Sun Apr 20 01:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Fantastic Four: First Steps Aims for a Retrofuturistic Reboot of Marvel’s First Family

**London, UK –** A new era for Marvel’s First Family is dawning. Entertainment Weekly offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at *Fantastic Four: First Steps*, revealing a bold departure from previous cinematic attempts. Starring Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic), Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm (Invisible Woman), Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm (Human Torch), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm (The Thing), the film promises a return to the source material’s spirit and visual style.

Director Matt Shakman describes the film’s aesthetic as “Kirby meets Kubrick,” blending 1960s retrofuturism with the imaginative scope of Stanley Kubrick’s *2001: A Space Odyssey*. Set on a parallel Earth within the Marvel multiverse, *First Steps* depicts a world where Reed Richards’ inventions have brought about a utopian society—a society now threatened by an unprecedented crisis.

Extensive sets at Pinewood Studios meticulously recreate the era, featuring a vibrant, color-coded Reed Richards lab and a recreation of Ben Grimm’s Lower East Side childhood neighborhood. The iconic Fantasticar, built with both interior and effects-ready versions, embodies the film’s retrofuturist blend of period detail and futuristic design.

The film isn’t just a visual spectacle. The cast, comprised of prestige TV stars, aim for a nuanced portrayal of the Fantastic Four as a relatable family unit, emphasizing their internal dynamics and interpersonal conflicts. Moss-Bachrach’s transformation into the Thing involved extensive collaboration with animators and designers, ensuring both a visually compelling and emotionally resonant character. Quinn’s Human Torch is a departure from previous iterations, portraying a more self-aware and less callous character. Kirby’s Sue Storm incorporates elements of motherhood and strength, avoiding the stereotypical damsel-in-distress portrayal.

Instead of Doctor Doom, *First Steps* pits the Fantastic Four against Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds, portrayed by Ralph Ineson in a specially designed costume. This choice allows the film to explore the characters without relying on the well-trodden origin story or Doctor Doom conflict.

Pascal, who also reveals an unexpected casting encounter with Shakman, expresses the challenge and excitement of bringing Reed Richards to life, particularly given the high expectations surrounding the character. The film aims to recapture the magic of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby’s original comics, setting a new course for the Fantastic Four on the big screen. *Fantastic Four: First Steps* hits theaters July 25th.

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