 25, 2025. Dive deeper into the Marvel universe with more guides on upcoming Marvel movies and insights on watching the Marvel movies in order.