First Steps” with epic trailer and iconic villains

On April 17, Marvel Studios released the highly anticipated trailer for “Fantastic Four: First Steps,” marking the return of the iconic superhero team to the big screen. Directed by Matt Shakman, known for his work on “WandaVision,” the film is set to premiere in Brazil on July 24 and kicks off the sixth phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Featuring a stellar cast led by Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach, the production aims to revitalize Marvel’s “first family,” introducing classic characters like the villain Galactus and an alternate version of the Silver Surfer. The trailer, packed with stunning visuals and comic book references, has reignited excitement among fans eagerly awaiting the Fantastic Four’s integration into the MCU after years of disjointed adaptations.

The film is a milestone for Marvel, which is producing a Fantastic Four movie for the first time. Unlike previous versions released by Fox in the 2000s and 2015, this adaptation strives for fidelity to the comics, with a story set in the 1960s and a focus on the team’s family dynamic. Shakman’s direction, paired with a screenplay by Josh Friedman and Jeff Kaplan, signals an approach that balances action, drama, and nostalgia—key elements in the MCU’s recent successes. The film is expected to pave the way for the events of “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Avengers: Secret Wars,” slated for 2026 and 2027, respectively.

The trailer’s initial reception has been enthusiastic, with praise for the cast’s performances and the introduction of Galactus, one of the most feared antagonists in the comics. Marvel also surprised fans by revealing Julia Garner as Shalla-Bal, a female version of the Silver Surfer, sparking discussions about the adaptation of classic characters. With a cast that includes Natasha Lyonne, Paul Walter Hauser, and John Malkovich, the film promises to explore new narrative arcs, connecting the Fantastic Four to the MCU’s future.

• Strategic premiere: The film launches MCU phase 6, tying into “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Secret Wars.”
• Star-studded cast: Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach lead the team.
• Iconic villains: Galactus and Shalla-Bal, played by Julia Garner, shine in the trailer.
• Comic book fidelity: The 1960s setting honors the group’s origins.

The Fantastic Four’s return to the big screen

The Fantastic Four, known as Marvel’s “first family,” boasts a rich history in comics, but its previous film adaptations fell short of expectations. In the 2000s, Fox released two movies starring Chris Evans, Jessica Alba, Ioan Gruffudd, and Michael Chiklis, which, while popular, faced criticism for straying from the comics’ essence. In 2015, a reboot attempt with Miles Teller, Kate Mara, Michael B. Jordan, and Jamie Bell was plagued by production issues and audience backlash, becoming one of Fox’s biggest flops. Now, under Marvel Studios’ helm, “Fantastic Four: First Steps” seeks to redeem the team’s legacy, delivering a fresh vision integrated into the MCU.

Setting the film in the 1960s pays homage to the Fantastic Four’s origins, which emerged during the golden age of comics as a response to the growing popularity of superheroes. This choice allows the exploration of the team’s formation within a historical context, with references to the space race and the Cold War—elements that shaped Stan Lee and Jack Kirby’s early stories. The trailer showcases a retro aesthetic, with costumes and sets evoking the decade, while modern visual effects ensure the spectacle expected from an MCU blockbuster.

The story centers on the transformation of Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm into Mr. Fantastic, Invisible Woman, Human Torch, and The Thing after exposure to cosmic radiation. The family dynamic, a cornerstone of the team in the comics, is emphasized in the trailer, with moments of tension and humor that promise to humanize the characters. The introduction of Galactus and Shalla-Bal hints at a cosmic-scale conflict, setting the film apart from recent MCU projects that have focused on terrestrial threats.

A stellar cast for the new phase

The cast of “Fantastic Four: First Steps” is one of the production’s biggest draws. Pedro Pascal, known for roles in “The Mandalorian” and “The Last of Us,” plays Reed Richards, the brilliant scientist who leads the team as Mr. Fantastic. Vanessa Kirby, acclaimed for “Pieces of a Woman,” portrays Sue Storm, the Invisible Woman, while Joseph Quinn, a standout in “Stranger Things,” takes on the role of Johnny Storm, the Human Torch. Ebon Moss-Bachrach, from “The Bear,” rounds out the quartet as Ben Grimm, The Thing, bringing an emotional depth to the character.

The selection of established actors reflects Marvel’s commitment to delivering memorable performances. The trailer highlights chemistry among the leads, with dialogue showcasing each member’s distinct personality. The casting of Ralph Ineson as Galactus and Julia Garner as Shalla-Bal, an alternate Silver Surfer, adds layers to the narrative, promising epic confrontations and moral dilemmas. The inclusion of Natasha Lyonne, Paul Walter Hauser, and John Malkovich in undisclosed roles fuels speculation about cameos or ties to other MCU characters.

