Four Months to Go: What We Know About ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’

We’re just four months away from a big moment for Marvel lovers, and I can’t wait to see how this one turns out. There’s something special brewing with the upcoming release of ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps,’ a movie that’s set to bring Marvel’s first family back to the big screen.

I’ve been keeping an eye on this project since it was first announced, and it’s exciting to see how it’s coming together. This isn’t just another superhero flick—it’s the kickoff to Phase Six of the MCU, directed by Matt Shakman, who gave us ‘WandaVision.’ With a cast that’s already turning heads and a story that promises a unique twist, here’s what we know so far about ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps.’

The Cast Bringing the Team to Life

This movie has lined up some big names to play the Fantastic Four, and it’s a group that’s got me pretty thrilled. Pedro Pascal steps in as Reed Richards, also known as Mister Fantastic, the stretchy genius who leads the team. Then we’ve got Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, the Invisible Woman, who’s Reed’s wife and can vanish or throw up force fields. Joseph Quinn takes on Johnny Storm, the Human Torch, Sue’s fiery brother who can fly and light up the sky, while Ebon Moss-Bachrach rounds it out as Ben Grimm, the rocky powerhouse called The Thing.

These actors aren’t new to the spotlight. Pascal’s been killing it in stuff like ‘The Mandalorian’ and ‘The Last of Us,’ while Kirby’s made waves in ‘The Crown’ and the ‘Mission: Impossible’ series. Quinn caught everyone’s attention in ‘Stranger Things,’ and Moss-Bachrach picked up an Emmy for ‘The Bear.’ It’s a solid mix of talent, and they’re stepping into roles that have been played before—think Chris Evans as Johnny in the 2005 version—but this time, it’s a whole new vibe.

There’s more to the cast, too. Ralph Ineson is set to play the massive planet-eater Galactus, and Julia Garner will be Shalla-Bal, a version of the Silver Surfer. We’ve also got Paul Walter Hauser, John Malkovich, and Natasha Lyonne on board, though their roles are still under wraps. It’s a lineup that promises some serious star power and a few surprises.

A Retro Twist on the Story

This isn’t the usual modern-day Marvel setting—instead, it’s dropping us into a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world. The story follows Reed, Sue, Johnny, and Ben as they tackle their toughest challenge yet, facing off against Galactus, a cosmic being who devours planets, and his mysterious herald, the Silver Surfer. It’s got a personal edge to it, too, which should make the stakes feel even higher.

What’s cool here is how they’re mixing family drama with heroics. The team has to balance being superheroes with keeping their bond strong, something that’s always been at the heart of the Fantastic Four in the comics. Unlike past movies, this one isn’t diving deep into their origin—how they got their powers from cosmic rays during a space trip. Marvel’s Kevin Feige has said they’re skipping that part since most of us already know it, focusing instead on a new adventure that fits this alternate 1960s universe.

This setting might mean it’s not in the main MCU timeline, possibly an alternate reality that’ll tie into the multiverse later. We’ve seen hints of this team before—like John Krasinski’s Reed in ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’—but this is their full-on debut. With filming wrapping up soon, as Joseph Quinn told Variety, it’s clear they’re putting a lot into making this world feel unique and lived-in.

What’s Next for Marvel’s First Family

This movie isn’t just a one-off—it’s the start of something bigger. ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ kicks off Phase Six of the MCU, which means it’s setting the stage for what’s coming next, like ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ in 2026 and ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ in 2027. The main cast is already confirmed to show up in those films, so we’re looking at a team that’s here to stay. There’s even talk of Robert Downey Jr. popping in as Doctor Doom, maybe in a credits scene, which would be a wild twist.

Behind the scenes, Matt Shakman’s leading the charge, working off a script by a team including Josh Friedman and Eric Pearson. Filming started late July 2024 in the UK, and with four months to go, they’re in the final stretch of putting it all together. The retro vibe isn’t just for looks—think flying Fantasticars and the robot H.E.R.B.I.E. from the comics, both confirmed to be in the mix. It’s a nod to the team’s 1961 debut while giving us something fresh.

For us watching, it’s a countdown to July 25, 2025, when this hits theaters. I’m betting it’ll be a standout, blending that old-school Marvel charm with the big-budget action we love. Whether you’ve followed the Fantastic Four since their comic days or you’re just jumping in, this one’s shaping up to be a ride worth taking.