The Fantastic Four has been a cherished part of Marvel Comics since 1961, but their journey to the big screen has been anything but smooth. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the team quickly became known as Marvel’s “First Family,” distinguished from other superheroes by their strong family bond. In 2025, the Fantastic Four is set to make a significant debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), with the movie Fantastic Four: First Steps marking the beginning of a new era for this iconic team.
Marvel’s First Family: From Comics to Cinema
The Fantastic Four made their debut in Fantastic Four #1, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in 1961. The team—Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic), Sue Storm (Invisible Woman), Johnny Storm (Human Torch), and Ben Grimm (The Thing)—quickly became iconic for their strong family bond and cosmic adventures, which helped shape the Marvel Universe.
The Fantastic Four’s cinematic journey, however, has faced challenges. The 2005 and 2007 films, directed by Tim Story, were commercially successful but criticized for lacking the depth of the comics. Despite grossing over $635 million, they didn’t fully satisfy fans or critics.
In 2015, a reboot directed by Josh Trank took a darker approach, but it was poorly received both critically and financially, earning only $167 million worldwide. This led to the franchise being stuck in limbo until Disney acquired Fox, allowing the Fantastic Four to join the MCU.
The 2025 Film: A Fresh Start for the Fantastic Four
In 2019, Disney acquired Fox, which meant that the film rights to the Fantastic Four returned to Marvel Studios. This opened the door for the beloved team to join the MCU, and the upcoming film Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer is set to usher them into this universe.
Release Details
- Release Date: July 25, 2025
- Director: Matt Shakman (known for WandaVision)
- Runtime: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Rating: PG-13
- MCU Phase: The 37th film in the MCU, opening Phase Six
This movie is not another rehash of the Fantastic Four’s origin story. Instead, First Steps takes place four years after the team gains their powers. This fresh approach means audiences won’t be forced to watch the same familiar origin story again. The movie will utilize flashback sequences presented through fictional TV show segments, creatively providing backstory. The setting is a retro-futuristic 1960s world, blending old-school aesthetics with advanced technology.
The film’s tone will be action-comedy, with a strong focus on family dynamics, balancing humor with cosmic adventure.
The Cast: Bringing the Fantastic Four to Life
One of the most exciting aspects of Fantastic Four: First Steps is its talented cast. Let’s take a closer look at the core characters and the actors who bring them to life.
Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic) – Pedro Pascal
Pedro Pascal, best known for his role in The Mandalorian, will portray Reed Richards, also known as Mister Fantastic. His casting has generated a lot of excitement, as he brings both charisma and depth to the character. As the leader of the Fantastic Four, Reed’s intelligence and elasticity will be key to the team’s success in their cosmic adventures.
Sue Storm (Invisible Woman) – Vanessa Kirby
Vanessa Kirby, recognized for her roles in The Crown and Mission: Impossible – Fallout, will play Sue Storm, the Invisible Woman. Sue’s ability to become invisible and create force fields makes her one of the team’s most powerful members. Kirby’s talent will undoubtedly bring strength and emotional depth to this iconic character.
Johnny Storm (Human Torch) – Joseph Quinn
Joseph Quinn, who gained fame through Stranger Things, will play Johnny Storm, also known as the Human Torch. Known for his fiery personality and ability to control flames, Johnny brings a lot of energy to the Fantastic Four. Quinn’s natural charm and enthusiasm will make this character a fan favorite.
Ben Grimm (The Thing) – Ebon Moss-Bachrach
Ebon Moss-Bachrach, best known for his role in The Bear, will transform into Ben Grimm, or The Thing. Ben’s powerful, rocky exterior hides a compassionate heart, and Moss-Bachrach’s performance is expected to bring a perfect balance of toughness and vulnerability to the character.
Major Antagonists
The movie will also feature some major antagonists. Ralph Ineson, who has appeared in The Witch and Game of Thrones, will voice the cosmic villain Galactus. Julia Garner, an Emmy-winning actress from Ozark, will portray Shalla-Bal, reimagined as the Silver Surfer.
Other supporting characters include Paul Walter Hauser as Harvey Elder (Mole Man) and Natasha Lyonne as an original character, Rachel Rozman. H.E.R.B.I.E., the robotic assistant from the comics, will also make an appearance, adding to the film’s charm.
The Visuals: Bringing the Fantastic Four World to Life
With the resources and expertise of Marvel Studios, First Steps promises to be a visual spectacle. The film will feature some of the most iconic elements from the comics, including the Fantasticar and the Baxter Building, all brought to life with cutting-edge CGI. The visual effects are expected to be a highlight, especially in sequences involving Galactus and the Silver Surfer.
The film’s musical score will be composed by Michael Giacchino, who has created memorable soundtracks for other MCU films. His work promises to add to the movie’s triumphant and emotional tone.
Fantastic Four: First Steps in the MCU
The Fantastic Four’s arrival in the MCU is a pivotal moment for the larger Marvel Universe. First Steps will be the first film in Phase Six, setting the stage for some exciting cosmic storylines. The team’s expertise in science and dimensional travel makes them key players in future MCU films.
The movie will also explore multiversal themes, with the 1960s setting potentially connecting to other universes within the MCU. Fans are already speculating about how the Fantastic Four might interact with existing characters and how their presence will impact the ongoing multiverse saga.
Galactus, the planet-consuming cosmic entity, is expected to serve as a major antagonist in the MCU, on par with Thanos in terms of his threat level. This sets the stage for an epic cosmic storyline, one that could span multiple films and reshape the MCU for years to come.
The Anticipation: A Strong Fan Response
Fans have been eagerly awaiting the Fantastic Four’s integration into the MCU. The movie’s trailer alone garnered 202 million views within the first 24 hours of its release, setting a new record for Marvel Studios. This excitement reflects the widespread anticipation for the film and its potential to deliver a faithful adaptation of the beloved team.
While some fans have raised concerns about casting choices, such as Pedro Pascal’s age for Reed Richards or the gender-swapped Silver Surfer, the overall sentiment is positive. Many are hopeful that First Steps will be the Fantastic Four film fans have been waiting for.
The Future of the Fantastic Four
Beyond First Steps, the Fantastic Four will play a central role in the MCU’s future. The team is set to appear in Avengers: Doomsday (2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027), two highly anticipated films that will bring together characters from across the multiverse.
With their scientific genius and ability to travel across dimensions, the Fantastic Four will be integral to the MCU’s future cosmic adventures. Their introduction marks a new chapter in Marvel’s exploration of the universe, bringing fresh storylines and characters into the fold.