• Pedro Pascal as Mr. Fantastic: The Chilean actor brings charisma and intellect to the team’s leader.
• Vanessa Kirby as Invisible Woman: The British actress adds strength and emotion to the heroine.
• Joseph Quinn as Human Torch: The young star infuses energy into the impulsive Johnny Storm.
• Ebon Moss-Bachrach as The Thing: His portrayal explores Ben Grimm’s human side.

The significance of Galactus and Shalla-Bal

Galactus, portrayed by Ralph Ineson, is one of the most anticipated additions to “Fantastic Four: First Steps.” In the comics, he is a planet-devouring cosmic entity whose presence poses an existential threat. The trailer suggests Galactus will play a central role, with scenes showcasing his towering figure and destructive power. Ineson, known for roles in “The Witch” and “Game of Thrones,” brings a blend of menace and complexity to the character.

The introduction of Shalla-Bal, played by Julia Garner, has sparked both excitement and debate. In the comics, Shalla-Bal is the companion of Norrin Radd, the original Silver Surfer, but the film reimagines her as a female herald of Galactus. Garner, an Emmy winner for “Ozark,” delivers a haunting and ethereal performance, as seen in the trailer. This bold adaptation of the Silver Surfer reflects Marvel’s willingness to reimagine classic characters while preserving their core essence.

The interplay between Galactus and Shalla-Bal is poised to be a highlight of the film. The trailer hints at a balance between cosmic conflict and introspective moments, exploring each character’s motivations. This approach sets “Fantastic Four: First Steps” apart from other MCU films, which often prioritize action over narrative depth.

The film’s role in MCU phase 6

The sixth phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe begins with “Fantastic Four: First Steps” and promises to be one of the franchise’s most ambitious. The film sets the stage for “Avengers: Doomsday” in 2026 and “Avengers: Secret Wars” in 2027. The inclusion of Galactus and Shalla-Bal suggests Marvel is building toward cosmic-scale conflicts, potentially involving characters like the X-Men or Doctor Doom, who have ties to the Fantastic Four in the comics.

The 1960s setting opens possibilities for connections to the MCU’s past. Speculation suggests the film may explore the origins of advanced technologies, such as Captain America’s shield or Howard Stark’s inventions. John Malkovich’s casting fuels theories about a role tied to historical MCU figures, such as a scientist or secondary villain.

The trailer underscores the Fantastic Four’s role as a bridge between the MCU’s earlier phases and future events. The team’s family dynamic, paired with cosmic threats, contrasts with the individual-focused narratives of films like “Iron Man” or “Captain America.” This collective approach is crucial for preparing audiences for the massive crossovers in “Avengers.”

Matt Shakman’s direction and the “WandaVision” legacy

Matt Shakman, who rose to prominence with “WandaVision,” brings his knack for emotionally resonant storytelling to “Fantastic Four: First Steps.” In “WandaVision,” he masterfully blended sitcom, drama, and superhero action, and the trailer suggests a similar approach, with lighthearted family moments juxtaposed against Galactus’s looming threat.

Shakman’s work is complemented by a screenplay from Josh Friedman, known for “War of the Worlds,” and Jeff Kaplan, a Marvel contributor. The trio delivers a cohesive story that honors the Fantastic Four’s mythology while introducing fresh elements for modern audiences. The 1960s setting reflects Shakman’s influence, who used cultural references in “WandaVision” to enrich the narrative.

Shakman’s direction also emphasizes visual aesthetics. The trailer features vibrant settings with colors reminiscent of classic comics, and cutting-edge visual effects bring the Fantastic Four’s powers to life. Ben Grimm’s transformation into The Thing, for instance, is rendered with striking detail, signaling a technological leap from prior adaptations.

• Shakman’s style: Blends drama, humor, and action, inspired by “WandaVision.”
• Strong screenplay: Josh Friedman and Jeff Kaplan ensure comic book fidelity.
• Retro aesthetic: The 1960s setting evokes the golden age of comics.
• Visual effects: Transformations like The Thing’s stand out in the trailer.

Fan expectations and the cinematic market

The release of the “Fantastic Four: First Steps” trailer sparked a wave of excitement on social media, with fans praising the cast and the comic-accurate visuals. Galactus’s inclusion was particularly well-received, as the character was poorly adapted in Fox’s “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer” (2007), where he appeared as a cosmic cloud—a choice that disappointed fans.

Under Kevin Feige’s leadership, Marvel Studios has faced challenges maintaining the MCU’s dominance post-Infinity Saga. Projects like “Thor: Love and Thunder” and “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” received mixed reviews, heightening the stakes for “Fantastic Four” to deliver a standout experience. The trailer suggests the film will meet expectations, blending nostalgia, innovation, and ties to the MCU’s future.

In the cinematic market, “Fantastic Four: First Steps” competes with other blockbusters slated for July, including sequels to established franchises. The July 24 release date positions the film in a high-demand period for entertainment, particularly among younger audiences. Marvel is banking on its brand strength and curiosity about the Fantastic Four to drive crowds, with early projections pointing to a strong box office.

Release and promotion timeline

The promotional campaign for “Fantastic Four: First Steps” kicked off with the trailer’s release on April 17, timed to align with pop culture events. Marvel plans to ramp up marketing in the coming months, with cast appearances at conventions like Comic-Con and interviews on major talk shows. The film premieres in Brazil on July 24, with preview screenings planned for the preceding week.

The production will be supported by promotional materials, including posters, action figures, and brand partnerships. The trailer is available on digital platforms, with subtitled and dubbed versions for Brazilian audiences. Marvel also launched an official website with details on the cast, synopsis, and tickets, streamlining fan access.

• April 17: Official trailer release.
• July: Preview screenings begin the week before the premiere.
• July 24: Official theatrical release in Brazil.
• Promotional campaign: Includes Comic-Con, interviews, and commercial partnerships.

The Fantastic Four’s comic book legacy

Created in 1961, the Fantastic Four is considered the cornerstone of Marvel Comics’ modern era. Stan Lee and Jack Kirby’s stories introduced a new breed of superhero, defined by complex personalities and human struggles. Unlike other teams, such as the X-Men or Avengers, the Fantastic Four is rooted in its family dynamic, with Reed and Sue as parental figures, Johnny as the impulsive brother, and Ben as the loyal but tormented friend.

In the comics, the team tackled cosmic threats like Galactus and Doctor Doom, while exploring scientific concepts and alternate dimensions. This blend of adventure, science, and emotion influenced generations of creators and cemented the Fantastic Four as a Marvel pillar. “First Steps” aims to capture this essence, celebrating the team’s origins while opening doors to new stories.

The adaptation also reflects Marvel’s cinematic evolution. Following Disney’s 2019 acquisition of Fox, Marvel Studios gained the rights to the Fantastic Four and X-Men, enabling their integration into the MCU. “Fantastic Four: First Steps” is the first step in this new era, with the potential to reshape the franchise’s future.

Challenges and expectations for the adaptation

Adapting the Fantastic Four for the big screen is a daunting task, given the lackluster history of prior versions. Marvel Studios must satisfy longtime fans, who demand comic book accuracy, and casual audiences, who seek accessible entertainment. The trailer suggests the film strikes a balance, with a story that honors the team’s mythology while introducing fresh elements, like the female Silver Surfer.

Another challenge is integrating the Fantastic Four into the MCU. After over a decade of Avengers-centric stories, Marvel must establish the team’s relevance in a crowded universe. Galactus and the 1960s setting help differentiate the film, but success hinges on tying the story to future events, like “Avengers: Secret Wars.”

The pressure on Matt Shakman and the cast is significant. With an estimated budget exceeding 200 million dollars, “Fantastic Four: First Steps” is one of Marvel’s priciest bets in 2025. The film is expected to recoup its investment and restore fan confidence after less successful projects. The trailer’s mix of spectacle and emotion suggests Marvel is on the right track.

• Fan fidelity: The film aims to please longtime readers and new viewers.
• MCU integration: The Fantastic Four must stand out in an established universe.
• High budget: The production is one of Marvel’s costliest in 2025.
• Success pressure: The film must overcome the team’s cinematic failures.

The Fantastic Four’s future in the MCU

The release of “Fantastic Four: First Steps” marks the start of a new era for the team in cinema. Marvel Studios has indicated the Fantastic Four will play a central role in phase 6, with potential appearances in “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Avengers: Secret Wars.” Galactus and Shalla-Bal’s introduction paves the way for other cosmic characters, such as the Celestials or Doctor Doom, who have ties to the team in the comics.

The 1960s setting creates opportunities for ties to the MCU’s past, such as S.H.I.E.L.D. or Hank Pym’s experiments. Speculation suggests the film may introduce concepts like the multiverse or the Negative Zone, staples of Fantastic Four comics. These connections will be vital for establishing the team’s relevance in an increasingly complex universe.

The film’s success will also determine its potential for sequels and spin-offs. Marvel has expressed interest in exploring characters like Doctor Doom, who could headline a solo film, and the Inhumans, who share comic book ties with the Fantastic Four. With “Fantastic Four: First Steps,” Marvel aims not only to reintroduce the team but also to lay the foundation for a new epic saga.